Bechtel named Interim Alexander County Manager

Journalism faculty Paul Mihailidis named interim dean of School of Communication

Journalism faculty member Paul Mihailidis was named the interim dean of the School of Communication, the provost announced in an email to the Emerson community on April 25. Effective July 1, Mihailidis, a civic media and journalism professor, will succeed the current dean of the School of Communication, Brent Smith in the position. Smith will serve as Emerson’s associate vice president for executive education, in line with the college’s strategi…

Bechtel named Interim Alexander County Manager

Debra Bechtel On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Debra Bechtel as Interim County Manager, following the resignation of former County Manager Todd Herms on April 30. Bechtel, according to a county press release, has extensive experience in North Carolina local government, including her service as an Assistant District Attorney in Catawba County and 25 years with Catawba County Govern…