The Pinehurst City Council announced on Wednesday evening, September 17, 2025, that Robbie Hood will return as Interim City Administrator, following a settlement agreement with suspended City Administrator and Police Chief Stephen Stroud.
The decision came after a closed executive session between Stroud, his attorney, and the City Council. While the Council did not publicly disclose the settlement details, Councilman Dr. Mike Shahan made a motion for City Attorney Tommy Gunn to finalize the agreement and present it at the next council meeting.
Councilman Troy Pierce, who made the motion to rehire Hood, confirmed that he will return at Stroud’s previous salary of $72,000 plus benefits.
Hood, who previously served as Pinehurst’s City Administrator from 2015 to 2020, brings over 30 years of government experience. He most recently retired from his position as City Manager of Vidor, where he served for five years.
While Hood’s return marks a leadership transition, the position of Interim Police Chief remains unresolved. A motion by Councilman Shahan to table the matter was approved, and no current leadership announcement was made for the Pinehurst Police Department. When asked post-meeting, Mayor Sarah McClendon declined to comment.
The next City Council meeting is expected to include more details regarding Stroud’s settlement and potentially name interim leadership for the police department.