Lavonia Names Cawthon As Sole City Manager Finalist

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

The city of Lavonia could have a new incoming city manager as early as next month.

According to current Lavonia City Manager Gary Fesperman, the Lavonia City Council is expected to officially hire Charles Cawthon at its regular city council meeting on August 3.

Fesperman said nearly 20 people applied for the job and six made the cut.

He said that list was whittled down to Cawthon as the sole finalist for the position.

Cawthon is a Franklin County native having worked in real estate.

He’s also been a Franklin County Commissioner, Assistant Fire Chief for the Lavonia Fire Department, and President of the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce.

If hired, Cawthon will become assistant city manager first and then become city manager in 2016.

Cawthon will replace Fesperman, who is retiring at the end of this year.