Kimberly Pickett Credentialed By International Local Government Management Organization

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Kimberly T. Pickett, Interim Town Manager of Smithfield, NC, recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Mrs. Pickett is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics and by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world. The organization’s 13,000 members in 27 countries also include educators, students, and other local government employees.

“Earning the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation through International City/County Management Association is a meaningful milestone in my career as a public servant. It reflects a commitment not only to professional excellence, but to ethical leadership and continuous growth in local government. I’m proud to serve as Interim Town Manager for Smithfield and to bring this level of dedication to the community I have called home since my childhood. This achievement is just as much about the people I work alongside every day as it is about me, and I look forward to continuing to serve with integrity, purpose, and passion,” Mrs. Pickett said.

To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

“Mrs. Pickett’s achievement of earning the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA is a tremendous accomplishment, not only for her personally but for the Town of Smithfield as a whole. This designation reflects the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence in local government. Her leadership, experience, and dedication to continuous improvement are a direct benefit to our community, and we are fortunate to have her serving Smithfield.”

Mrs. Pickett is qualified by sixteen years in local government, ten of those years being professional local government executive experience. Prior to her appointment in February 2026 as Interim Town Manager of Town of Smithfield, she served as Assistant Town Manager.

Mrs. Pickett has also made significant contributions to a number of other organizations, including: Johnston County Visitor’s Bureau where she has served as a board member since 2024, Downtown Smithfield’s Development Corporation, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, Benson’s Downtown Alliance, I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, Benson Chamber of Commerce, and Benson’s Veteran’s Helping Veteran’s. Finally, the organization closest to her heart is the Princeton Elementary PTA, where she has served for nine years, working alongside a dedicated group of parents to make her children’s school the best possible place for students and staff to learn, work, and grow each day.

(News Release)