Hickory City Attorney Crone to leave post end of June

Longtime Hickory City Attorney John Crone will be stepping away from his position with the City of Hickory on June 30. 

Crone announced in December 2022 that he would be leaving his role with the Hickory City Council in 2023, but would continue practicing law locally.

“On behalf of the Hickory City Council, I express our sincere appreciation for John’s legal counsel, guidance, support, and dedicated service over the years as City Attorney,” said Hickory Mayor Hank Guess.

Crone has served as the City Attorney for Hickory for 28 years. He was appointed by the Hickory City Council, which will also be in charge of hiring Crone’s replacement. The City Attorney and the City Manager are the only two staff positions that report directly to the Council.

“It has been my honor to represent the City of Hickory, Mayor, and City Council,” stated Crone. “As a Hickory native, born and raised here, I was always humbled to serve my community. I know the City Council will find someone that enjoys the job as much as I have.”

Crone said he is looking forward to helping the Council and staff facilitate a smooth transition as he prepares to leave.

Crone will continue to practice law as a member of Young, Morphis, Bach, & Taylor, LLP, where he specializes in real estate transactions, estate planning, business law, and civil litigation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Wake Forest University.