Garner Assistant Town Manager John Hodges recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), making him one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program. 

To receive this prestigious credential, an ICMA member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government and have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field. The member also must have demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development. 

“ICMA Credential Manager designation is the gold standard recognition for public managers, and I’m extremely proud of John and his accomplishment,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said. “His local government expertise, adherence to high ethical standards, and commitment to professional development as demonstrated by the ICMA credential are assets to the Town of Garner.”   

Mr. Hodges has served as assistant town manager since November 2014. In this role, he coordinates the activities of the Planning, Engineering, Inspections, Economic Development and Information Technology departments. His oversight of the Development Services team ensures that all resources needed to grow and retain business and to support residential development are working together effectively. He also oversees the Town’s strategy and innovation functions. 

Prior to this role, Mr. Hodges served as the Town’s downtown development director for eight years and led development and implementation of the Historic Downtown Garner Plan. 

Mr. Hodges is a member of the North Carolina City County Management Association and serves as the vice-chair for its professional development committee. Mr. Hodges is also a member of the Garner Mid-Day Rotary Club where he has served as president and currently serves as treasurer of the club and its charitable foundation. Prior to Rotary, Mr. Hodges was a member of the Garner Jaycees for over 10 years and served in local, regional and statewide leadership roles. 

In addition, Mr. Hodges serves on the Poole Family YMCA Advisory Board and is current co-chair of the facility’s annual fundraising campaign.  

Mr. Hodges earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Carolina University, is a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s municipal administration program and Public Executive Leadership Academy and is a Civic Fellow.    

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation and ethics and by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s 13,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students and other local government employees.