Leaders promoted to City Manager’s Office

(Fayetteville, N.C.) - A new era begins today for the City of Fayetteville. The City Manager promoted Kelly Olivera to the role of Interim Assistant City Manager, effective today. Olivera currently serves as the City's Budget and Evaluation Director. Also, effective today, Jodi Phelps, the City's Marketing and Communications Director, will assume the role of Chief of Staff.

Olivera has served the City for 11 years. Most recently, Olivera worked alongside the City Manager and leadership to present a balanced FY22-23 budget to the City Council that advanced City goals without a tax rate increase to residents.

"Kelly is a proven asset to our organization and her sound decisions helped us accomplish financial goals set forth by the Council," City Manager Doug Hewett said. "Over the next few months, she will lend her expertise to our team as we progress toward the bond referendums in November and continue moving the City forward."

"I am excited to step into the interim position and have the opportunity to use my experience with the City to better serve our residents, elected officials, and staff," Olivera said. "Having a greater role in the continued success of our City is truly an honor."

Olivera was hired as a Financial Analyst in the Finance Department in 2011 before founding the Budget and Evaluation Office in 2014 with former director Tracey Broyles and being promoted to lead the office last year. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Olivera will serve in the interim role while the search is conducted for a new Assistant City Manager.

Since joining the City, Phelps has launched a new Strategic Communications Plan and rebranded the Marketing and Communications Department, both with the goal of elevating the City's brand and more effectively telling the Fayetteville story.

"Jodi quickly came up to speed on City business and used the City's overall Strategic Plan to produce results," Hewett said. "Her previous career experience, ability to build relationships, and proven leadership make her well-suited to the fill the role as our next Chief of Staff."

"At this time of unprecedented opportunity for Fayetteville's continued growth, I am grateful to continue serving in this new role," said Phelps. "It is a privilege to be part of a talented team working daily to advance our strategic priorities that will positively impact the future of our City."

Phelps joined the City last year from UNC Pembroke, where she served as the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer since 2016. Previously, she held the role of Chief Operating Officer for Action Pathways in Fayetteville as well as agency Advancement and Communications Director. Phelps earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and History with a minor in Art History from Mercer University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Thomas University.

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