Stallings Promoted To Clayton Deputy Town Manager

CLAYTON, N.C. – The Town of Clayton has named Economic Development Director Joseph Stallings as its new deputy town manager.

During his time with the Town, Stallings has worked to advance Clayton’s economic development priorities, strengthen relationships with businesses and community partners, and position the town for continued economic growth.

“Joe has quickly proven himself to be a thoughtful, strategic, and highly effective leader,” Clayton Town Manager Rich Cappola said. “He understands how the decisions we make today affect our residents, businesses, and organization for years to come. His ability to build partnerships, manage complex initiatives, and bring people together around a shared vision makes him an excellent fit for this role. This is a tremendous opportunity for Clayton, and I am excited to see the impact Joe will have as Deputy Town Manager.”

Stallings brings more than a decade of experience in economic development, public administration, strategic planning, downtown development and public-private partnerships.

His work has required close coordination with municipal departments, elected officials, property owners, businesses, developers, regional organizations and state agencies.

According to Cappola, that experience will transfer directly to Stallings’ new leadership role, where he will help support town operations, advance organizational priorities and strengthen collaboration across departments.

His understanding of both municipal government and the private-sector development process will also provide perspective as Clayton works to deliver services and make long-term decisions for the community.

“Serving the Town of Clayton as Economic Development Director has given me the opportunity to work with an incredible group of employees, business owners, community partners, and residents,” Stallings said. “I am honored to take on this new responsibility and continue serving a community that I have come to care deeply about. I look forward to building on the Town’s successes, supporting our employees, and working alongside the leadership team to ensure Clayton remains a great place to live, work, and do business.”

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Stallings holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Town, City and County Management.

He is also a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration program and has completed professional development through the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

Stallings’ promotion comes exactly 18 months after he joined the Town of Clayton as economic development director.

He succeeds former Deputy Town Manager Courtney Tanner, who retired in December 2025.

During the transition, Stallings will retain oversight of the Economic Development Department until a new director is hired.

Stallings began serving as deputy town manager Monday, Aug. 10.