Michael Peoples, has over 24 years of experience in local government management and has served the City of Gastonia as Director of Enterprise Services from 2015 to 2016, Assistant City Manager of Operations from 2016 to 2017, and was appointed City Manager April 1, 2017. Michael previously served as Town Manager for the Town of Cramerton from 2005 to 2015 and as Town Administrator in Grifton, NC from 2000 to 2005. Michael graduated from Western Carolina University in 1998 with a B.S. in History and a B.S. in Political Science and then from Appalachian State University in 2000 with a Master Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Town, City, and County Management. Michael has also completed the UNC School of Government’s Municipal Administration Course, Effective Management Course, the Public Executive Leadership Academy, the ICMA Williamsburg Leadership Academy, and the ICMA Gettysburg Leadership Institute.
Michael is a member of the International City and County Management Association where he has achieved the Credentialed Manager status, Past President of the NC City and County Management Association, Past President of the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association, and a member of the NC League of Municipalities Board of Directors. Michael was also awarded the 2014 Harley B. Gaston, Jr. Public Service Award from the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce.
Michael is from the Iredell/Alexander County area and is married to Jamie who works for Gaston County Schools and they have two children, Bryson and Tucker. Michael enjoys coaching youth athletics, playing golf, watching sports, listening to music of all genres, and spending time with family and friends.