HAMLET — Nonprofit director, former journalist and spokesman Gary Greene will return to Richmond County to serve as Hamlet’s museum manager and downtown coordinator, City Manager Marcus Abernethy said Friday.
Greene will begin managing the Hamlet Depot and Museums’ programs on Dec. 11 and will work with the Hamlet Business Development Association to help promote and revitalize downtown Hamlet.
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to build on the great reputation of the Hamlet Depot and Museums as well as the downtown area,” Greene said in a statement. “I welcome the creative ideas and positive energy many have invested into this community. My hope is to fully embrace the history of Hamlet. I have a number of ideas, which include enhanced outreach to area youth, an expanded presence for our railroad history, and a possible literary series named for native son Tom Wicker.”
Greene is no stranger to the community, having lived in Richmond County for a large portion of his life. He has worked as a reporter at the Richmond County Daily Journal and formerly served as communications director for St. Andrews University and a community relations director for FirstHealth of the Carolinas in Richmond and Moore counties.
He is currently employed as civic clubs director for the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina in Lake Waccamaw.
Greene has a master’s degree in business administration from Fayetteville State University and a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Hamlet’s city manager said he’s excited to bring Greene on board.
“Gary’s performance in the selection process as well as his education and experience made him stand out amongst the rest of the applicants,” Abernethy said in a statement. “I think his marketing and community relations background will assist in promoting the Hamlet Depot and Museums. His ability to build interpersonal relationships also give him the right demeanor for the position. He is also a leader among various civic groups.
“I am excited to have someone like Gary working with us here in Hamlet. I would like to thank my staff, and staff from the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, the city of Rockingham and the Richmond County Historical Society for assisting in evaluating candidates through an assessment center process. I appreciate the input greatly.”
Greene succeeds Chuck McShane, who started work Jan. 21 as museum director and downtown coordinator and resigned May 5 to accept a job as director of research at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.