Justine Jones, Kenly’s town manager, speaks out on resignation, accusations from officers

The Kenly town manager responded Wednesday evening to accusations that she created a toxic work environment and town leaders’ decision to fire her.

Justine Jones, who has been manager of the small Johnston County town since June 2, said her goal was to always represent the town in the best possible manner.

“Having been selected for the position from 30 other candidates, I believe I was selected because my core principles clearly spoke to who I am as a leader and this same management philosophy guides me in performing my job professionally, with integrity, transparency, loyalty, fairness and accountability every day,” Jones said in a statement to The News & Observer.

The Kenly Town Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to terminate Jones’ contract after a month-long investigation.

NC town manager fired in 3-2 vote after police force quit

Six police officers and two town administrators resigned in July, accusing Jones of creating a hostile work environment.

Town Attorney Chip Hewett led the investigation with the state League of Municipalities and found no evidence that Jones created a hostile environment, The N&O reported.

“While all related information is certainly a matter of public concern, the allegations made against me were timely and thoroughly vetted by independent sources and there was no such finding of wrong doing by me or my office.,” Jones wrote. “The decision to not communicate the entire story and publicly share the findings of the report is most unfortunate.”

Jones has a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. Before coming to Kenly, she worked in Suffolk and Norfolk, Virginia in consulting.

“Although I was not able to accomplish all the goals in progress in the short time I served the Town, given my untimely departure, my commitment to leaving Kenly better than I found it is an accomplishment I will always be proud of,” Jones said. “I continue to wish nothing but the best for Kenly.”

Read her full statement here:

Kenly Town Manager Justine Jones by Mark Schultz on Scribd