Following turmoil, Duck hires new town manager
Predecessor left after assault charge
“I look forward to meeting those I serve and working in this organization that values transparency and collaboration.” — Drew Havens, Duck’s new town manager
— The Town of Duck has hired a replacement for the town manager who resigned six months ago after being charged with misdemeanor assault on a town employee.
Drew Havens will start his duties here on Feb. 15 after working as town manager of Apex, North Carolina, according to a release from Duck.
Havens brings 20 years of experience in municipal management, the release said. He has a master’s degree in public administration from Walden University in Minneapolis and has worked as a police officer and a firefighter.
“We look forward to working closely with Drew and introducing him to all of the citizens of Duck,” said Mayor Don Kingston.
Havens replaces Chris Layton, who resigned in July after being charged with two counts of misdemeanor assault on his assistant. Layton had been Duck’s manager since its founding in 2002. Director of community development
Joe Heard served as interim town manager.
Havens will attend the Town Council retreat set for Feb. 17 and 18. The retreat will be livestreamed and include chances for the public to engage remotely with staff and council members, the release said. The town will provide other opportunities to meet the new manager virtually in coming months.
“I look forward to meeting those I serve and working in this organization that values transparency and collaboration, and with co-workers who are empowered to carry out the vision established by the community,” Havens said in the release.