Cary Town Manager Placed on Leave, Interim Manager Appointed

The Town of Cary confirmed on November 21 that Town Manager Sean Stegall was placed on paid administrative leave. The town announced that Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton was appointed to serve as interim town manager while the leave was in effect. Officials did not disclose the reason for the leave, and town leaders declined to provide further comment while the matter remained under review.

Stegall had served as Cary's town manager since 2016 and had been a regular presence at recent council meetings. His departure from daily duties, even temporarily, removes a familiar figure from municipal leadership at a time when continuity is important for managing development, public services, and intergovernmental partnerships across the Research Triangle region.

The town held a closed session at its most recent council meeting. Closed sessions are commonly used by local governments to discuss personnel matters and other sensitive issues. The lack of public detail has left residents and local stakeholders seeking clarity about potential impacts on town operations and on decisions that typically require manager input.

Local government watchers said interim leadership will focus on maintaining routine operations and ensuring that essential services continue without interruption. For residents that can mean continuity in trash collection, public safety coordination, permitting and inspections, and other day to day municipal functions. For developers, neighborhood associations, and regional partners, the temporary change could slow progress on projects that depend on staff direction or on policy guidance from the manager's office until the review concludes.

The announcement drew attention from local media outlets that described the situation as developing and said they would update their coverage as new information became available. Town council agendas and future meetings are likely to be watched closely by residents seeking transparency and a timeline for resolving the matter.

Cary officials have indicated the situation is under review. Until the town provides further information, the immediate concern for most residents will be ensuring stable municipal services and clear communication from the town about any changes that might affect daily life. The interim appointment places an experienced town official in charge while the review continues, and the council will determine next steps informed by the findings of that review and by legal and personnel considerations.