News

County planning director leaving for new job

Henderson County planning director Anthony Starr surveys a gully caused by erosion at Seven Falls.

By Bill Moss, Published: November 14, 2012

Henderson County Planning Director Anthony Starr is leaving his job with the county to become  assistant executive director with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments in Hickory.

Starr resigned effective Dec. 13, to take the new job in his hometown.

Over the past six years Starr has led the Planning Department in the adoption of the award winning Land Development Code (LDC) and the initiation of the community planning process for  Etowah-Horse Shoe, Edneyville and Dana. Under his leadership, the county also developed regulations for minimum housing, stormwater and soil erosion control. Furthermore, Starr helped to construct and implement a one-stop permit center and several other efforts improving the business-friendly climate for Henderson County.

"I am happy for Mr. Starr and his family as they move forward,"
County Manager Steve Wyatt said in a news release. "I am proud of the accomplishments and achievements of the Planning Department under his leadership. As an organization we understand and support his decision and wish him the best. Our main concern going forward is the day-to-day operations of the Department and the pursuit of the work plan for which the Department is responsible for."

"I am extremely appreciative for the job that Anthony has done," Commissioner Larry Young said in a statement. "He has also worked hard to help the Board of Commissioners and Steve [Wyatt]. I commend him for a job well done in Henderson County and wish him the best of luck in the future. He is leaving some big shoes to fill."

Starr said: "I am very grateful for the opportunity that the County provided for me over the last 6 years. The Board has shown real leadership in its commitment to planning and implementing initiatives to improve Henderson County. Henderson County is a recognized leader in planning in North Carolina and the Board provided the vision and direction to make that possible."

"I especially want to thank County Manager Steve Wyatt. He is one of the best county managers in the state and an excellent mentor and leader. Henderson County is fortunate to have a manager of his caliber who could manage any local government in the United States." Starr went on to say "We have a trained and excellent staff in the Planning Department and I am confident that they will continue their outstanding work. I can't thank them enough for their fine work."
Wyatt is moving ahead to fill the job on an interim basis Dec. 13, the news release said.