ALBEMARLE, NC – Incoming City Manager Darren Rhodes has selected Zach Ollis as the assistant city manager for the City of Albemarle. Ollis was chosen following a nationwide search and competitive process that included more than 100 applicants. He brings to Albemarle more than a decade of local government management experience in North Carolina communities.

“Throughout the interview process, Zach’s track record of leading successful local government teams and highly impactful community projects stood out,” Rhodes said. “Zach’s range of skills and experience will be valuable assets as Albemarle evolves and we advance the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle. I’m impressed with the city’s positive transformation in recent years,” Ollis said. “The community has developed an outstanding strategic plan to guide its future. I’m looking forward to working with city staff and elected leaders to continue Albemarle’s progress.”

Throughout his career, Ollis has been responsible for overseeing a wide range of municipal services, including water, sewer, police, fire, public works, planning and development, code enforcement, parks and recreation, sanitation, tourism, historic preservation, and finance.

Ollis has served as the town manager in Cramerton, N.C., since 2022. There, he managed an $8 million general fund budget and a staff of nearly 100 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. He focused on strategic planning for growth, addressing development challenges, and implementing long-term traffic solutions. He helped secure nearly $5 million in grant funding from state resources for recreation, historic preservation, public safety, and downtown improvement projects.

Ollis completed more than $3 million in improvements for Cramerton, including streetscapes, park enhancements, and public art installations. He also led an overhaul of land-use codes and the town’s development review process.

Prior to his work in Cramerton, Ollis served as the town manager in Tryon, N.C., for six years. There, he directed the development of a $15 million capital improvement plan to address water and sewer needs over the next decade. He also undertook an extensive information technology project to update services.

He led the completion of Tryon’s downtown streetscape project to create a walkable, ADA-friendly, and attractive downtown. He also directed a large parks expansion, including the installation of a mountain climbing park, dog park, and land acquisition.

Ollis began his career serving as the town manager in Wilson’s Mills, N.C., for approximately two years. His experience there included public safety department development. He also guided a $5 million sewer project utilizing grant funds and loans.

Ollis graduated from Appalachian State University with both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and is an International City/County Management Association credentialed manager. He will begin his duties in Albemarle on September 15.