A longtime city manager and professional engineer is joining WithersRavenel in a key leadership role in Western North Carolina.
Mark Stephens, PE, will serve as a Vice President and the Firm’s Western Regional Manager. His 24 years of experience in public sector leadership, land development, and civil engineering gives him a deep understanding of the unique needs of WithersRavenel’s public sector and private sector clients.
Most recently, Mark was the City Manager for New Bern in Craven County. For seven years, he developed, executed and implemented policy for the city. He also provided day-to-day leadership of 475 employees and oversaw a $138 million annual budget. Water, sewer, police, fire, and parks and recreation were among the departments he oversaw. His most memorable achievements include seven straight budgets with no tax increases while also leading the city through six major hurricane events.
“As a born and raised western North Carolinian, I am happy to be returning to the area after 10 years in the eastern part of the state,he said. Western North Carolina has always been near and dear to my heart. After serving in the municipal sector as a City Manager, I look forward to engaging with my fellow colleagues from the public sector to assist them with their complex needs for the citizens they serve, as well as establishing new relationships with our private sector clients to streamline processes and further their business success.”
Prior to the manager’s job, Mark served New Bern as Director of Public Works for three years. Other past employment experience includes stints as the Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Statesville, along with leadership and engineering roles for several private North Carolina construction and engineering companies. Mark also spent time as an adjunct professor at both Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory and Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.
Mark is a Professional Engineer with licensing in North Carolina and Virginia. He is also an ICMA Credentialed Manager. Mark is a current member of both the American Water Works Association and the American Public Works Association.
Mark’s educational background includes an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology from Western Piedmont Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from UNC Charlotte, and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University.
Please join us in welcoming Mark to the WithersRavenel team! You can put Mark to work for you by reaching him at (828) 255-0313 or mstephens@withersravenel.com.