

City Manager Doug Hewett recently announced that Kelly Olivera and Jeffery Yates will join the City’s leadership team as assistant city managers.
“As Kelly and Jeff step into these key leadership positions in Fayetteville, I am confident their collective experience and proven track records make them the right fit to help advance our strategic goals,” said City Manager Doug Hewett in a press release. “Both are tremendous leaders who value the importance of communication, collaboration and accountability.”
Olivera has served the City for 11 years. In August, she was selected to serve as the Interim Assistant City Manager while continuing to serve as the Budget and Evaluation Director. Most recently, with the support of City staff, Olivera supported the presentation by the City Manager of the balanced FY22-23 budget to the City Council. A budget that promoted City goals without a tax rate increase to residents.
“I am honored to be selected to fill this leadership role for our City and work alongside a talented and dedicated team,” said Olivera in a press release. “At our core, Fayetteville is an innovative and diverse City full of potential. I look forward to serving residents and facilitating the continued growth and transformation of our City in this new role.”
Yates will be joining the City of Fayetteville from Tucson, Arizona where he has served as Business Services Director for the City of Tucson since 2020. While in Arizona, Yates planned and programmed more than $134 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, implemented a new enterprise resource planning platform, developed the City’s $2 billion budget and led a variety of divisions totaling more than 240 employees.
“I am honored to be chosen as an assistant city manager at the City of Fayetteville,” said Yates in a press release. “This is an amazing opportunity to become a part of a wonderful city and be a part of achieving the long-term vision of the City Council and residents. My heart is to serve and I look forward to serving the people, the organization, and the community.”
Olivera earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Yates holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and education from Liberty University and earned master’s degrees in public administration and communication, both from Regent University.
Olivera assumes her new role immediately, following her interim appointment. Yates’s appointment will be effective starting on Oct. 31.
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