The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the City. The Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City and the implementation of the policies established by the elected officials. The City Manager is appointed by and reports to the City Council.

Michael Cowin was unanimously appointed as City Manager on October 9, 2023. Cowin officially began his role on November 1, 2023.

An eastern North Carolina native, Cowin received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from East Carolina University in 1995. Cowin graduated with his Master’s in Business Administration from East Carolina University in 2001. Cowin is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of North Carolina and a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Cowin joined the City of Greenville in September of 2015 as Assistant City Manager. During his time with the City, he has provided oversight of a variety of City departments, including his most recent work with Police, Fire/Rescue, Financial Services, and Information Technology.

Cowin has also served as Chief Financial Officer and Administrator of the City’s Debt Management and Capital Improvement Programs since 2015. Additionally, he has been vital in the City’s economic development efforts through the pursuit and management of projects and initiatives in the City’s urban core.