CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton has selected Alicia Thomas to serve as the new Development Services Manager. She officially began her role on Monday, August 26.
“With more than eight years of experience in urban planning, zoning compliance, and project management, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role,” said Clayton Deputy Town Manager Lee Barbee. “Her expertise in managing development projects and her commitment to fostering collaborative relationships will be key assets as we work together to meet the needs of Clayton’s residents and businesses.”
According to Barbee, Thomas will play a pivotal role in facilitating land development entitlement processes and managing the timelines and submittal requirements associated with obtaining necessary permits and approvals across various departments, primarily the Planning, Engineering, and Building Inspections Departments. Her focus will be on ensuring that development processes are predictable, consistent, and timely while fostering strong relationships with property owners, community members and developers.
Thomas joins the Town of Clayton from the City of Raleigh, where she has held several key positions in the Planning Department, including Senior Planner in both Current and Comprehensive Planning. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to streamlining development review processes and ensuring that zoning and permitting procedures are both efficient and transparent. Her leadership in these areas has not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced customer satisfaction for a diverse range of stakeholders.
“I am thrilled to join the Town of Clayton during this exciting time,” said Thomas. “Clayton is a vibrant community with a commitment to sustainable development, and I look forward to working with Town leadership, staff, and the community to thoughtfully shape Clayton’s future in a way that reflects our shared vision.”
Thomas holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. Her commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by her certifications in Project Management for Leaders and Customer Service Foundations from LinkedIn Learning.
In addition to her technical expertise, Thomas is known for her leadership and mentorship skills. At the City of Raleigh, she was instrumental in training new staff, developing comprehensive training manuals, and fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.
“Clayton remains the fastest-growing town in Johnston County, and Thomas comes at a critical time as it continues to expand and evolve,” said Barbee. “We are confident that her extensive experience and commitment to excellence will be invaluable in shaping Clayton’s future.”
