GOLDSBORO | Kinston is losing its assistant city manager.

The City of Goldsboro has hired Kinston Assistant City Manager Catherine Gwynn as its new finance director. Gwynn replaces Kaye Scott, who recently retired after 39 years with the city.

Gwynn’s start date is Jan. 30.

"I am excited to have someone with Catherine’s experience in local government and accounting as our finance director,” Goldsboro Interim City Manager Randy Guthrie said. "I feel confident that she will provide the strong leadership that has been the standard for our Finance Department.”

Gwynn is currently the assistant city manager of the City of Kinston. She has served in public practice, industry and government for more than 25 years and has spent 12 years in local government service.

She has been a practicing Certified Public Accountant since 1998 and has been a licensed commercial general contractor since 1996. She obtained the designation of Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 2009 and earned the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in 2011.

"I look forward to the opportunity of serving the Board, the citizens and employees of the City of Goldsboro with dedication and professionalism to ensure that I support the mission and vision for this exceptional and outstanding community," Gwynn said.

Gwynn, a Richlands native, graduated summa cum laude from UNC-Wilmington with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting. Catherine and her husband, Mitchel, have been married 29 years.

Kinston City Manager Tony Sears had high praise for Gwynn.

“She was absolutely fantastic and one of the brightest employees I had the opportunity to work with,” Sears said. “Our government financial philosophies aligned and she did a ton to make my job easier. I truly thank her for the seven years I’ve worked with her.”

Sears said he’s not looking to replace Gwynn as an assistant manager.

“Catherine developed a personal niche, most recently as an assistant city manager,” Sears said. “I’m definitely not looking for another one and she had only held the position since July. The focus will be placed toward assistance in the financial department.” 

Gwynn said she’s been thankful for the area on and off the job.

“Looking back, I’m appreciative for the memories from everyone — employees, citizens, customers and vendors,” Gwynn said. “Everyone I’ve come in contact with has been welcoming, friendly and helpful. It was a very difficult decision to make, but professionally it was the right one. I’m leaving behind wonderful coworkers and friends I’ll miss terribly.

“Kinston has been a wonderful place to work and I appreciate everyone who helped support my career here. I learned a lot here, and it stays with you to shape who you are. For 12 years, Kinston has been a part of shaping me personally and professionally, something I won’t forget, nor the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”