New High Point City Manager Begins Work

High Point's new city manager had his first day on the job Monday. He is part of a new look for the city government.

The High Point City Council voted unanimously to hire Gregory Demko in November. Two weeks later, a revamped council was sworn in, as was a new mayor, Bill Bencini.

Demko is the first new city manager in 17 years. He spent most of his first day in meetings and could not be reached for comment.

He replaces Strib Boynton, who retired in July after serving as manager since January 1998.

Demko has more than 35 years of experience in local government. Prior to taking the city manager position, he was an assistant city manager and director of finance for Monroe, a small city southeast of Charlotte.

Demko is a certified public accountant and also has an MBA. He was selected after a three-month national search. The city used a consultant, Durham-based Developmental Associates, to lead the search.