City Departments
City Manager's Office
City Manager
City Manager
James M. Palenick
P.O. Box 1748
Gastonia, NC 28053
704.866.6719 (phone)
704.214.1031 (cell)
704.854.6607 (fax)
City Manager email
BIO
Function and Duties:
The City of Gastonia operates under the Council-Manager form of government in which a professionally trained City Manager is appointed by the City Council to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer for city government and to manage the day-to-day operations of the overall municipal organization. Based upon goals and objectives adopted and policies and directives expressed by the elected Mayor and City Council, the City Manager is responsible for providing the effective management, supervision and leadership to city staff necessary for the cost effective delivery of public services. The City Manager must consistently monitor and evaluate the City's overall progress in meeting its stated goals and objectives and offer recommendations for improvement whenever necessary to achieve maximum results on behalf of City residents and taxpayers. The hallmark of the Council-Manager form of government, as embodied in its appointed Manager, is the commitment to bring creativity, innovation and professionalism to the organization and management of local government function in order to best serve the needs of the community, to fully uphold the laws and regulations of the City and protect and preserve the rights and property of all citizens.
Background and Experience:
Following a national search to replace his retired predecessor, Ed Munn, James M. Palenick began his tenure as Gastonia City Manager on August 1, 2007. Palenick came to the City with more than 20 years of experience in local government in Michigan and New Mexico.
Born and raised in the small town of Allegan in Southwest Michigan, Palenick earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Economics, Summa Cum Laude, from Western Michigan University in 1981. In 1987, following completion of an M.P.A. degree, with honors, also at WMU, Palenick was named to his first position as a local government Manager, serving for four years as Village Manager of Dexter, Michigan. From there, he served 4 1/2 and 6 years as City Manager of Dowagiac and Bay City, Michigan, respectively. In 2003, Palenick was named City Manager of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he served until his appointment with Gastonia.
Throughout his career as a Public Administrator, Palenick has served as a high profile, change agent encouraging an activist role for local government in the support of sustainable economic and community development and redevelopment, that enhances overall quality of life and promotes private investment in job-creating ventures.
Personal:
Palenick and his wife, Suzanne, have one son, Austin, who attends Gaston County public schools. As a family, the Palenicks enjoy travel and outdoor activities.
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