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JACKSON – Nearly a year after the departure of the previous county manager, the Northampton County Board of Commissioners have selected a new person to step into the role.

With a unanimous vote from the board during their regular meeting here on March 7, they approved Julian F. Phillips to become Northampton’s new county manager.

Phillips currently resides in Gates County with his wife, Crystal. He previously worked as Senior Business Manager for the GEO Group/Rivers Correctional Institution in Winton for 20 years, with experience in executive level financial and operations.

In the past, he’s also held the positions of controller, senior cost accountant, and senior financial analyst for other organizations. He is a Certified Management Account and Certified Corrections Executive.

He also is a member of the Board of Directors for Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center.

Phillips considers himself a native New Yorker, having spent much of his young life there.

He graduated with honors from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration. Additionally, Phillips also has a Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Theology Degree from Christian Outreach Bible Institute of Fayetteville.

He’s an ordained Elder and the founding Senior Pastor of True Vine Church of Deliverance in Gates. Phillips has five children and three step-children.

According to the employment agreement, Phillips’ first day on the job will be March 14. He will receive an annual base salary of $115,000. After a year of service, the county can consider implementing a performance bonus. Phillips will also have his performance reviewed and evaluated annually.

Phillips has also agreed in the contract to relocate his permanent residence to Northampton County by May 13, 2022.

The contract also states that Phillips will have access to a county-owned vehicle to perform his duties as county manager, but that vehicle will not be used for daily commuting.

Like previous county managers, Phillips serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. In case of termination or discharge by the county, Phillips will continue to receive his existing salary for six months or until he commences employment elsewhere. If he chooses to voluntarily resign, then he must give the county 60 days advance notice in writing and will not be entitled to receive severance pay.

Following the presentation of the employment agreement, Commissioner Geneva Faulkner motioned to approve, and Commissioner Nicole Boone seconded. The vote passed unanimously without any further discussion.

Board Chair Charles Tyner has served as the Interim County Manager since the previous manager, Charles Jackson, resigned in April 2021. He said it was a pleasure to serve in the role and thanked the citizens for their patience.

“I believe you’re going to be pleased with him,” Tyner said of Phillips.

When the new county manager comes on board,” added Faulkner, addressing the citizens, “I know many of you will make your way to his office to share your views on how you think the county can best move forward in many ways. Your expertise and your experiences are valued, and I’m sure he’d like to hear them.”