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INSIDE ▼ Indoor slide park opening soon PAGE 1B Friday, December 12, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 50
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James promoted to town manager MATTHEWS – The Matthews Board of Commissioners promoted Melia James as town manager, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
James has served as assistant town manager since 2022 and brings nearly 20 years of experience in municipal and public-sector leadership. “Melia is a proven leader with the vision and experience to guide Matthews forward,” Mayor John Higdon said. “Her leadership,
integrity and collaborative approach will continue to serve our residents and staff well as she becomes town manager.” Prior to joining the Town of Matthews, James worked for the City of Charlotte and held a variety of leadership roles, including airport budget and financial services manager, strategy and budget analyst, and human resources manager. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from the University of South Carolina and a
Master of Public Administration from UNC Charlotte. “It is a privilege to serve the Town of Matthews in this new role,” James said. “I am thankful to the board of commissioners for their trust and support. I am excited to step into this position at such an important time for Matthews. Together with our staff and elected leaders, I look forward to advancing strategic priorities and building on the strong foundation we have together.”
In 2024, Town Manager Becky Hawke, Assistant Manager Melia James and Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh took part in groundbreaking of Fire Station No. 3, which came on line in 2025. James will become town manager on Jan. 1.
CMG file photo
Matthews CHARLOTTE EMPLOYEES BUILD BIKES New commissioners FOR RIGHT MOVES FOR YOUTH sworn in by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Five new members joined the Matthews Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 after taking the oath of office.
The Bike Build is a community event in which City of Charlotte employees and their families spend the morning together assembling bikes.
Photos courtesy of City of Charlotte General Services
CHARLOTTE – City of Charlotte employees assembled 50 bicycles Dec. 6 that will be given to students participating in Right Moves for Youth.
The Spokes Group purchased and donated the bicycles and helmets. Since 2008, the City of Charlotte, Right Moves for Youth and The Spokes Group have partnered to assemble, donate and distribute more than 1,000 bicycles to middle and high school students from economically challenged neighborhoods in Mecklenburg County. “The annual Bike Build initiative is a powerful example of how our community comes together to create meaningful opportunities for deserving students,” said Ryan Grammatico, executive director of Right Moves for Youth. “The generosity and dedication of City of Charlotte employees in building these bikes not only provide tangible gifts but also inspire confidence, joy and a sense of achievement in the students we serve. Their support is the perfect example of the spirit of collaboration that drives positive change in our city and reminds our youth that they are valued and supported.”
Church gives emergency food relief to communities By Morgan Jepson Contributor
CHARLOTTE – In response to increasing demand for food assistance, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided additional emergency funding to 60 food pantries across the Southeastern United States, with the potential for assistance to additional locations.
This support will help relieve shortages and provide meals for more than 300,000 individuals and families facing food insecurity. Receiving organizations such as Nourish Up are on the front lines of helping those in need. Many have experienced recent stock shortages and heightened demand as families struggle with reduced benefits and rising food costs. “With this extraordinary generosity, Nourish Up can continue the vital work of lifting the Charlotte community through food,” said Tina Postel, CEO of Nourish Up. “In more than 50 years, we have never had to turn a family away because we didn’t have enough food. We are seeing record numbers
and we are responding. This support propels us forward with the strength to keep saying ‘yes’ to our neighbors in need.” This initiative builds on the Church’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to care for the poor and hungry. In 2024 alone, more than 32 million pounds of food were donated through community and interfaith organizations across the United States. “As followers of Jesus Christ, we are invited to care for those in need,” said Elder Craig C. Christensen, United States Southeast Area President of the Church. “When we lift the weary, feed the hungry and comfort those who suffer, we reflect the pure light of the Savior. In doing so, we become instruments in His hands to heal hearts and help others feel the joy and peace that come from a merciful Redeemer who remembers each one of us.” “Our community has shown up for us in truly remarkable ways, and we are in a strong place right now,” Postel continued. “Our greatest need moving forward is that people do not forget us when life goes ‘back to normal.’ The need for volunteers and financial support is year-round; continued
Volunteers sort food donations at Nourish Up, a network of food pantries in Mecklenburg County, on Nov. 20. Following recent government funding cuts, a grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping Nourish Up strengthen its food assistance programs for families facing food insecurity in Charlotte.
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
engagement ensures that we can keep showing up for our neighbors every day.” More information regarding community support is available at https://nourishup.org Morgan Jepson is a social media specialist with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Mayor John Higdon said it's unprecedented since he has served on the board to have so many people step down. Higdon and Commissioner John Urban are Higdon the only returning members of the board. Commissioners Renee Garner and Ken McCool did not seek reelection while commissioners Gina Hoover, Mark Tofano and Chambers Leon Threatt were not reelected in last month’s election. "I'm very excited about the folks that we have here," Higdon said. "I think we have some excellent candidates and now some excellent commissioners. I think we are going to do good work together." Each commissioner took advantage of the opportunity to thank supporters and offer some brief remarks. Urban expressed a desire to earn everyone's trust. "It's not about me," Urban said. "It's about the team. I think this is a great organizational body here that's going to work together to further advance Matthews." Commissioner Brian Hacker continued the messaging from his campaign that he is here to represent all of Matthews. "You are all very important," Hacker said. "There are communities that need to feel included and recognized – those who feel overlooked and need people to say hello and have someone ask, 'How may I help you?' That's what I'm here for." Commissioner Jennefer Garrity liked Urban's idea of their work being about the team but she added a twist. "It's really about you," Garrity said. "It's about the citizens of Matthews and so I will do my best to represent all of you so that we can make Matthews the best it can be." Commissioner Susan Chambers said she looked forward to representing all people in town. The board appointed Chambers as mayor pro tem, a role traditionally given to the highest vote-getter that fills in for the mayor when he’s away. "I am here with an open-door policy at all times," Chambers said. Commissioner Jonathan Clayton encouraged citizens to reach out to him. "I'm going to do my best," he said. Commissioner Kerry Lamson not only thanked supporters but all residents who voted, whether it was for those elected or not. "As others have echoed, I'm here to listen. I'm here to serve," Lamson said. "We may not all agree, but we're going to treat each other with respect and caring. We're here for the betterment of Matthews." See next week’s edition for details on outgoing commissioners.