The Town of Clayton has hired their first director of engineering and inspections. Rich Cappola, who has most recently been the Town Engineer for Morrisville, will begin work in Clayton on May 30th.
Cappola will oversee anything that is built in Clayton including houses, office buildings, grocery stores, water lines, sewer lines, and roads.
He brings more than 15 years experience in civil engineering, design and land-use planning experience to Clayton.
“Rich breaks the mold of an engineer,” said Clayton Town Manager Adam Lindsay. “He’s got all the technical capability of a civil engineer, but it’s coupled with an awesome, dynamic personality. He really connected with our staff during the hiring assessment process, and we’re just thrilled that he’ll be here.”
A huge asset Cappola brings to Clayton is his extensive experience in storm water management and modeling.
“A focus on storm water is essential for development, and there’s a big emphasis on that in North Carolina now,” said Cappola. He developed the Storm water Program for Morrisville, a town, just like Clayton, that is required by the state to implement a plan to eliminate pollution discharge in order to comply with the federal Clean Water Act. “Development impacts the environment, and stormwater engineering is the key to minimizing flooding, erosion, and damage for residents and businesses.”
Rich grew up in Connecticut and received his Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University. He’s currently finishing a Masters of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University, studying under Dr. Bill Hunt, considered by many as the storm water technology guru. Rich is wrapping up his year-long term as President of the Storm water Association of North Carolina. He serves on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Regulatory Action Committee and is a member of both the Southeast Storm Water Association and the American Public Works Association.
Keeping him busy at home are his three little girls – ages 6, 4 and 1½. He and his wife were excited to learn that the Town of Clayton values a healthy work-life balance.
“During my interview process, I got to talk with the staff and get a sense of the culture and people – it was very positive,” he said. “Clayton’s been on my radar as a growing community, but I also value that it’s very family-based…very community-based. Even though I worked for 10 years in a large private-sector firm, I’ve always preferred working with a smaller, community feel.”
