Town of Long View Announces Retirement of Town Manager James R. Cozart After 30 Years of Public Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Town of Long View, North Carolina
Date: Friday, March 21, 2026
Town of Long View Announces Retirement of Town Manager James R. Cozart After 30 Years of Public Service
The Town of Long View announces the retirement of Town Manager James R. Cozart, effective June 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of an exceptional 30-year career in local government, including 24 years of dedicated service to the Town of Long View.
Mr. Cozart began his career in public service in April 1997 as a Customer Service Representative in the Finance Department for the City of Hickory. Through his commitment and strong work ethic, he advanced to the role of Accounting Technician.
In July 2002, Mr. Cozart joined the Town of Long View as the Accounts Payable Clerk, where he quickly demonstrated his leadership and financial expertise. He was promoted to Finance Director in March 2004, a role he faithfully served in for nearly two decades. In April 2023, Mr. Cozart stepped into the role of Interim Town Manager, and just three months later, in July 2023, he was officially appointed as Town Manager, where he has since led the Town with integrity, stability, and a deep commitment to
public service.
Throughout his career, Mr. Cozart has earned numerous professional certifications and recognitions, reflecting his dedication to excellence in local government, including:
• Intermediate Governmental Accounting – January 2002
• Municipal Administration Certification – April 2011
• Managing the Finance and Tax Office Certificate – September 2013
• UNC School of Government Effective Supervisory Management Program – April 2017
• LGFCU Leading for Results Fellow, UNC School of Government – October 2019
• RC2 Certificate – Rural Capacity Program Grant Award ($49,999) – 2023
• Certified Local Government Finance Officer through 2027
• Member, North Carolina City and County Management Association
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Cozart shared:
“Serving 30 years in local government, with 24 of those years dedicated to the Town of Long View, has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together as a community. As I step away, my prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless Long View and guide its future.”
Mayor Eddie Marlowe stated:
“I appreciate the 26 years of service to the Town of Long View as the Finance Director leading into his role as the Town Manager. Thank you, James, for your dedication and leadership to the Town, its financial stability, and forward progression. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Alderman Genita Hill added:
“When I was elected to the Board of Aldermen, James made me feel so comfortable. First and foremost, we shared the love of Christ and after that, everything else felt comfortable. He has definitely been an invaluable asset to Long View!”
Mr. Cozart’s tenure has been marked by steady leadership, sound financial management, and a deep commitment to the residents and employees of Long View. His impact will be felt for years to come through the programs, policies, and progress achieved during his time with the Town.
The Town of Long View extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Cozart for his decades of dedicated service and wishes him continued blessings and fulfillment in his retirement.
Town of Long View
2404 1st Avenue SW
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 322-3921
www.longviewnc.gov
Facebook (townoflongviewnc)
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Town of Long View, North Carolina
Date: Friday, March 21, 2026
Town of Long View Announces Retirement of Town Manager James R. Cozart After 30 Years of Public Service
The Town of Long View announces the retirement of Town Manager James R. Cozart, effective June 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of an exceptional 30-year career in local government, including 24 years of dedicated service to the Town of Long View.
Mr. Cozart began his career in public service in April 1997 as a Customer Service Representative in the Finance Department for the City of Hickory. Through his commitment and strong work ethic, he advanced to the role of Accounting Technician.
In July 2002, Mr. Cozart joined the Town of Long View as the Accounts Payable Clerk, where he quickly demonstrated his leadership and financial expertise. He was promoted to Finance Director in March 2004, a role he faithfully served in for nearly two decades. In April 2023, Mr. Cozart stepped into the role of Interim Town Manager, and just three months later, in July 2023, he was officially appointed as Town Manager, where he has since led the Town with integrity, stability, and a deep commitment to
public service.
Throughout his career, Mr. Cozart has earned numerous professional certifications and recognitions, reflecting his dedication to excellence in local government, including:
• Intermediate Governmental Accounting – January 2002
• Municipal Administration Certification – April 2011
• Managing the Finance and Tax Office Certificate – September 2013
• UNC School of Government Effective Supervisory Management Program – April 2017
• LGFCU Leading for Results Fellow, UNC School of Government – October 2019
• RC2 Certificate – Rural Capacity Program Grant Award ($49,999) – 2023
• Certified Local Government Finance Officer through 2027
• Member, North Carolina City and County Management Association
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Cozart shared:
“Serving 30 years in local government, with 24 of those years dedicated to the Town of Long View, has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together as a community. As I step away, my prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless Long View and guide its future.”
Mayor Eddie Marlowe stated:
“I appreciate the 26 years of service to the Town of Long View as the Finance Director leading into his role as the Town Manager. Thank you, James, for your dedication and leadership to the Town, its financial stability, and forward progression. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Alderman Genita Hill added:
“When I was elected to the Board of Aldermen, James made me feel so comfortable. First and foremost, we shared the love of Christ and after that, everything else felt comfortable. He has definitely been an invaluable asset to Long View!”
Mr. Cozart’s tenure has been marked by steady leadership, sound financial management, and a deep commitment to the residents and employees of Long View. His impact will be felt for years to come through the programs, policies, and progress achieved during his time with the Town.
The Town of Long View extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Cozart for his decades of dedicated service and wishes him continued blessings and fulfillment in his retirement.
Town of Long View
2404 1st Avenue SW
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 322-3921
www.longviewnc.gov
Facebook (townoflongviewnc)
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