Assistant Town Manager and Community Services Director Matt Efird recently joined the ranks of over 1,300 credentialed managers recognized by an international association.

“My path to earning the credentialed manager designation from the International City/County Management Association started nearly 20 years ago, and it is the fulfillment of a long-term career goal,” Efird said. “I have been privileged to work in communities and for managers that value continuing professional education opportunities and have supported my continued involvement in ICMA and the respective state affiliates.”

Efird met the qualifications for the credential through progressively responsible local government management experience. Prior to joining the town in 2022, he served in senior roles, including for the Town of Carrboro, as well as for the City of Greenville, South Carolina, and the City of DeLand, Florida.

A longtime member of ICMA, Efird has also served on boards and committees in city and county management associations in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as the Government Finance Officers Association at the state and national level.

To be eligible for the credentialed manager designation, applicants must have at least seven years of local government management experience, complete assessments and commit to continuing professional development.

“Achieving credentialed status is another example of Matt’s dedication to continuous learning,” Town Manager Eric Peterson said. “I’m amazed at his knowledge in such a wide range of topics. I am not surprised by his willingness to put in many extra hours of work throughout the year to broaden his local government expertise.”

Efird leads the town’s community services department, which oversees many external town operations that affect the daily lives of residents. Staff members in the department also manage the town’s:

• Comprehensive sustainability plan
• Unified development ordinance
• Major facilities projects
• Regional transportation planning
• Affordable housing efforts
• Engineering and construction inspection

Efird also is the assistant town manager for Hillsborough and serves as acting manager in the manager's absence.

He graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree in public administration. Additionally, he has completed the Public Executive Leadership Academy program at the University of North Carolina School of Government.