Waynesville employee takes position in Henderson County
Assistant Town Manager Alison Melnikova is leaving Waynesville for a new job, meaning the town is on the search for her replacement.
Melnikova will leave Oct. 25 to start as town manager of Laurel Park, a 2,200-person community in Henderson County.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to continue my town management career in Western North Carolina,” said Melnikova, who is a Franklin native.
She has worked for the town of Waynesville since 2006 when she started as an intern while still earning her master’s degree in public affairs at Western Carolina University. Two years later, Waynesville leaders created the position of assistant town manager just for Melnikova.
As assistant town manager, Melnikova took over duties that did not fall neatly under a department’s purview. Waynesville Town Manager Marcy Onieal praised Melnikova’s work.
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“Alison (Melnikova) is extremely versatile, very sharp,” Onieal said.
Melnikova has worked on many projects during her seven years with the town, including overseeing the skate park project and recent changes to Waynesville’s Internet system.
“Her imprint is on many projects,” Onieal said. “She has been very much a behind-the-scene contributor.”
Waynesville leaders are currently reviewing the job duties of the assistant town manager and will start advertising the opening this week. It is also still looking to fill its town clerk position. Former Town Clerk Phyllis McClure left earlier this year, and Melnikova had helped cover some of the town clerk functions.
— By Caitlin Bowling
Say farewell
The town will host a drop-in reception for departing Assistant Town Manager Alison Melnikova from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the new town hall building.
