Marvin appoints Harrisburg finance veteran as village manager

Brian T. Lee will take over as Marvin's village manager on Monday, Oct. 19. Lee oversaw more than $100 million in capital projects as Harrisburg's assistant town manager and finance director.

The Marvin Village Council confirmed Lee's appointment in a press release, first reported by the Enquirer Journal. Lee is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a certified North Carolina local government finance officer. He fills the village's top administrative post.

Lee most recently served as assistant town manager and finance director for the Town of Harrisburg in Cabarrus County. In that role, he helped manage a staff of about 140 employees and built 10-year capital and financial models for the town. He also secured nearly $20 million in federal transportation grants as part of the broader capital program.

Lee's financial oversight helped Harrisburg secure five consecutive unanimous budget approvals. He also played a management role in advancing the town's Strategic Comprehensive Plan, Parks Master Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.

Before joining Harrisburg, Lee worked as a manager at Martin Starnes & Associates, a public accounting firm, where he led audit engagements for government, nonprofit and corporate clients. He holds a Master of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University. He also completed the UNC School of Government's Municipal and County Administration Course.

The appointment capped months of negotiations. Mayor Joseph Barbara called a special closed session on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to negotiate contract terms for the position. The Monday, Sept. 14, regular meeting agenda listed the contract and appointment for consideration. The Monday, Oct. 5, regular meeting agenda then placed Lee's appointment on the consent agenda as a final step.

"I am honored to be selected by the Village Council to serve as Marvin's next Village Manager," Lee said in the village's press release. He said he looks forward to working with the council, staff and residents to build on the village's successes.

Barbara said in the same release that Lee's local government experience and fiscal background make him "an ideal fit for Marvin."

The village has not yet published minutes from the Oct. 5 meeting, so the exact vote count is not on the public record. Lee's first day is Oct. 19. Marvin Village Council meeting dates and agendas are posted at marvinnc.gov.