News

Council hires Pahle as city manager

Brian Pahle

By Bill Moss, Published: August 7, 2026

No national search was needed this time.

The Hendersonville City Council on Thursday night emerged from a closed session and voted unanimously to promote Deputy City Manager Brian Pahle to city manager, taking the place of John Connet, who starts a new role this fall as director of city relations for the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

"Brian has served in several leadership roles and brings extensive knowledge of the organization and community to this position," Connet said. "As I step away from this role, I do so with confidence, knowing the City is well-positioned for continued success with Brian's leadership. He is also fortunate to be supported by an exceptional team." 

Pahle, who first came to the city as a college intern, has served as Hendersonville's deputy city manager and assistant city manager for the last nine years, with an additional three years of service as the city's budget & evaluation director manager, assistant to the city manager, and budget & management analyst. He is a Credentialed Manager with the International City/County Management Association and serves as treasurer on the Carolina Public Entity Cooperative Board of Trustees. Pahle has served as president and in other leadership roles with the N.C. Local Government Budget Association and is a Certified Local Government Budget Officer. He is also a graduate of the Public Executive Leadership Academy, Municipal and County Administration and Local Government Federal Credit Union Fellows programs. He earned his master of public administration and a bachelor’s degree in pre-professional legal studies from Appalachian State University.

Pahle will assume the role of city manager beginning Oct. 1, leading a team of approximately 330 employees across multiple departments. Working in partnership with city council, Pahle will advance the city's strategic priorities, guide long-term planning efforts, manage the city's operations and budget, and continue fostering a culture of excellent public service for the Hendersonville Community. 

"Council has full confidence in Brian's ability to lead our organization," Mayor Barbara Volk said in a news release. "His leadership, experience and commitment to serving our community has earned the trust of council, and we look forward to working together as Hendersonville continues to move forward."