Jody McLeod
Title: Mayor
Municipality: Town of Clayton
Position Interested In: Second Vice President
Tell us why you would like to serve in a leadership position at the League. In particular, specify goals you would like to accomplish as an officer or board member and indicate how, if attained, they will help to achieve Vision 2030 – the League’s future vision of how cities and towns will operate in 2030.
I would like to continue to serve in a leadership position because I firmly believe local government is the best form of government. Local elected officials connect and interact with citizens daily. The overwhelming majority of local elected official training that I received was provided by North Carolina League of Municipalities. The tremendous value I received from the education and training experiences by the League directly provided enhanced quality of life benefits for my community and town.
Goals I would like to see accomplished include continuing #Working as One and Advancing All. The education opportunities provided by the League for elected officials in all cities and towns regardless of region or population in North Carolina is one method to achieve stronger outcomes for all. Another area of focus would be to work to forward the 2030 City Vision by building on the existing strong relationships in the private sector and with other counties and governments. The construction of a new facility that will house the NCLM will require visionary leadership that is able to forecast well into the future. And finally, promote the NCLM statewide through marketing and branding in order to grow membership. By accomplishing these goals, the NCLM would continue to have a far-reaching impact by improving the quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina.
Tell us about your experience as a municipal official. You may want to include information on your service on the municipal governing body, other related boards and special areas of interest.
As a seasoned mayor, the majority of my tenure has been to navigate the fastest growing town in the fastest growing county in North Carolina. With my twenty plus years as an elected official, I have learned to navigate the nuances of every area of public service. The success I have experienced has required the development of strong partnerships and relationships on many levels. Visionary leadership, the development of numerous teams through relationship building, and a steadfast commitment to creativity have been the guiding principles in my work as an elected official.
Tell us about your educational background, professional experience, and/or community or civic activities.
I earned a Batchelor of Science in Management from East Carolina University in 1991 with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business. Prior to graduating I purchased the second oldest florist in North Carolina. The opportunity to use my formal education to reinvigorate a small business that had completed the business cycle was exciting and rewarding. As a local retail business owner, I understand the value of connecting with my community which resulted in my decision to run for office. My first public service experience was in 1994 when I was elected as the first young person to the Clayton Town Council and subsequently serving as Mayor Pro Tem for two years.
Additional community activities include membership in the Clayton Rotary Club, The Clayton Camber of Commerce and membership at Clayton First Baptist Church. I am most proud of my recognition for perfect attendance for over a decade in Sunday School. (Thanks Mom!)
Have You Participated in Any NCLM Events or Committees?
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CityVision Annual Conference
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Town & State Dinner or Town Hall Days
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Legislative Goals Planning Events or Process
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Regional Meetings
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Legislative Lobby Days
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Affiliate Organizations: North Carolina Mayors Association
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Served on a committee to explore the creation of the association and currently attend meetings with the association.
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Please provide any other information you would like the Nominations Committee to consider.
My loyalty and service to NCLM is deep and strong. At this juncture in my life, I have the unique benefit of time to invest in providing my service and leadership to the membership of the NCLM. I would provide a unique next level perspective that offers creativity, commitment and effective communication to benefit the continued success of NCLM.
