1 April 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
Joey Kronenwetter Named Finance Director for the City of Southport
Contact: ChyAnn Ketchum, Public Information Officer
C: (910) 267-7300 | O: (910) 457-7927 ext. 1040
Southport, NC – City Manager Noah Saldo is pleased to announce that Deputy Finance Director Joey Kronenwetter has been selected as the Finance Director for the City of Southport, and he will move into his new role on May 5, 2025. A lifelong Southport resident, Kronenwetter brings both a deep passion for his hometown and extensive experience in public and private sector finance to his new role.
Kronenwetter’s journey began here in Southport, where he attended Southport Elementary, South Brunswick Middle School, and South Brunswick High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and a Minor in Business Management from North Carolina State University. With a strong foundation in financial management, he felt a calling to serve the city he has always called home.
“I saw the Deputy Finance Director position was posted and applied for it immediately. It’s always been a dream of mine to serve the city I love,” Kronenwetter shared. His transition to Finance Director came at what he believed was the perfect time. “Everything happens for a reason, and I was put in this position at the right moment when the city needed me to be there.”
As Finance Director, Kronenwetter has set clear goals for his tenure, including:
- First 90 Days: Collaborating with the City Manager and previous Finance Director to present a balanced budget.
- 180 Days: Submitting the city’s Annual Financial Audit to the Local Government Commission ahead of schedule.
- 1 Year: Strengthening the city’s financial position and working toward the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Beyond his professional aspirations, Kronenwetter has a deep love for Southport and its community. When asked about his favorite Southport memories, he replied, “Every day in Southport is the best day ever, until the next one!” Some of his fondest moments include proposing to his wife, Becca, on the City Marsh Walk during the 2019 4th of July Festival and taking their daughter, Kennedy, on her first stroll around town after bringing her home from the hospital this past February.
“It is a gift to be able to live and raise my family here, and I hope others see it the same way,” said Kronenwetter. “If you see me around town, stop and say hello! I want to make sure our citizens’ voices are heard and that the city manages their hard-earned dollars with care, efficiency, and transparency.”
###
