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At its business meeting on June 25, 2025, the Chapel Hill Town Council appointed Theodore (Ted) Voorhees as Chapel Hill’s next town manager. Voorhees will start his new role on August 11, 2025.
“We are very excited to have Ted joining us in Chapel Hill,” said Mayor Jess Anderson. She noted that he stood out in a very strong group of candidates, “He has experience working here in North Carolina and brings fresh perspectives from his time in Virginia. The Council is looking forward to working together with him to keep moving Chapel Hill’s vision forward.”
Voorhees has extensive experience in local government leadership. Since April 2020, he’s served as county administrator for Orange County, VA and prior to that he was the county administrator for Powhatan County, VA. Before moving to Virginia, he spent many years in North Carolina, serving as Fayetteville City Manager for four years, Durham deputy city manager for ten years, and Wilmington assistant city manager for two years.
“I am deeply honored to work alongside Mayor Anderson, the Town Council, and Chapel Hill’s dedicated team of public servants to advance the Council's vision of building a connected, sustainable, and welcoming community where everyone can thrive,” said Voorhees. “I look forward to deepening collaborative partnerships with community organizations, the University, local businesses, and residents that will shape our shared future and strengthen the bonds that make Chapel Hill home.”
Voorhees brings expertise in several areas, including performance management, employee engagement, organizational development, and strategic planning. Voorhees holds a Bachelor of Science from American University and earned a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University. He is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has served in numerous roles within that organization.
The Town Council conducted a national search to fill the position, which became vacant when previous Town Manager Chris Blue retired on December 31, 2024. Deputy Town Manager Mary Jane Nirdlinger has served as interim town manager while Council conducted the search.
Mayor Anderson thanked Nirdlinger on behalf on the Council, saying, “We want to share our deep appreciation to Deputy Town Manager Mary Jane Nirdlinger for serving as interim town manager. Since January, she has provided a steady hand for Town operations and helped us navigate a number of challenges, including the budget. We are grateful for the leadership she has provided during this time of transition.”
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Media Contact
Alex Carrasquillo
Communications Manager
acarrasquillo@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2866
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