County Manager Eddie Madden is heading back to a familiar place and job: town manager for Elizabethtown.
Madden announced his retirement from the county earlier this month. In a press release, Elizabethtown officials said Monday that the town “reached out to him to see if he would consider returning to Elizabethtown.
“After coming to an agreement on an employment contract, the town council voted to approve his return as the next town manager.”
Madden served in Elizabethtown for 13 years, where he jumpstarted green space preservation and emphasized economic development.
Dane Rideout was released from his contract as Elizabethtown town manager in June. Rideout was hired in 2021. He is now town manager for Benson. Former Elizabethtown Councilman Pat Devane has been serving as interim manager.
“During Mr. Madden’s 13 years with the town of Elizabethtown,” the release said, he demonstrated leadership, vision and integrity.
“We have 100 percent confidence that he can get the town headed in the right direction and restore relationships that have suffered since he left in 2021.”
A start date was not announced. Madden previously said he plans to remain with Columbus county through December. He and his family live in Bladen County.
