Ranlo Town Manager Awarded Excellence in Government Leadership Award

Jonathan Blanton, Ranlo Town Manager, has been named the recipient of the James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award by the Centralina Regional Council of Governments (Centralina).

“In his three years with the town, Blanton has bolstered Ranlo’s financial position and secured federal and state funding for infrastructure improvements,” Centralina said in a press release. “He has taken the lead in planning successful community events to bring together the citizens of Ranlo. As a leader, he also demonstrates kindness and empathy and strives to build consensus among staff and the Town Council.”

Since Blanton became Ranlo's first Town Manager in March 2020, the Town's fund balance has grown from 20% to 66% and the municipality has secured more than $10 million in federal and state grants.

“I am incredibly humbled and appreciative to Centralina and everyone who has made this award possible,” Blanton said. “I am particularly proud to be able to spotlight the great work that we are undertaking in Ranlo. We have a fantastic group of elected officials and staff that are accomplishing great things together.”

Wooten began working with Blanton and his staff in May 2020, assisting with funding applications. Since then Wooten has teamed with the Town on projects including transportation and water system improvements. Slade Harvin, PE heads Wooten's regional office team based in Hickory.

“We are pleased to see Jonathan recognized for his leadership and accomplishments in a relatively short amount of time,” Harvin said. “Wooten is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Ranlo to improve community quality of life. Congratulations again to Jonathan on this well-deserved honor.”

Established in 1968, Centralina serves the needs of a nine-county region including Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties. Centralina bestows the Prosser Award to highlight the cumulative achievements of a local government professional who has served as a role model for others and has consistently exhibited high professional and personal standards throughout their public career.

On Thursday, February 9th, the Ranlo Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to renew Blanton's employment agreement and he will continue to serve as Town Manager.