The town of Benson named its new interim town manager.

Tanner O’Quin, the town's current planning director, will fill the position while leaders still search for a permanent town manager. His appointment comes just two weeks after the town’s top two officials resigned.

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Benson has been at the "center of attention" after its finances were put in the spotlight by former town manager Dane Rideout, who resigned in May. Rideout previously held the position but resigned with a video circulated online of an outburst during a town meeting.

Former Assistant Town Manager Calla Godwin also resigned, citing a hostile work environment as her reason for leaving her role.

As interim town manager, officials said O'Quin will oversee day-to-day operations of the town and assist the Board of Commissioners in meeting the town’s needs.

"Priority number one is revitalizing the work culture and the environment here," O'Quin said.

O'Quin told WRAL News rebuilding relationships on the Board of Commissioners will come first, and the finances will follow.

“Our finance director has been doing a phenomenal job of moving the needle toward the green,” O’Quin said.

The town dipped into its general fund more than $2 million to make up for an under-performing utility fund several years in a row.

An independent auditor for the town says those funds are already headed in the right direction this year, but town leaders need to stay on top of it.

WRAL asked O’Quin why people should have confidence in him taking over this position.

“I think I can inspire some confidence in my staff to provide better services to the town and to provide accountability, and I think that starts with workplace and environment,” he said.

He also said transparency with the people who live here will be key.

O’Quin has held previous roles in Durham and Lee counties before being hired by the Town of Benson in April 2025.

“My role now will be split as I continue to operate as the planning director and interim manager. I have an amazing team that I can rely on to help steer the ship,” said O’Quin.

O'Quin will be officially sworn in on June 8 at 7 p.m.

As leaders continue searching for a permanent town manager, officials said their focus remains on maintaining high-quality public services, responsible financial management, pursuing economic development opportunities, and preparing for future growth.

The Mayor says they will use an outside firm to find the right candidate and hopes to have someone in place within the next six months.