Salisbury, N.C., (Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016) -- Evans Ballard, Salisbury’s budget and benchmarking analyst, will assume the leadership role on an interim basis for Fibrant, the municipality’s city-owned fiber optic network, and its infrastructure services, effective immediately.

Ballard has been employed by the city for 14 years within the finance department. Throughout his tenure his responsibilities have included preparing annual operating and capital budgets; developing, coordinating and directing a city-wide performance measurement system; reviewing and analyzing departmental programs and operations; and conducting cost benefit, productivity and management analysis. With his strong background in analysis, Ballard has been a supporting presence in Fibrant’s financial management.

As interim director of broadband and infrastructure services, he will temporarily oversee the network and information services, which supports the City’s mission and vision of innovative technology. City Manager W. Lane Bailey has tasked Ballard to make Fibrant financially viable.

Ballard replaces Kent Winrich who held the broadband director position for slightly less than two years. Bailey accepted Winrich’s resignation late yesterday, and wishes him well in his future endeavors.