Oak Island Town Manager announces retirement after 35 years of public service

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Oak Island Town Manager, David Kelly, has announced his retirement.

Kelly made the announcement at the end of the fiscal year during a meeting Thursday.

Kelly is expected to submit a formal written notice to the Town Council, informing them of his plans to retire, effective July 1, 2024.

David Kelly has been in public service for over 35 years, having first been hired to the Brunswick County Water Utilities Department in 1988. In 1992 he joined the town of Yaupon Beach, where he eventually served in the roles of Chief Building Inspector and later Public Utilities Director. In the late 90s, officials say Kelly was instrumental in helping to navigate the merger of the towns of Yaupon Beach and Long Beach into what is today the Town of Oak Island. Following the merger, he served as Public Services Director until being named Town Manager in 2017.