News Flash

City Manager Lee Garrity announced today the appointments of Johnnie Taylor and Patrice Toney as assistant city managers, effective immediately. 

Taylor currently is the director of operations for the city. He will oversee Information Systems, Central Warehouse, Fleet Services, City Link, Property & Facilities Management, Sustainability, Sanitation and Recreation & Parks. 

Toney currently serves as the director of budget and evaluation for the city. She will oversee Community Development, Emergency Management, Fire, Police, Human Relations and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Taylor and Toney were selected through a national recruitment process managed by Developmental Associates LLC of Chapel Hill. A diverse pool of more than 40 applicants from throughout the United States applied for the positions. This applicant pool was narrowed down to the finalists through interviews and a comprehensive assessment center process in which more objective, systematic and accurate methods are used to recruit, screen and evaluate candidates.

 “After a comprehensive and competitive national search, we found our best candidates right here at home,” Garrity said. “But most significantly – for the citizens of Winston-Salem – they both understand and value our community and have a strong sense of urgency when it comes to getting tasks accomplished.”

Taylor joined the city in 1992. He previously served as traffic maintenance supervisor, sanitation director and operations director. He has an associate degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in engineering management, both from Salem University. He also is a graduate of the Public Executive Leadership Academy and the Municipal Administration Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of Winston-Salem in this capacity,” Taylor said. “I will continue my commitment to provide the highest level of customer service while being responsive to the community's needs.”

Toney joined the city in 2016 as budget and evaluation director. Prior to that, she served Forsyth County in budget and management, public health, and the library. Toney currently has more than 23 years of local government experience and started her career in 1997 at the Winston-Salem Police Department. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Toney is also a graduate of the Municipal Administration program and the Leading for Results program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government.  

        "I am honored to have been selected to serve the residents of Winston-Salem, my hometown, in the role of assistant city manager,” Toney said. “I look forward to joining the distinguished senior management team under the leadership of City Manager Lee Garrity, and to continue to carry out the policies and programs that make this city great as directed by the mayor, the mayor pro tempore and the City Council."