Lewisville elevates Tolbert to town manager: Two-time interim manager ready to ‘step up to the plate’ and serve town

LEWISVILLE — After being named interim manager twice in the last two years, Stacy Tolbert has been appointed as the new town manager in Lewisville.

Tolbert, 39, has served as the town planner since 2018 and took on the extra duties as interim manager the first time after Hank Perkins left his manager’s post in May 2022. Then his replacement, James Ayers, who was hired in November of that year, announced he was leaving in March 2024 when Tolbert was named interim manager again that same month.

And the Lewisville Town Council didn’t waste any time in making her the permanent manager in last Thursday night’s meeting. Mayor Mike Horn admitted she was the only person interviewed.

“Certainly, she was our first choice because of her background, skill set and knowledge of the staff and town,” Horn said. “The council did spend a considerable amount of time discussing options for bringing in additional candidates following the process we used in prior manager selections. However, after our initial interview, with Stacy we were confident that she was going to be our best candidate.”

Tolbert mentioned in 2022 when she became interim manager while maintaining her regular planner duties and “wearing two hats” the first time that she was not seeking the full-time town manager position but hoped that her time in an interim role would help her gain experience and hopefully make the transition smooth for staff.

However, this time was different.

“James’ announcement came as a surprise, but when asked if I was interested in the permanent manager position, I was thrilled,” Tolbert said. “I had just completed the Municipal & County Administration Course at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government, which prepared me greatly for the road ahead. I definitely felt like it was my time to step up to the plate and serve Lewisville in this capacity.”

Horn rattled off a long list of positives regarding Tolbert personally and professionally.

“Stacy brings experience and skills in many areas of town management that she has demonstrated throughout her nearly six years with the town in her previous positions,” he said.  “She is an outstanding individual of character, compassion and competence. Plus, her always positive attitude and performance leading our staff as interim manager were all very important factors in our decision.”

Tolbert received a bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Appalachian State with a double major in geography and community & regional planning. Her first job was as an environmental planner for Lincoln County, and then she worked as a planner for Rockingham County for 10 years.

After leaving that position, she transitioned to an addressing analyst position with the MapForsyth GIS department for Forsyth County before taking the planner position in Lewisville.

Tolbert said that while a search for her vacated planner position will be a first priority, she is most appreciative of the opportunity to serve the residents in this new capacity.

“It is a busy time in this town, and I’m happy to be able to carry out Lewisville’s vision,” she  said. “The best part is I get the support of my family while working alongside a great mayor, council and staff.”

Horn concluded, “ By selecting Stacy as our new manager, we keep the staff dynamics that we currently have and won’t lose a beat in moving Lewisville forward. While there was a comfort level in selecting Stacy because we know her, we also have great expectations in her ability to be our best manager yet.”

In other highlights from last Thursday night’s meeting, the council:

• Approved several amendments, due to rising costs at for a total of $151,404 to complete improvements at Jack Warren Park. The expenditures listed include a nature trial, 18-hole disc gold course, outdoor event space and contingency.
• Heard the budget ordinance final review for fiscal year 2024-25 will be held Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall with the budget approval following on Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall.
• Approved Tolbert as deputy finance officer.
• Approved a contract for audit services with Gibson & Company PA.
• Heard that Jurassic Park (1993) will be the first Starlight Movie Night of the season. It will be shown on Friday at 8:30 p.m. in Shallowford Square. Admission is free.
• Heard that the Military Appreciation Concert featuring The Embers will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shallowford Square. There also will be a tribute segment honoring veterans, courtesy of American Legion Post 522. Admission is free.

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