By STEPHANIE A. JAMES

Staff Writer

Johnnie Roark has been named the new town manager for the Town of Appomattox, Mayor Paul Harvey announced Wednesday.

Roark, who is currently the Director of Community Development for Appomattox County, will start as town manager on January 20, according to a press release.

In January, Roark will leave his current county position, which he has held since 2006.

Roark is replacing Bill Gillespie, who has been interim town manager since 2010.

The announcement comes about a month after the town advertised for the position.

Roark was among 12 candidates for the position and among the top three who were interviewed last week.

Roark holds a bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater College and has 15 years of local government experience.

“Mr. Roark impressed the council with his understanding regarding many of the Town’s planning initiatives that have been developed over the last several years regarding parks, infrastructure, revitalization of the business district, and others. We have expended a lot of time and effort planning the future for the Appomattox community and building momentum in the development of a community wide master plan. We feel Mr. Roark has the vision and leadership ability to bring our efforts thus far to fruition,” said Harvey in a press release.

Roark resides in Appomattox County with his wife Tina and their two children, Avery, 11 and Carsyn, 7.