Mike Bryant was sworn in as the new Mecklenburg County Manager on June 30, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center and was attended by the Board of County Commissioners, county employees, and members of the public.
Bryant will lead county departments and agencies serving over 1.2 million residents. His responsibilities include drafting an annual budget exceeding $2.5 billion and implementing the priorities set by the Board of County Commissioners. He has more than three decades of public service experience, including five years as deputy county manager.
During his swearing-in, Bryant took an oath administered by Kristine M. Smith, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. “I assume this role with great honor, appreciation, gratitude, and humility,” said Bryant. He emphasized a leadership approach based on accountability, balance, collaboration, ethics, fortitude, grit, high standards, and performance management.
The ceremony included an invocation by Reverend Dr. Clifford A. Jones Sr., performances by poet Jay Ward and musician Shemaine Fox-Pickens, a presentation by Nikki Davis Green from N.C. Central University Alumni Association, and participation from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
Bryant joined Mecklenburg County in 2003 as a management and budget analyst before advancing to director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2014 and deputy county manager in 2020. His prior experience includes roles with the City of Durham, Duke University, Granville County, and North Carolina’s Office of the Governor.
His appointment was announced on April 1 following Dena R. Diorio’s retirement after more than eleven years as county manager. Mark Jerrell, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners praised Bryant for his resourcefulness and collaborative nature.
Bryant aims to work closely with commissioners on board priorities such as health equity, education services for seniors, workforce development environmental stewardship economic development reducing racial disparities affordable housing transportation issues resilience community engagement efficiency improvements.
In his remarks honoring Diorio’s retirement Bryant acknowledged past challenges while expressing confidence in future successes through collaboration “Great work lies ahead,” he stated.
Bryant holds both bachelor’s master’s degrees from North Carolina Central University has held leadership roles including president Government Finance Officers Association MEDIC Board Visitors NCCU Board Visitors
