• By Todd Luck
• Posted Friday, February 3, 2023

Forsyth County Manager Dudley Watts wins state award

Forsyth County Manager Dudley Watts received the prestigious John E. Whitehurst Award during the NC City and County Management Association (NCCCMA) Winter Seminar on Feb. 2.

The Whitehurst Award is among the most prestigious awards that city and county managers can receive from their peers. It honors those who served at least 10 years in the local government management profession and have gone above and beyond in their support of other local government professionals.

Watts has served as Forsyth County Manager for 16 years. He was county manager for Granville County for 9 years and worked for four years in Pender County, where he served as a finance officer and an assistant county manager.

The John E. Whitehurst Award recognizes Watts‘ emphasis on employing high school and college interns, identifying talent, and creation of the Forsyth County Management Fellows Program, which offers training to county employees with local government management aspirations. The Management Fellows Program has resulted in county employees advancing to leadership positions in Forsyth County and in other counties or cities as well.

“He is the epitome of a servant leader and tirelessly serves the residents and employees of Forsyth County,” wrote Forsyth County Commissioner Gloria Whisenhunt in one of the recommendation letters submitted for the award.

The award is named for John E. Whitehurst who served for 28 years as the county manager of Bertie and Stanly Counties. He served in several capacities with the NCCCMA, including as president.