The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners announced the selection of Clarence Grier to serve as the next County Manager.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams said that Grier, who currently serves as Deputy City Manager in Roanoke, VA, will assume the role of Cumberland County Manager on Mar. 1, 2023, following the retirement of County Manager Amy Cannon, who served in the role since 2014.

“We are excited to welcome Clarence Grier to Cumberland County to serve as our next County Manager,”  said Adams in a press release. “He has roots in this area and his background and experience make him an exceptional choice to lead our organization and accomplish the Board’s priorities and objectives to continue our forward  momentum.”

Grier has been with the City of Roanoke since 2021. Prior to that, he served as Deputy County Manager in Guilford County, NC, from 2015 until 2021 and as Assistant County Manager and Chief Finance Officer for Orange County, NC, from 2009 until 2015. He has 34 years of local government experience and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration from Campbell University. He is an International City/County Manager Credentialed Manager, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

“I am excited and truly honored to be provided the opportunity to serve the Board and citizens of  Cumberland County as County Manager,” said Grier in a press release. “I am honored and thankful for the Board’s confidence in my experience and leadership, and I am looking forward to becoming a member of Cumberland County community and continuing the mission, vision and objectives of the Board and broader community.”

Grier’s experience in the completion of two compensation studies, involvement with a variety of major capital projects, and engagement with solid waste  and landfill-related issues, as well as homelessness all make him more prepared to serve Cumberland County.