Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett has announced plans to step down before the end of 2026. Hewett has served as Fayetteville City Manager since April 2016 and has worked in local government for more than 25 years.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside the Mayor and City Council and to work with so many committed employees, community partners, and residents over the years,” said Hewett in a press release. “I am equally grateful for the citizens of Fayetteville—those who supported our work, those who challenged us to do better. Together, we have accomplished a great deal, navigated difficult challenges, advanced important priorities and worked to make Fayetteville stronger and better positioned for the future. I leave this role with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pride in what we have accomplished together, and confidence in the City’s continued success.”

Hewett’s role as manager is his second stint with the City of Fayetteville, where he worked for eight years in management services and as assistant city manager. He left the City in 2012 to serve as city manager of Hollywood, Florida and later, assistant city manager of the City of Winchester, Virginia. Hewett has also held other local government roles in Halifax County and Wilmington. A North Carolina native, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from North Carolina State University. In 2025, he earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“The city is grateful to Dr. Hewett for his many years of service, and the last 10 years serving as city manager,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin in a press release. “We would like to wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Among his most notable accomplishments, Hewett is credited with securing millions in voter-approved bonds, including the $97 million general obligation bonds; driving progress on citywide parks and recreation initiatives such as the $36 million bond project; recovery from hurricanes Florence and Matthew; winning prestigious community excellence awards; and helping to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic for the City. In partnership with the Mayor and City Council, he has driven steady progress on new facilities, including the development of Segra Stadium that brought Minor League Baseball to Fayetteville. He was also instrumental in securing a $25.1 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for the Murchison Road corridor transformation.

 The City of Fayetteville will announce an interim Fayetteville City Manager in the coming weeks.