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“We are excited about Todd joining the Town of Valdese as our next town manager,� Valdese Mayor Charlie Watts said in a release from the town. “He is a manager with a great reputation among his peers in the state. His experience and knowledge will directly contribute to the projects and opportunities for the town. His successful track record of economic development, as well as his utility and construction management experience, stood out as examples of how he will help the town.�

Herms resigned from his position as the Alexander County manager mid April, and was previously the longtime manager of the town of Maiden in Catawba County.

Herms served for less than a year as the Alexander County manager, joining the county on Aug. 12. His last day with the county will be April 30. 

Herms will start in Valdese on May 1. He will be paid $165,000, according to the town.

Herms said he’s looking forward to his new position.

“God has a plan and I'm gonna trust in it, and I'm so happy to be in Valdese,� Herms said. “I'm looking forward to coming up here and bringing my 20 years experience with me, and working with a great staff, doing whatever I can to move the town forward.�

Herms is coming to Valdese as the town council looks to figure out a solution for new fire and police buildings.

Herms was selected from a pool of applicants across the region and state. The council chose Herms due to a combination of his education, experience and personal characteristics, a release from Valdese said. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a master’s degree in public affairs and a Bachelor of Science in political science.

Herms was town manager in Maiden for 16 years. During that time a new town hall was built in 2013 and a new police station was built and opened in 2018. Herms said in 2018 that the new police station cost $2.1 million and took a year to build. The town was finishing a new fire station when he left, Herms said.

“So I think that will come into play,� Herms said. “I can lean on that past experience to make sure that we get a good product here in Valdese.�

Herms also helped with economic development projects for the town of Maiden, including billion-dollar projects with Apple and Microsoft data centers.

Herms said his first priority will be to meet with staff, business owners and residents. He said he will come up with a plan of action based on the council’s vision.

“I’m excited with this new chapter, and I look forward to serving the people of Valdese,� Herms said.

As for his resignation from Alexander County, Herms said he thought it was best for his career that he pursue other opportunities.