In a significant leadership transition for Asheville, Dakisha “DK” Wesley has been chosen as the city’s next city manager, stepping into a pivotal role following the retirement announcement of Debra Campbell.
Campbell, who has served as city manager for seven years, revealed her retirement plans to the Asheville City Council in early February, as reported here.
Wesley, currently serving as an assistant county manager for Buncombe County, was selected for the position from a pool of over 50 candidates. Her unanimous appointment was confirmed during a special virtual City Council meeting held on December 5.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Wesley stated at the meeting, “This city (Asheville) is a place of creativity, kindness, and uncommon resilience. It is a place defined not only by its natural beauty, but by the people who call Asheville home. People who care deeply for one another, who show up for their neighbors, and who know that working together all things are possible and work together we will.”
Wesley is scheduled to officially begin her tenure on January 12, taking over the reins from Campbell. The city has named Assistant City Manager Ben Woody to act as the interim city manager during this transitional period, as per a press release from the city on December 5.
Mayor Esther Manheimer noted Wesley’s extensive experience with Buncombe County, emphasizing that her “six and a half years with Buncombe County strengthen an important relationship with the city’s largest regional partner, as well as bringing a deep knowledge of our community, which means she can hit the ground running.”
Before her role at Buncombe County, Wesley held positions as the assistant county administrator for Lake County, Illinois, and as a municipal court services assistant director in Fort Worth, Texas.
In a separate matter, her husband, Ardemis Wesley Jr., admitted guilt to a gambling charge earlier this year. The charge stemmed from an investigation where a North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agent cited multiple individuals for participating in illegal gambling activities in East Asheville, detailed by the Citizen Times.
