The Town of Tryon welcomed and swore in newly hired town manager Zach Ollis at its Tuesday, Aug. 16 meeting. 

Ollis began employment recently after the town had been searching for a new town manager since February.

Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples said the town received between 30-40 applications for town manager.

Commissioner Bill Ingham welcomed Ollis, saying he is glad the town found him and that Ollis decided to come our way.

“It was a most interesting process to arrive at this moment,” said commissioner Crys Armbrust. “I appreciate your faith in us.”

Ingham said with some young people helping to lead the town, he thinks Tryon is looking at a very bright future.

Commissioner Roy Miller also welcomed Ollis, saying he thinks Ollis will love Tryon. Miller spoke of the town’s uniqueness and diversity and said it is full of challenges.

“It’s a great place to live, a great place to call home,” Miller said.

Miller also said Tryon has a golden opportunity here with the additions of Ollis, Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) Director Jamie Carpenter and Michaila Cowles as new Tryon Tourism Development Association (TTDA) chair. He said the key is their youth, which means new ideas and energy.

“My hat goes off to all three of you for wanting to volunteer and work here,” Miller said.

Ollis most recently worked as the town manager for Wilson’s Mills, located in Johnston County, N.C.

Tryon advertised for a new manager twice this year, after deciding to split the former combined fire chief/town manager position held by Joey Davis for the last several years in February. Davis is continuing as the town’s fire chief.

Ollis graduated from Appalachian State University for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He holds a master’s in public administration and prior to being town manager for Wilson’s Mills, worked in group homes and a homeless shelter.

On Tuesday night, Ollis thanked everyone in town for the very warm welcome he’s received since moving to Tryon. Ollis said Tryon is a very close knit community and everyone has been very polite.

“And I’m looking forward to it,” said Ollis. “I count my blessings. I think I’m lucky for the opportunity.”

Ollis also thanked Tryon’s staff and invited anyone who wants to come by his office to swing by.