Golden Pinecone Award Goes To Smithfield’s Longtime Mayor

DURHAM – Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore has been recognized with one of the region’s highest honors, receiving the Golden Pinecone Award from the Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) during the group’s End of Year Celebration on December 4 in Durham.

Selma Mayor Byron McAllister, who also serves as president of the CPRC board, presented the award, praising Moore’s decades of leadership and his steady hand during some of Smithfield’s most challenging years. McAllister cited Moore’s long-term commitment to public service and his role in reshaping the town’s financial outlook, growth trajectory, and regional partnerships.

Mayor Moore has served the Town of Smithfield for more than 26 years, beginning as a councilmember before moving into the mayor’s office. In that time, he has helped steer the town through financial strain, sluggish development, and what were once among the highest utility and tax loads in Johnston County. Under his leadership, Smithfield has experienced a dramatic turnaround.

During the ceremony, CPRC leaders pointed to several major milestones achieved during Moore’s tenure, including thousands of new homes approved, significant industrial expansion, and an economic development project expected to bring more than 1,500 jobs to the area. They also noted the town’s strengthened financial position—including a general fund balance exceeding 100 percent—as well as some of the lowest utility rates and the lowest property tax rate among similar-sized communities in the county. Regional cooperation, especially in water and sewer planning, was highlighted as another cornerstone of his work. Moore has also played a key role in efforts to bring a Coastal Plains Baseball Team to Johnston County, a project touted as a future regional tourism and economic asset.

Officials emphasized that these accomplishments reflect not just individual initiatives, but nearly three decades of consistent and strategic leadership.

Accepting the award, Mayor Moore expressed gratitude to the town’s staff, council members past and present, and numerous community partners across Johnston County. “This award represents the work of so many people who love this town,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m honored to serve the people of Smithfield.”

The Golden Pinecone Award is one of the top honors given by the CPRC, which supports local governments through regional planning, collaboration, and shared initiatives aimed at strengthening communities across Central North Carolina.