LONG VIEW — The Town of Long View announced March 21, 2026, that Town Manager James R. Cozart will retire effective June 30, 2026, ending a 30-year local-government career, including 24 years with Long View.
Cozart began in April 1997 as a customer-service representative in the City of Hickory Finance Department and later became an accounting technician, the town said. He joined Long View in July 2002 as accounts payable clerk, was promoted to finance director in March 2004, became interim town manager in April 2023, and was appointed town manager in July 2023.
Certifications and recognitions listed by the town include 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; and membership in the North Carolina City and County Management Association.
“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,” Cozart said. “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 said: “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 said: “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!”
Town Hall is listed at 2404 1st Avenue SW, Hickory, NC 28602, phone 828-322-3921. The March 21 notice does not name a successor; the later April 24 appointment of Melissa Lalonde as interim manager was used in pack 1 and is not retold here.
Official release from Town of Long View, March 21, 2026. https://www.longviewnc.gov/news_detail_T21_R28.php
