Kinston City Managers Work Together to Keep the Leadership Transition Smooth for Residents and Employees
Interim City Manager Ralph Clark and City Manager Jon Mendenhall are working side by side to hand off city leadership in an orderly way, so city services, ongoing projects and daily operations continue without interruption. Ralph Clark’s last day as Interim City
City Council voted unanimously on September 16, 2026, to appoint Mendenhall as City Manager. His tenure began September 28. Since then, the two managers have held a series of meetings covering the FY 2025–26 budget, capital projects, public safety, utilities and personnel matters, so that the City's commitments to residents are carried forward without gaps.
"Ralph Clark steadied this organization during an important period, and I'm grateful for the way he has opened every door and every file to me," said Mendenhall. "Our residents and employees should not feel a bump in the road. Service delivery comes first, and we are building this transition around that."
Transition priorities include:
Continuity of services: Trash collection, utilities, public safety and permitting keep running on their current schedules.
Project handoff: Staff are reviewing the status, schedule and funding of active capital projects, including sewer, stormwater and flood-mitigation work.
Employee engagement: Mendenhall has met with department directors and will hold listening sessions with employees across all departments over the coming weeks.
Public engagement: Residents will have chances to meet the City Manager and share their priorities. Dates will be announced soon.
The City Manager serves as Kinston's chief administrative officer under North Carolina's council-manager form of government (N.C.G.S. § 160A-147 and § 160A-148). The City Manager carries out Council policy, prepares the annual budget, and oversees city departments and staff.
Residents with questions may contact the City Manager's Office at 252-939-3111 or visit kinstonnc.gov.
Interim City Manager Ralph Clark (right) and City Manager Jon Mendenhall (left) review transition priorities at Kinston City Hall on 9/29/26. Photo: City of Kinston
About the City of Kinston
Located in eastern North Carolina, along the Neuse River, the City of Kinston (population ~20,000) is a vibrant community known for its rich history, diverse culture, and resilience. Kinston provides a full range of municipal services, including public safety, parks and recreation, planning, public services, and utilities. The City is committed to transparency, accessibility, and service excellence for all residents. For more information, visit www.kinstonnc.gov.
