Smithfield Planning Director Accepts Position In Rolesville

SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Planning Director Stephen Wensman has left his position after eight years with the town to take a new job as planning director for the Town of Rolesville.

Wensman’s departure took effect last week. He officially began his new role in Rolesville on January 12, where he is overseeing planning operations for one of Wake County’s fastest-growing communities.

Wensman joined the Town of Smithfield in November 2017, arriving from the St. Paul, Minnesota area, where he served as planning director for the rapidly growing suburb of Lake Elmo. He was hired during a transition period for the department following the retirement of longtime Planning Director Paul Embler and a term led by Interim Planning Director Steve Medlin.

During his tenure in Smithfield, Wensman guided development review, parks planning and long-range planning efforts as the town experienced continued residential and commercial growth.

A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Wensman holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Master of Public Administration and is a certified planner through the American Planning Association’s American Institute of Certified Planners.