Sept. 8. The Town of Spencer has named Peter Franzese assistant town manager. Spencer’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen intend to promote Franzese to town manager in 2021, following a transition period with current interim Town Manager David Treme.

PETER FRANZESE

Franzese was public affairs and projects manager for Concord.

He will lead Spencer’s team of 25 staff in the town of 3,241 residents in northern Rowan County. The town is home to the NC Transportation Museum and NC Museum of Dolls, Toys and Miniatures. All told, some 160,000 visitors come to the town on the shores of the Yadkin River near Salisbury.

What’s ahead

Town officials are focused on responding appropriately to the COVID‐19 crisis while looking ahead to growth opportunities and planned projects. Key initiatives identified in the town’s strategic plan include redevelopment of Park Plaza Center, neighborhood housing rehabilitation initiatives, development of a multi‐use site on the Yadkin River, engaging the community and prioritizing the diversity of town staff.

“We are excited to welcome Peter to the Spencer team. As our Town Board, staff, and citizens look to move Spencer forward, we believe Peter will be a key leader for our future. His management experience with the City of Concord, strong communication skills, and focus on community engagement aligns well with the goals and initiatives of Spencer as we strive to be a model small town for all of North Carolina,” said Mayor Jonathan Williams.

Concord experience

Franzese, who joined the City of Concord in 2008, worked on diverse assignment ranging from contract management and media relations, to website development and and hiring and developing talent as well as managing budgets and procurements.

His team in Concord manages official City publications, digital content, and social media reaching nearly 100,000 citizens, and coordinates signature outreach initiatives of the City. Franzese also manages the City’s relationship with providers of contracted Data Services (Technologies Edge) and Rocky River Golf Club (Atrium Hospitality/Embassy Suites Concord) functions.

Franzese holds Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has also completed the UNC School of Government’s Leading for Results and Municipal Administration programs.

‘Excellent service’

Franzese said he looks forward to his new role in Spencer.

“At our core and no matter our role, our job as local government staff is to provide excellent service to the community—and communication plays an essential part,” said Franzese. 

He is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C), UNC General Alumni Association, and previously served as president of the UNC MPA Alumni Association.

Peter and his wife, Chelsea, reside in Rowan County with their two children. He enjoys spending time with family, aviation, UNC athletics, tinkering with gadgets, and home and auto repair.

Spencer’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen will introduce Franzese to the community at the Sept. 8 meeting. His new role in Spencer officially begins Oct. 5.