GATESVILLE – A 35-year veteran of city/county government will serve as Gates County’s interim manager.

Late last week, Gates County local government officials finalized an agreement with Kenneth W. Windley Jr. to serve in an interim role while the local board of commissioners conducts a search for a full-time manager.

Windley, a 60-year-old native of Carteret County, has served in the capacity of a city/county manager from 1984 – 2010 and a planning director from 1975 – 1984.

He is expected to begin his interim duties on Nov. 1, filling the position of Toby Chappell, who announced his resignation on Sept. 26, one day after accepting the county manager’s job in Greenwood County, SC. He has served as Gates County’s manager since 2008.

Chappell’s last day on the job in Gates County is Nov. 9.

“Kenneth and I will use my final week here as a transition period, bringing him up to speed on projects in motion, the ones that are complete and ones that we anticipate to complete,” Chappell said. “He will be introduced to the staff and he can begin to familiarize himself with Gates County policies and procedures.”

Chappell noted Windley’s long tenure as a city/county official.

“Based on his long history in local government, he has the experience to lead. That past record of service will also allow him to bring in a possible new prospective to the projects we have on the table here in Gates County,” Chappell said.

Windley’s most recent job (which ended in 2010) was manager of Robeson County in the southeastern portion of the state. He served in that capacity for seven years.

His previous experience includes interim manager of Polk County; manager of Davie County for nearly 10 years; and Carteret County manager for eight years.

Windley has also worked as a planner in Georgia; a planning director in Johnston and Onslow counties; and a city manager in the town of Erwin.

After graduating from East Carteret High School in Beaufort, Windley earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in administrative services, both from East Carolina University in Greenville.

According to Gates County Board of Commissioners Chairman Graham Twine, applications for the full-time county manager’s position ended Oct. 29.