Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett has appointed two assistant city managers — one a city veteran and the other a newcomer.
Kelly Olivera and Jeffery Yates will become the newest members of the city’s leadership team, according to a news release Tuesday.
Olivera has worked for the city for 11 years. In August, she was named interim assistant city manager while continuing as the budget and evaluation director, according to the news release.
Olivera was hired as a financial analyst in 2011. In 2014, she helped establish the Budget and Evaluation Office along with a previous director before taking the helm of that department herself, the release said.
Most recently, she helped the city manager present the fiscal 2022-23 budget to the City Council. The budget team was recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association, the release said.
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Olivera earned her bachelor of science degree in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
“I am honored to be selected to fill this leadership role for our city and work alongside a talented and dedicated team,” Olivera said in the news release. “I look forward to serving residents and facilitating the continued growth and transformation of our city in this new role.”
Yates will join the city from Tucson, Arizona, where he has been business services director since 2020. Yates coordinated more than $134 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, implemented an enterprise resource planning platform, coordinated the city’s $2 billion budget and led more than 240 employees, according to the news release.
Yates previously was the financial services administrator for Union County in North Carolina, overseeing a $412 million annual budget.
In his 21-year career, Yates has worked in local government in six states from Texas to Virginia. He holds a bachelor's degree in social science and education from Liberty University and earned master’s degrees in public administration and communication, both from Regent University, the release said.
“This is an amazing opportunity to become a part of a wonderful city and be a part of achieving the long-term vision of the City Council and residents,” Yates said in the news release. “My heart is to serve, and I look forward to serving the people, the organization and the community.”
Olivera’s appointment is effective immediately. Yates will begin his new job on Oct. 31, according to the release.
“As Kelly and Jeff step into these key leadership positions in Fayetteville, I am confident their collective experience and proven track records make them the right fit to help advance our strategic goals,” City Manager Hewett said. “Both are tremendous leaders who value the importance of communication, collaboration and accountability.”
