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Marcus Jones sworn in as newest Charlotte city manager

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Marcus Jones was sworn in Thursday as the newest city manager of the city of Charlotte. But his first official act was to make his own swearing in ceremony private.

Taxpayers could only witness the event with video clips that had no audio and that were provided by the city.

"I don't know how much of a honeymoon he is going to get," said District 4 Councilman Greg Phipps.

Jones will have to step into the spotlight as the world watches Charlotte respond to major controversies. From HB2 to a possible lawsuit with Keith Scott's family, Jones will be getting right to work.

(City releases clips of Marcus Jones swearing in, no audio)

Phipps said Jones was hired because he has the skills to lead Charlotte through difficult times.

"He's gonna have to basically hit the ground running because we have a lot going on," Phipps said.

He came to Charlotte after serving as the city manager in Norfolk, Virginia -- a position he has held since 2011. Prior to that, Jones was the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance and Administration for the city of Richmond, Virginia, and Assistant City Manager for Norfolk.

“As I step into the role as the city manager of this great city, I am excited to get to know the dedicated city employees we have serving Charlotte and those who live here,” Jones said. “Charlotte is a wonderful place and I’m proud to call it my home. I’m looking forward to working with the city council to drive their priorities as we continue building our community.”

Jones said he plans to work with the philanthropic, business and faith-based communities as well as elected officials at the state and local levels.

“By strengthening these partnerships, we can work together to create a city supportive of all community members,” he said.

Jones has more than 23 years of public service experience, including serving as Deputy Secretary of Finance for two governors in Virginia.

He received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from James Madison University and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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