The Town of Tryon has created a new position for a variety of duties and welcomed its new hire this week.

Tryon Town Council met Tuesday, May 19 and introduced Paula Kempton as the town’s new community development director.

Tryon Town Manager Joey Davis said for the last few months during the town’s budget process, council has discussed the creation of a community development director who will be in charge of a few tasks for the town. Two of those tasks are to serve as the town’s code enforcer, which Davis has been handling, as well as the town’s grant administrator.

Other duties for the new position include economic development and storm water management.

Davis said the town received seven applications and interviewed three candidates for the new position.

The new position eliminates the town’s former part-time economic development director position, held by Crys Armbrust. Armburst will work and help transition Kempton into her new position until June 20. Kempton begins her employment on June 1 in order to work with Armbrust on his current projects.

For the past 16 years Kempton worked with the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (IPDC), which has worked with Tryon on several projects. Kempton has written and administered grants for Tryon through IPDC, with the most recent projects being the East Livingston Street rehabilitation project and the East Howard Street sewer line project.

Commissioners and Tryon Mayor Jim Wright welcomed Kempton to the new position, saying they look forward to working with her.

Commissioner and mayor pro-tem Roy Miller said he thinks Davis made a wise decision in choosing Kempton for the position. He said he’s worked with Kempton since 2005 and is a hard worker and a go-getter.

“I thank you so much for this opportunity,” Kempton told council on Tuesday. “I’m very excited to work with the Town of Tryon. I feel like I’ve come home.”

Davis said he’s budgeted the new position’s salary for $49,000 for the upcoming 2015-2016 budget.

The new position’s salary will be shared between all departments. The town has discussed the position’s ability to partially pay for itself with the potential of grant awards.