Marion council appoints Samantha White as assistant town manager, endorses two‑assistant structure

Vice‑Mayor Dr. Jim Gates moved on June 30 that the town transition to a structure with two assistant town managers and appointed Samantha White as assistant town manager for administration, a motion seconded by Tricia Spencer and recorded as passing 6 AYES and 0 NOES on the initial vote. The council formally recorded the appointment at the special called meeting and indicated the role would begin with the new fiscal year; White will continue to serve as Human Resources Director in the administrative assignment.

Gates framed the change as a response to the town manager’s expanded responsibilities. "While six months isn’t a long time, it has been more than enough to see his professionalism, work ethic, sound judgment, and commitment to moving our community forward," Gates said, arguing a two‑assistant structure will provide stability and let the town manager delegate operational tasks while focusing on strategy. Mayor Avery Cornett and several council members expressed support during the discussion.

Town Attorney Mark Fenyk told the council that historically the assistant town manager position had been a public officer appointed by council and that the body will need to designate which assistant takes on the manager’s duties first in the manager’s absence. The council recorded the appointment vote and later referred related chain‑of‑command questions to the Ordinance Committee for further consideration.