City Manager
The City of Laurinburg operates under the Council-Manager form of government in which a professionally trained city manager is appointed and serves at the Council’s pleasure. The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer for City government and manages the City’s day-to-day operations of the City of Laurinburg based upon the goals and objectives adopted and policies and directives expressed by the elected Mayor and City Council. The City Manager is responsible for effective management, supervision and leadership of the department heads for the provision of efficient and cost-effective services. It is also expected that the City Manager develop creative and innovative solutions to complete projects and programs approved by the Mayor and City Council. Finally, the City Manager takes an oath to protect citizens’ safety, health and welfare by enforcing Federal, State and Local laws and regulations. You may contact Mr. Burchins by phone at (910)291-1727 or by email at eburchins@laurinburg.org.
Background and Experience
Ed Burchins began his tenure as Laurinburg City Manager on July 10, 2009. Before coming to Laurinburg, Burchins served two (2) years in the public sector as Senior Vice President for Springsted Incorporated, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Springsted works only for local governments mainly as an independent financial advisory firm with a division that develops economic development, pay and position plans, various budgetary and management studies for local governments throughout the United States.
Born in Delhi, NY, Burchins has lived in Sarasota, FL, Lafayette, LA, and Atlanta, GA. After graduating from the Town and County Administration Program at Appalachian State University, Burchins served as City Manager of Murfreesboro, Elkin, Washington and Newton, NC. Burchins was also City Manager for Florence, SC. Burchins has served on many advisory committees and commissions for local government, previously serving on the State of North Carolina Leadership Development Committee as well as numerous boards and commissions for the North Carolina League of Municipalities, ElectriCities, and as Secretary/Treasurer for the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency. Currently Burchins serves on the Board of Directors of the Laurinburg Downtown Revitalization Corporation, The Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency1. Burchins was recently appointed to the North Carolina League of Municipalities Planning and Environmental Legislative Action Committee.
Burchins has three (3) children. His oldest son Alex is a senior at Appalachian State University majoring in Accounting and Economics. His middle child Andrew is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, and his 15 year old daughter Molly attends Croatan High School and is a member of the swim team and varsity tennis team.