The Smithfield Town Council appointed Brian Thrower of Emporia as the new town manager during a June 5 council meeting. 

Thrower is currently the city manager for Emporia and is qualified as an ICMA credentialed manager.

Thrower has served as the city manager of Emporia for the past 10 years. He had also previously served as the assistant city manager there, as the business relations manager for the city of Lynchburg and as a management assistant for the city of Charlotte, N.C. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

He received his Master’s of Public Administration from Virginia Tech and is a Senior Executive Institute graduate of the University of Virginia.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Brian’s education, professional capabilities and experience as our next town manager,” said Mayor Carter Williams. “We have been impressed, not only with Brian’s background, but his professionalism and approach to local government leadership. He will be a great asset to the town.”

Thrower is involved with the Virginia Local Government Management Association, the International City/County Management Association and the Virginia Municipal League, where he currently serves on the Insurance Programs board.

Following the retirement of current Town Manager Peter Stephenson at the end of June, Thrower will begin his official duties.  {/mprestriction}