Garrison Named to GROW NC

Governor Josh Stein and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC) announced the expansion of the WNC recovery team with the addition of three regional recovery coordinators, bolstering efforts to connect communities impacted by Hurricane Helene with essential recovery resources. 

“These regional coordinators bring disaster recovery expertise as well as deep ties to the region,” said Matt Calabria, director of GROW NC. “By expanding our staff based in western North Carolina, we’ll increase our impact and directly connect folks with the resources they need to rebuild their communities and recover from damages caused by the disaster.” 

Among the appointees is Steve Garrison, 62, who will serve as a regional recovery coordinator supporting 12 counties in the Foothills and Western Piedmont councils of government: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Henderson, Lincoln, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania.

Garrison brings local government experience to his new state role, having served as Rutherford County manager since March 2015. 

At their January meeting, Rutherford County commissioners voted to approve Garrison’s resignation, clearing the way for him to begin his role in February. 

In an email to county employees in December, Garrison said his last day with Rutherford County will be Feb. 3, 2026, noting he had been considering retirement but that the timing aligned with his new position at GROW NC. He thanked county staff and highlighted accomplishments during his tenure, including the construction of new libraries and EMS facilities, major economic development projects, the use of opioid settlement funds, and partnerships with municipalities and nonprofit organizations. 

Several county and state officials told WCAB News that Garrison’s departure from the county manager’s office was driven, at least in part, by mounting social media scrutiny after Hurricane Helene and the local political climate ahead of the 2026 election. The officials spoke on background, citing concerns about retaliation tied to his new position.

Under North Carolina law, the county board of commissioners is responsible for appointing a county manager. Chairman Bryan King is expected to serve as acting county manager unless the board selects another interim option.

Garrison’s departure comes as Rutherford County leadership is in transition. Three sitting commissioners: King, Alan Toney, and Michael Benfield,  will not seek re-election this year, although they will retain full authority until newly elected members are seated after the election. 

In addition to Garrison, GROW NC announced these recovery team appointments:

• Brittany Duncan, who will support counties in the High Country regional councils of government. Duncan previously served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery and helped organize and lead Hurricane Helene response efforts in Ashe County. 

• Millie Smith, who will support Swannanoa and eastern Buncombe County, as well as Mitchell and Yancey counties. Smith previously worked with the Southwestern Commission and Hometown Strong, assisting local governments with project development and grant applications. 

• Drew Christy, who moves into a regional recovery coordinator role supporting western Buncombe County, Haywood and Madison counties, and counties in the Southwestern Commission region. Christy joined GROW NC in January 2025 after serving as director of Governor Cooper’s Western North Carolina office. 

  
  

County commissioners have not yet announced a timeline for naming a permanent Rutherford County manager.