Veteran Leader Returns with a Deep-Rooted Commitment to Community and Progress
Lee Rollins has taken on a new role with familiar surroundings. After a wide-ranging career that has touched the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, he’s back where it all began—as Mocksville’s town manager.
A lifelong Mocksville resident, Rollins has always felt a deep connection to the town and its people. “I love Mocksville. I live here, grew up here, and I’m only a five-minute walk from Town Hall,” he said. “I was fortunate to be elected to the town council, where I served for two years, and was appointed to the community college board. I understand how the moving parts work, and I want to help make this community even better than it is today.”
From Economic Development to Executive Leadership
Rollins launched his professional path as the first full-time director of the Davie County Chamber of Commerce after earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from High Point University. His early work put him side-by-side with then-Mocksville Town Manager Terry Bralley, collaborating on economic development efforts.
That exposure led Rollins to become Bralley’s assistant while also completing training through the UNC School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration program and the Economic Development Institute.
His career later pivoted to the private sector, where he spent 15 years at Mocksville Savings and Loan (later StoneStreet Bank) and Baker Furniture in various leadership roles. A health challenge in 2008 led to reflection and prayer with his wife, Melissa, and ultimately a renewed call to public service.
Public Service Through Purpose and Partnership
Rollins went on to serve as the town manager of Bermuda Run from 2009 to 2022, then worked as a consultant with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. Most recently, he was the inaugural executive director of the Resource Institute, a nonprofit supporting local governments in securing grant funding.
“I enjoyed it immensely,” Rollins said of his time at the Institute, “but when Ken Gamble retired as Mocksville Town Manager, several people reached out and encouraged me to apply. I feel like this job brings me full circle.”
His connection to Mocksville is personal and generational. His father, Bruce Rollins, managed the BC Moore department store, while his mother, Anne, worked in local banking. “My mom and dad taught me to serve and give back to the community,” he recalled. “Dad was also a member of the Optimist Club, and I remember helping mow the grass and painting an emergency room at Davie County Hospital.”
Planning for Progress with a Hometown Heart
Rollins steps into the town manager role with a clear set of priorities, including updates to the town’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances, and a downtown master plan to boost Mocksville as a regional destination.
“A comprehensive plan allows the opportunity for public input and will become our renewed marching orders for the next five years,” he said.
Rollins is a strong believer in public/private partnerships. “Over the last 30 years, I’ve seen our successes, such as partnerships to bring a community college campus to our little county, and partnerships to bring in the YMCA. Public/private partnerships are the way we roll. Everyone has finite resources, but when you come together, you multiply those resources to create transformative projects.
“I applaud the current Board of Commissioners for the strategic purchase of the Energy United property and their vision for a transformative public-private partnership. By leveraging private investment, we can generate a multiplier effect in economic development—bringing new housing, retail, and office space that meets community needs and strengthens our tax base.”
Rollins also highlighted cost-effective strategies already in motion, such as outsourcing water services and law enforcement.
“These decisions just make sense,” he explained. “We would have had to build a new water plant or regionalize water services. Purchasing water from Davie County will reduce the long-term percentage increase in rates for Mocksville customers. The Town is paying for capacity in the Davie County water plant. It’s a win-win. And with law enforcement, Sheriff Hartman has demonstrated we have more coverage now than when we operated our own police department.”
Focused on Smart Growth and Strong Foundations
Looking to the future, Rollins wants to continue the momentum of sustainable growth. “Our top 10 taxpayers represent 40% of the tax base—all industrial users. People wonder how Mocksville’s been able to keep its tax rate low at .29 per $100 for years. It’s because of the people who envisioned taking water and sewer up to the I-40/601 intersection.”
“That economic development multiplier effect is huge,” he said. “We want to take downtown Mocksville to the next level. The way to do that is to thoughtfully—and I emphasize thoughtfully—add rooftops. It’s all about thoughtful growth while keeping the feel of Small Town USA.”
Open Doors, Transparent Government
Rollins places high value on openness and community engagement. The town regularly updates its social media, publishes budgets and audits online, and posts public meetings to YouTube.
“Only economic development projects, real estate transactions, and personnel matters are exempt from public record due to state statute,” he noted. “Everything else is open.”
He sees his role as a conduit between the board and town staff. “Town growth is predicated on the board of commissioners’ vision and policies. A town manager is a consultant and policy implementer. My job is to provide them with information and as many diverging viewpoints as possible, and then work with my team to implement it.”
He also emphasized his open-door policy and hands-on management style. “Part of my management style is walking around and engaging with people. I’m a resident, too. I’m invested in this community and open to having conversations with folks about how to make it even better,” he said. “I’ll hear problems, but I also like to hear solutions. I have a direct phone line, and my commitment is always to return calls.”
He’s also committed to fostering a unified team across departments. “We want to be as proactive and customer-focused as possible.”
Faith, Family, and Giving Back
Rollins and his wife Melissa, who continues to work at her family’s long-standing business, Daniel Furniture, are proud parents of two. Their son, Bo, works in Mocksville for a company that supports janitorial services for the school system, and their daughter, Lillie, is pursuing a degree in Early Elementary Education at Appalachian State University. “It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if she chose to come back here to teach,” he said with a smile.
The family attends First Baptist Church of Mocksville, where Rollins helps lead the 11 a.m. choir. He has been active with Family Promise of Davie County since it began in 2014 and plans to rejoin the Rotary Club of Mocksville.
“I am a person of faith, and my faith drives my decision-making,” he said. “That is my feeble attempt to live a life of serving others. The opportunity to give back and my faith walk have led me to public service.”
Leading with Purpose, Listening with Heart
Rollins’ goals are both practical and personal. As town manager, he aims to create an environment where staff feel supported and residents feel heard.
“My long-term goal is to create an environment where people want to work for the town, while also ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and best-in-class services. We will always seek process improvements,” he said.
To reach Town Manager Lee Rollins, email lrollins@mocksvillenc.gov or call (336) 753-6701.
