Did you realize that Alexander County has three new leaders? Todd Herms, age 45, is the Alexander County Manager; Nathan Hester, age 37, is the Town Manager for Taylorsville; and Dr. Bill Griffin, age 52, is the Superintendent of Alexander County Schools. These leaders bring unique strengths and are already working together for the betterment of Alexander County.
How is the job going? What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
Griffin: I’m having one of the most incredible times of my career. I’ve enjoyed the new challenges and the new role that I have, but just getting to know, understand, and meet people has definitely provided a lot of joy for me. As far as challenges from the school system’s side, it’s certainly no secret that we’re looking to figure out ways to balance our budget. A lot of the work that I’ve done so far has been related to that. That’s my number one goal right now – to make sure that our teachers and our employees have what they need to be successful to serve our students and families. A lot of conversations I’m having right now are about operating within our means. I hope that through our partnership with the county and the town, we’re producing young people who are quality and who benefit our workforce moving forward and end up wanting to live here.
Herms: I have really enjoyed my time thus far as County Manager for Alexander County. I would say it is going great. My biggest challenge so far has been just remembering everyone’s name. I can recall a face forever, but people’s names are difficult for me. But seriously, in the last 10 years, our youth population (those under age 18) has fallen by 3 percent. At the same time, the population of those over 65 years old has increased by 4 percent. That means the county’s population is getting older. In fact, our median age is now 44.2 years old, which makes us one of the oldest-aged counties in North Carolina. That hurts us in a lot of ways. We need to develop means to keep our young people here which will also draw young professionals into our county.
Hester: The job is going well, and I’m honored to serve the community of Taylorville. The biggest challenge so far has been learning more about the town’s infrastructure system to strategically plan for managing growth while maintaining the small-town charm that makes Taylorsville so special. I want to welcome new businesses and residents, but we also need to ensure that our infrastructure services and community values grow in a sustainable way.
What are the most important shared goals for Alexander County, the Town of Taylorsville, and Alexander County Schools over the next few years?
Griffin: Part of my entry plan was to bridge the conversations between our municipal and county government officials, and keep them informed of what we are doing within the school system. I want to ensure that we’re working in the same direction instead of apart and producing quality folks who can come back and contribute to the workforce and our communities. I think that has to be a partnership as we move forward, and one of my main priorities is to make sure we strengthen that.
Herms: I think it’s unique to have a new county manager, a new town manager, and a new superintendent. It gives us a great opportunity to work together, respect the history, and forge a future. I believe all three organizations agree that we need more revenues just to keep up with inflation, not to mention the new programs and services we would like to offer the people we serve. However, none of us believe a tax increase is the answer; therefore, I am focused on the right type of economic development. A high tide lifts all boats. I think we’re very lucky in the fact that Nathan and I both come from an economic development background, and Dr. Griffin respects and understands the need for economic development and how the school system is an important part of that, as our ability to bring in more businesses has a direct effect on the schools as well.
Hester: One of the most important shared priorities is to create economic opportunities that benefit both the county and the town. We’re focused on attracting businesses that can offer jobs and increase our tax base while also making sure that our schools receive the support they need to educate our future workforce. Other priorities are improving infrastructure, including roads, access to broadband, water and sewer, and public services to ensure that we can keep up with future growth.
What are your plans for enhancing the quality of life in Alexander County and Taylorsville, and how do you ensure that these efforts also benefit the schools and families in the area?
Griffin: As a school system, we have to lay a foundation for our future and I think that happens on day one, from the time they come into pre-kindergarten classes through their high school career and then postsecondary career or military. I want to grow CTE programs, and I want to be creative in making sure that we have course structures that are adapting to future generations. I think it is our job to make sure again that we’re producing a product within our students that can handle those successes and hopefully adapt to those changing worlds that we know.
Herms: Some of the nicest, hardest-working people around reside right here in Alexander County and we must work hard to keep them here. We must not lose sight of what an awesome place Alexander County is to live in. I view it as my job to do whatever I can to preserve the things that make Alexander County great and, at the same time, work toward providing opportunities for their families and future generations.
Hester: We are working on projects to enhance parks and recreation and community spaces which will benefit all residents, including families and children. Additionally, we’re looking into programs that promote healthy living, safety, and access to essential services. By collaborating with the county and the school district, we can make sure that these efforts also enhance the educational experience and provide a strong support system for our families.
As the new leaders here, what are your individual visions for the future of Alexander County, Taylorsville, and the school system? How do you plan to collaborate to achieve these goals?
Griffin: Most importantly, I think we’re listening to one another and what the needs are. As a school district, I need to be able to make sure that as we listen, we’re producing a product that is needed by our county and our town. Students aren’t necessarily a product, but really at the end of the day, what skills and tasks are they able to achieve? I think that’s part of the foundational work that we have to lay each and every day. As the years go by and we continue our conversations, we need to make sure that we’re guiding our students so they can have a successful life.
Herms: We need to recruit more jobs to Alexander County. Currently, 57 percent of our workforce leaves our county for employment. We need to provide more opportunities for our people to work in their home county. If we can have a few successful economic development announcements, I truly believe that will lead to other amenities for our citizens to enjoy. But it needs to be the right type of announcements, ones that fit into our community and lift the quality of life. It is a large ship, not a jet ski – it’s going to take some time and a lot of hard work by all three of us, but I believe the county, town, and school system want to work together to make it happen.
Hester: My vision for Taylorsville is to be a vibrant community that balances economic growth with a high quality of life. I want to see a thriving downtown area, a diversification of our housing opportunities, and a local economy that supports both residents and businesses. To achieve this, I plan to work closely with the county and the school system, ensuring that our goals are aligned and that we collaborate on issues such as infrastructure, economic development, and community services.
What are your top three priorities in your first year, and how do they align with the overall needs of the county, town, and school system?
Griffin: I have to be visible – I’m trying to make sure that I’m accessible to my communities and all of our constituents. I told my staff on day one that one of my goals is to make sure that I take care of our people. I believe that if we take care of and build strength within our staff, the most important thing they’re going to do is take care of their kids. Our slogan right now is “Children First,” but I told our 800 employees during our opening session that for us to put children first, we have to put our staff first, too. Also, we must continue to build partnerships because this is going to make great advancements in what we do together, how creative we are, and how we can continue to grow this county.
Herms: My number one priority is customer service. I plan to get out and meet the staff, citizens, business owners, and taxpayers of Alexander County, hear their stories, needs, and concerns, and see if there’s anything I can do to better serve them. We are under no illusion; every one of us is under budget constraints, but it doesn’t cost a dime to have good customer service. The next priority is to build relationships inside and outside of Alexander County that will assist us in the future. We must find ways that we can partner and work together on different issues. My third priority would be to develop a long-term strategy for economic development for our community by looking at every possibility, turning over every rock, and dreaming big.
Hester: My top three priorities are: 1) fostering economic development by attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones, and fostering those relationships with our small business owners; 2) Improving infrastructure, especially roads and public utilities, to prepare for future growth; and 3) Enhancing public safety and services to ensure our residents feel secure and well-supported. These align with the needs of the county, the town, and schools by creating a stronger community foundation that benefits everyone, from students to senior citizens.
Let’s get a little more personal. What is your favorite kind of music/favorite band? What’s your favorite sports team? Other hobbies?
Griffin: I like all kinds of music, but I guess it depends on my mood. My favorite music is probably country, because it changes so much and I like that – they have some rock and other things in it. My wife and I have attended Eric Church concerts for years, and I have found a lot of joy in that, but we’ve also gone to multiple other concerts. I’m an Appalachian State Mountaineer through and through. I also pull for the Carolina Panthers. I’ve been a fan since they started, and I’ve followed them ever since. I love anything outdoors, like hunting, fishing, sports, golf, all of the above. Family is certainly important, and making sure that we are true to who we are with those persons.
Herms: I am an old soul. They don’t really go together, but I love the old gospel hymns and George Jones. You can’t beat “Victory in Jesus” being sung acapella by someone with a deep voice, or “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” on vinyl. My favorite sports teams are the Carolina Tar Heels and the Western Carolina Catamounts. My main hobby is being a good father to my three kids and a good husband to my wife. A lot of people say family comes first, and I truly believe that.
Hester: I’ve always been a fan of country music – it’s what I grew up listening to, and I enjoy the stories it tells about life in small towns. As for sports, I’m a big App State fan, so I love the Mountaineers. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, running, hiking, hunting, and playing golf.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?
Griffin: I won an art award in second grade, but now as an adult, I find it very hard to even draw a stick figure.
Herms: I have a speech disorder that was so bad when I was younger, that they held me back in first grade and considered sending me to a special school. However, we found an awesome speech therapist who helped me and I was able to be a successful student. I still sometimes revert back to it when I am extremely tired and there are still a handful of words I can’t pronounce correctly, but over time I have learned how to avoid using them.
Hester: The only award I’ve ever won for playing golf was for finishing last place in a tournament.
What and where was your first “real” job? How old were you?
Griffin: The first job I had as a teenager was at the age of 16 when I worked at the Video Bazaar in Pageland, South Carolina, renting out VHS tapes.
Herms: I worked at Dairy Queen as a cook and serving ice cream in Marshville when I was 16 years old. It was one of the few places that would let me work after practice and I could still help out around my family’s turkey farm.
Hester: My first job was at Carmike Cinemas at the Cleveland Regional Mall in Shelby – popping popcorn, selling candy, and then cleaning up after the theater cleared out.
Griffin said that he and Herms are both originally from Anson County, and he finds it remarkable that they are now two of Alexander County’s leaders.
“Personally, I hope we can continue these conversations. I’m excited to build relationships with Todd and Nathan,” said Griffin. “I hope that we’re to the point where we can pick up the phone and call each other, and have good discussions. I think that means a lot.”
Herms said serving the citizens of Alexander County is an honorable job, and he looks forward to working with Dr. Griffin and Mr. Hester. “At the end of the day, we must realize that we work for the same people,” said Herms. “We need to check our egos at the door and do whatever we can to make sure that we’re doing what we need to do and that we’re fulfilling our duties.”