Dec. 10, 2025, 10:57 a.m. ET
Black Mountain Town Manager Josh Harrold has resigned, according to a Dec. 10 news release from the town.
The release said Harrold submitted his resignation and that his last day will be Jan. 26, 2026.
“Although stepping away is not an easy decision, I believe it is the right time for new leadership to guide the next phase of growth and progress,” Harold said in the release. “My values no longer align with the council’s values. I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will do all I can to support the council and staff during this process.”
Harrold has been Black Mountain’s town manager for seven years and “led the town through a period of substantial growth and challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Helene,” according to the release.
Assistant Town Manager Jessica Trotman will help to “support day-to-day leadership and ensure continuity during the transition,” but she will not serve as interim manager, the release said.
Town Council will begin looking for someone to fill the role in the interim and initiate a formal search for a new town manager.
This story will be updated.
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kmonk@blackmountainnews.com.
