CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton has hired Joshua Baird as its new Water Resources Director. Baird brings a wealth of experience and expertise in water resource management and will be pivotal in ensuring the Town’s water systems are efficient, sustainable, and capable of supporting the community’s growth.
As the Water Resources Director, Baird will oversee a department of almost 30 public-facing employees responsible for maintaining over 146 miles of water lines and 173 miles of sewer lines that provide service to around 30,000 residents. The department’s work spans numerous fields, such as backflow, irrigation, sewer maintenance, and water quality.
Since September 2019, Baird has been serving as the Town’s Engineering Director. Then in November 2023, he stepped in and assumed a dual role as Interim Water Resource Director with the sudden passing of Byron Poelman who held various positions over his 26-year career in Clayton.
“Joshua Baird embodies the spirit of innovation and stewardship that defines our community’s approach to water resources,” said Town Manager Rich Cappola. “He has demonstrated dedication and expertise in his previous role with the Town, and with this promotion, we’re poised to navigate the current and future needs of our community with confidence.”
With 15 years of experience, 10 of which are in local government, Baird has worked with IQVIA (formerly Quintiles), the North Carolina State University Stormwater Engineering Group, and the Town of Morrisville. He’s a Licensed Professional Engineer whose work is cited in two publications within the water quality field, and he’s part of The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Strategic Management Practices Committee, which helps establish industry standards of rate setting and management practices.
Currently, Baird is pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he’s expected to graduate next year. He holds a master’s degree in engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering and a minor in water resources and a bachelor’s degree in zoology from North Carolina State University. Additionally, Baird received a Construction Management Diploma certificate and a Watershed Assessment and Restoration certificate.
“I’m excited to leverage my diverse background in engineering, biological sciences, and water quality coupled with my local government experience to lead a team through the challenges faced by a rapidly growing utility while holding true to providing the highest-level service to the customers,” said Baird.
To fulfill his new role, which officially began on May 6, Baird is stepping away from his duties as Engineering Director.
