On Jan. 2, Bret Greene assumed his new role as finance director for the Town of Carrboro.
In this role, Greene supervises financial operations and reporting of all municipal funds, such as the Town’s budget, audit and debt management.
After spending numerous years in the for-profit sector, Greene said he applied because he wanted to transition to more service-oriented work.
“It seemed an amicable fit, and an opportunity for both my personal and professional growth, as well as, more importantly, to benefit and solidify the strong foundation that the Town of Carrboro already laid in place with their financial outlook,” he said.
Greene also said he chose the job to set a good example for his family. He said he wants to be able to stand behind something that adds to the community, taking a selfless approach to what a career means.
Michael Cox, the director of asset management for Bell Partners, said Greene is a family guy, always making sure he is giving them the attention they need and is involved with their day-to-day activities. Cox said one of Greene’s main values is his relationships.
“He’s always going to have a smile,” Cox said. “He’s always going to give you some positive encouragement in any type of situation. It’s just the nature of who he is.”
Greene served as director of financial planning and analysis at Highwood Properties, a real estate investment trust company based in Raleigh, for 16 years. Greene said he managed a staff of 11 employees and oversaw areas including financial forecasting, capital improvement plans and customer service.
“The budgeting and the planning will be nailed to the penny,” Jim Bacchetta, the former senior vice president of Highwood Properties, said. “I think he will bring pragmatism and private sector experience to bear and make sure that the dollars are spent as they’re supposed to be spent as efficiently as possible. You couldn’t have a better guy in that position to steward that budget.”