New Hope Names Bertholf as Next City Manager
Posted on 05/04/2023
The City of New Hope has reached a tentative employment agreement for Reece Bertholf to become its next city manager. The decision came following interviews with the City's management team and city council on Tuesday.
An employment agreement with Bertholf will be brought to New Hope City Council for formal approval at its May 8 meeting.
"Reece Bertholf will be an asset to our community. His positive attitude and upbeat personality fit well with our staff and council," said New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken. "We are fortunate to have him join our team."
Bertholf currently serves as the deputy city manager for the City of Beaufort, South Carolina. He began his career with the City of Beaufort after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Since 2001 he's served Beaufort as a firefighter, lieutenant, battalion supervisor, fire chief and assistant city manager before his promotion to deputy city manager.
Bertholf holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in business administration, a Master of Business Administration from the Citadel Graduate School and a certificate in public leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
"I am ecstatic to join the New Hope community. It is clear that people love New Hope, and I am very excited to work alongside the amazing team at the City of New Hope. The passion I felt for New Hope from everyone involved in the hiring process was remarkable," stated Bertholf. "We have a bright future ahead as we continue to work together to achieve the goals of New Hope."
In January, New Hope City Council enlisted the independent recruiting firm DDA Human Resources, Inc. to assist in the search for a new city manager. This firm presented a pool of 18 finalists narrowed from 33 applications received. Six moved forward to the May 2 interviews.
Bertholf's appointment will follow the retirement of longtime New Hope City Manager Kirk McDonald last June. New Hope Police Chief Tim Hoyt has served as acting city manager since McDonald's retirement.
Bertholf plans to start with the City on June 12.