The City Manager is appointed by City Council and directs the day-to-day operations of the City and provides leadership and support to all City departments. The City Manager's Office acts as the liaison between City government, citizens, community organizations, institutions and neighboring jurisdictions, including state and federal government, facilitating communication to foster cohesion and effective partnerships among diverse groups.

The City Manager is responsible for the City Council Agenda and the implementation of policies and ordinances set by the City Council fairly and equitably. The City Manager orchestrates the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets and various staff processes to assist City Council in its role of governance and in its evaluation of existing and potential public programs by directing research, analysis and the comparison of best practices associated with administering public policy. 

Mark Watson was appointed City Manager in March 2023. 

Assistant To The City Manager

Lisa Hollowell is the Assistant To The City Manager and serves as a member of the City Manager’s leadership team, working for City Manager Mark Watson on the strategic direction of the City as defined by Monroe City Council. Mrs. Hollowell works to develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness of the City. Mrs. Hollowell joined the City of Monroe in September 2023.

Mrs. Hollowell brings to the City experience working for the North Carolina General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division and Department of Transportation with expertise in budget analysis, program evaluation, and policy development. Mrs. Hollowell also served as an adjunct professor at Wingate University. Mrs. Hollowell earned a Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mrs. Hollowell grew up in Deep Gap, NC. 

City Clerk

Bridgette Robinson joined the City of Monroe in 1998, served as Deputy City Clerk from 2001 to 2007 and was appointed City Clerk in 2007. Mrs. Robinson attended Monroe High School and Wingate College. Mrs. Robinson has been a member of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks since 2002.

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