Cappola Sworn In As Interim Clayton Town Manager

Rich Cappola (center) is sworn is as Interim Town Manager by Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod (right) on Thursday, May 6. Standing between them is Rich’s wife Lauren, along with their three daughters

Rich Cappola was sworn in as the Interim Town Manager for the Town of Clayton on May 6 at 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Cappola, who has worked with the Town for the past four years, was joined by his wife, Lauren, and three daughters during a special swearing-in ceremony.

“I am looking forward to serving the Town of Clayton in the new role,” said Cappola. “I know that together we can continue the positive progress we’ve made this last year and keep Clayton moving forward.”

Cappola came to Clayton in 2017 as the Town’s first Director of Engineering & Inspections. He also served as Director of Public Services and, most recently, as Deputy Town Manger.

In his role as Deputy Manager, Cappola’s focus was on integrating the master planning, design, permitting, construction, and operations and management of the Town’s facilities and infrastructure.

Cappola has nearly 20 years of civil engineering, design and land-use planning experience, working in both municipal government and the private sector. He currently is completing a Master of Public Administration degree from North Carolina State University and holds a master’s degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from NC State as well as a Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University.

A Connecticut native, Cappola is a past president of the Stormwater Association of North Carolina and has served on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Regulatory Action Committee. He is a member of both the Southeast Storm Water Association and the American Public Works Association.