Danville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to name Ken Larking as interim city manager. Larking has served as deputy city manager since March 18, 2013.
His appointment follows the retirement on Monday of City Manager Joe King, 65. King announced in June his intent to retire on Nov. 30.
Prior to joining the city, Larking was assistant county manager in Moore County, N.C., for three years. Prior to that, he guided Yadkinville, N.C., as town manager for seven years and served four years as budget and performance manager in Hickory, N.C.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to each of you for having confidence in my ability to work with you to serve the citizens of our city during this transition,” Larking told City Council members at the close of Tuesday’s meeting. “While you continue the search for the next city manager, you can be assured that the city will continue to strive toward excellence in all areas of service.
“We are fortunate to have very good department heads and employees who are working for the best interests of our community. I look forward to working with Council and staff to meet the challenges ahead.”
Larking praised King for his dedicated public service, and he expressed appreciation for the guidance and support that King provided to him since joining the city as deputy city manager.
King’s local government career spanned 40 years. He worked in six local governments located in five states, and he served two years in Indonesia as a local government consultant. He joined Danville’s staff 13 years ago as the assistant city manager for Utilities. He was named city manager in 2010.
The city has contracted with Colin Baenziger & Associates in its search for a new city manager. The firm’s services will range from recruiting to contract negotiation.
Danville operates as a council-city manager form of government, meaning the city manager is the chief executive officer of the city and is responsible for the day-to-day activities.
