Esther Manheimer, '94

Mayor & Attorney The Van Winkle Law Firm, Asheville, North Carolina

“The MPA Program taught me how to listen to and understand where others are coming from. These skills are required to be an effective leader—and are helping me to navigate my community into the future.”

Esther Manheimer was interested in local government even before enrolling in the Carolina MPA program and her internship with the city of Asheville. It grew after law school as a new attorney staffing a local government committee for the North Carolina General Assembly and when she returned to Asheville, appearing before planning commissions representing land use clients and working on the Asheville Board of Adjustment.

Manheimer was elected to the Asheville City Council in 2009 and mayor in 2013. She says, “As mayor, much of my time is spent listening to people. Then I hope to bring my skills to the table to help shape the direction my community wants to go in.”

Professional Experience:

• Mayor, City of Asheville, North Carolina
• City Council Member, City of Asheville, North Carolina
• Attorney, The Van Winkle Law Firm, Asheville, North Carolina
• Attorney, North Carolina General Assembly, Research Division
• Legal Clerk, North Carolina General Assembly; The Van Winkle Law Firm; Attorney General’s Office, and City of Asheville
• Program Director, Madison County, North Carolina, Community Development Corporation