BENSON — After a months-long search supported by the Central Pines Regional Council, the Benson Board of Commissioners has selected Dane D. Rideout as the town’s next manager. He succeeds Interim Town Manager Steve Harrell, who served through the recruitment process.
“We felt that Mr. Rideout was a great fit for Benson not only because of his military background, but for his extensive experience in dealing with people, local businesses and corporations — he knows how things work and we’re confident he will manage Benson’s growth with the utmost professionalism,” Mayor Max Raynor said.
Rideout comes to Benson with extensive experience in military leadership and more than a decade in municipal management, bringing a background in executive leadership, strategic planning and organizational restructuring. He previously served as city manager in Bluefield, West Virginia, and most recently as town manager in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. In those roles, he directed multimillion-dollar economic development projects, improved financial systems, expanded grant funding and oversaw major infrastructure and community upgrades…