Tony Caudle receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

Published on May 23, 2025

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After a career totaling more than 1,400 city council meetings — more than half attributable to the City of Wilmington — City Manager Tony Caudle attended his final one Tuesday evening. To mark the occasion, he was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest honor an individual can receive from the state of North Carolina.

Gov. Josh Stein wrote in remarks read by Mayor Bill Saffo that “since 1963, North Carolina's governors have reserved the highest honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”

The mayor went on to note some of Tony's major successes including downtown redevelopment, securing the new city hall, fortifying emergency preparedness and recovery and achieving the very ambitious goals of city councils.

“Tony has consistently demonstrated that when working together, we can achieve great things for this great community,” Saffo said.

Notable recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine include Maya Angelou, actor Andy Griffith, NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, and civil rights leader Coretta Scott King.

“What we've done has been nothing short of amazing, but it's all been on their shoulders and their backs,” Tony said about city staff upon receiving the award. “I honestly say, ‘Thank you very much. This is for all ya’ll, it's not for me.'”

At the end of Tony's final meeting, City Council members all thanked him for his service, his humility, his willingness to “look at all the issues from all angles,” and his guidance. They all wished him a peaceful, enjoyable retirement after 44 years of work in local government.