DURHAM — April 13, 1996, 9:31 a.m. EST After a five-month search, Durham County commissioners Friday chose the Henderson County manager as the new manager of Durham. David F. Thompson, 39, will assume his new duties May 6.

Prior to the Henderson post, Thompson was Stanly County manager, and he brings glowing reviews from former employers.

"He's probably the best manager in the state of North Carolina," said Michael Edney, a Henderson County commissioner.

Thompson is credited with overseeing the construction of a new Henderson County courthouse -- and of coming in $1 million under budget. He also developed a business park for the county situated just south of Asheville, instituting technological improvements and negotiating a regional water agreement.

That management experience gave him an edge in the competition for the $105,000 a year post.

Thompson says he will spend his first three months working on the budget, and looking for ways to increase revenues by improving tax collections and examining each expenditure.

"I'm someone who likes an environment that's changing and challenging," Thompson said