Administration

Get to know the Administrative Department:

Town Manager: Johnathan Harris

townmanager [at] sevendevilsnc.gov

The Town of Seven Devils operates under the Council/Manager form of government. Under the Council/Manager plan, the Town Council is the legislative body for the community and makes broad policy decisions. The Town Manager, who is appointed by the Council, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Town government, this includes supervision of all department heads and Town staff. The Town Manager is the Budget Officer and prepares the recommended budget for the Council’s consideration, serves as the chief advisor for the Council on policy and administrative matters, and implements the Council’s policy decisions.

Johnathan Harris has served with the Town of Seven Devils Police Department since August 2007 as a Police Officer and promoted to Police Chief in February 2019. In October 2022, the Town Council selected Johnathan Harris as the new Town Manager.

Finance Officer: Helga Sappington

townfinance [at] SevenDevilsNC.gov

The Finance Officer is responsible for the accounting of all revenues and expenses for the Town. This includes real estate tax billings, occupancy tax collections, payroll, and annual audit. The Finance department maintains the Town’s fiscal operations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act, as well as working closely with the NC Local Government Commission.

Helga Sappington has been the Finance Officer for the Town of Seven Devils since May 2015. Helga has a Business Degree from a German State School.

Town Clerk: Hillary Gropp

townclerk [at] SevenDevilsNC.gov

The Municipal Clerk is the oldest of public servants and over the years has become the hub of government, the direct link between the citizens, management, and the governing board. The Town Clerk provides the public notices of Town meetings, prepares the agendas, records the minutes, and serves as the custodian of the official documents and the town seal. The Town Clerk provides administrative support to management and other departments.

Hillary Gropp worked as a CSR and Branch Automation Trainer in the banking industry, as well as office management in Florida. After attending the Clerk’s Institute at the UNC School of Government, Hillary has earned two certifications of CMC and NCCMC, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NC Association of Municipal Clerks as District 10 Director.