A Historic Appointment for Long View
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Town of Long View Appoints Melissa Lalonde as Interim Town Manager
Long View, NC — At its regularly scheduled meeting on April 13, 2026, the Town of Long View Board of Aldermen unanimously appointed Finance Director Melissa Lalonde to serve as Interim Town Manager, effective July 1, 2026, following the retirement of Town Manager James Cozart.
With this appointment, Lalonde will make history as the first female Interim Town Manager for the Town of Long View.
A lifelong resident of Glen Alpine, Lalonde resides with her husband, Scott, and their two doodles, Rebel and Waylon. Her daughter, Allison, lives in Raleigh with her husband. In her spare time, Lalonde enjoys traveling and taking her dogs for rides.
Lalonde joined the Town of Long View as Finance Director in September 2023. Prior to that, she served as the Town Administrator and Finance Officer for the Town of Glen Alpine for three and a half years. She brings more than 22 years of finance experience to the role. Lalonde also holds her Certified Municipal Clerk designation and is currently pursuing her Local Government Finance Officer Certification through the UNC School of Government.
“I am excited to step into the role of Interim Town Manager for the Town of Long View,” said Lalonde. “With a strong team in place, I look forward to continuing our progress and advancing Long View’s future together.”
Outgoing Town Manager James Cozart expressed strong confidence in Lalonde’s leadership.
“I couldn't be more pleased to see Melissa Lalonde step into the role of Interim Town Manager upon my retirement on June 30, 2026,” said Cozart. “I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand her dedication, professionalism, and deep understanding of local government through her prior experience in town management, finance, and as town clerk for Glen Alpine. She truly cares about the Long View community, and that shows in everything she does. Melissa is a tremendous asset to the Town of Long View, and I have every confidence she will do an amazing job leading the town forward.”
The Town of Long View looks forward to a seamless leadership transition and continued progress under Lalonde’s guidance.
Town of Long View
2404 1st Ave SW
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 322-3921
www.longviewnc.gov | Facebook (townoflongviewnc)
News Release #8- 2026
Contact: Heather T. Minor, CMC, NCCMC
Title: Town Clerk/Public Relations Director
Town of Long View (828) 322-3921 | heather.minor@longviewnc.gov