NEWBERRY — Matt DeWitt, assistant city manager for the City of Newberry, will be promoted to city manager effective Oct. 1, as voted unanimously Wednesday night by Newberry City Council.
DeWitt began his work with the city in 2010 and has managed a variety of duties and projects. In addition, DeWitt has earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Clemson University, graduated from the SC Local Government Training Program and the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Institute.
DeWitt will be taking over from Al Harvey, who will finish his second stint as Newberry’s city manager on Sept. 30. Harvey served as city manager from 1977-2000 and rejoined the city in April 2013.
“Matt’s done an outstanding job as assistant city manager,” said Mayor Foster Senn. “He works towards effective city government and has done a very good job managing government functions, including directly overseeing the public works, planning, zoning and development, and parks, recreation and tourism departments. All have performed well under his watch.”
Senn said DeWitt has been in charge of a number of improvement projects that have turned out nicely and been widely praised, such as a series of upgrades to downtown, College Street streetscaping and enhancements in the Oakland Mill neighborhood.
“I am more than humbled that City Council has entrusted me enough to name me the city’s next manager,” DeWitt said. “I have built a family in this community who know Newberry as home and daily I hope to continue making the City of Newberry a better place to live, work and play.”
Harvey was initially asked to come back as interim city manager for several months in 2013. However, Senn said he did such a good job, Harvey was asked to stay longer and eventually asked to stay until September of this year.
“Al’s done much good work in his three years, including putting in place major utility upgrades that will benefit Newberry for decades,” Senn said. “We appreciate his excellent leadership.”
Harvey said he thought DeWitt would make an outstanding city manager for the City of Newberry. Being active in church and civic affairs in the city, as well as knowing all of the community leaders, will enable DeWitt to be successful, Harvey said.
“Matt has the academic credentials combined with six years’ experience which will ensure his success in the job. He is a bright, energetic young manager with great ideas and he has the technical ability to put it all together,” Harvey said. “I wish Matt the best of luck and I congratulate him on becoming the next city manager for the City of Newberry.”
Before joining the city, DeWitt worked from 2004 to 2010 at Newberry College as assistant director of athletics for Internal Operations and later, associate director of Athletics for External Operations. Also while at Newberry College, DeWitt served as the executive director of the College’s Athletic Booster Club.
DeWitt has been married for 13 years. He and his wife Jessica are both Newberry College alumni and have lived in since 1999. They have three children — Easton, 2; Hudson, 3; and Brooklyn, 7. DeWitt’s parents recently moved to the city after falling in love with the town years ago during their regular fall trips to see DeWitt play football at Setzler Field for the college.
DeWitt and his family are members of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church where he serves as a deacon. DeWitt also serves on the Foundation Board at Newberry County Memorial Hospital, the Newberry County Touchdown Club, and Newberry County FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) boards, and most recently DeWitt served as a board member of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce.