Mike Bryant sworn in as Mecklenburg County manager

MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Mike Bryant, who has worked for Mecklenburg County since 2003 as a management and budget analyst, was sworn in as county manager on June 30.

Mike Bryant joined Mecklenburg County administration in 2003 as a management and budget analyst. 

Today, he’s county manager, responsible for county services and agencies in a jurisdiction of more than 1.1 million people and a budget of more than $2.5 billion. Bryant succeeds Dena Diorio, who retired after 11 years as county manager.

Bryant, who was sworn in on June 30, has come a long way in 22 years. He was promoted director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2014 and deputy county manager in 2020, where he was responsible for financial services and internal support. Before joining Mecklenburg administration, Bryant worked for the city of Durham, Duke University, Granville County, and the North Carolina Office of the Governor. 

“I assume this role with great honor, appreciation, gratitude, and humility. I am committed to doing what is necessary to ensure that we as a county are successful in improving the lives of our residents and our entire community,” he said. “As your new county manager, I pledge to approach the work using the ABCs of leadership rooted in accountability, balance, collaboration, and data, with a strong emphasis on ethics, fortitude, grit, high standards, and a commitment to performance management.”

Said county commissioners Chair Mark Jerrell: “Mike Bryant has the unique ability to be resourceful, collaborative, and innovative in his ability to implement our organization’s vision and goals. Regardless of role, position, or title, he has always been team-oriented, collaborative, approachable, and selfless.

“The board believes that having Mike Bryant as our next county manager will allow for a seamless transition, especially given his extensive leadership experience, his knowledge of our community, and his 30-plus years of public service.”

Bryant paid tribute to his most recent predecessors, Diorio and the late Harry Jones, who was county manager when Bryant started with the county.

“Over the years we have accomplished a lot as a County, and at the same time, we have also encountered our fair share of obstacles, which has led us to seize opportunities,” Bryant said. “I’m a firm believer that the only way to achieve the pinnacle of our shared successes is through collaboration, and in this role, I will lead with that. Great work lies ahead, and I am confident our community will rise to the occasion.”

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