City of Durham, NC Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Durham, NC has 8 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, administrative operations, human capital management, and information technology infrastructure.

Committed to public service excellence, City of Durham, NC advances community development through transparent governance, sustainable fiscal management, and the delivery of essential municipal services to residents across the region.

Leadership Roles at City of Durham, NC

  • Chief Financial Officer - Kenneth Pennoyer
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance - Sheilah Faucette
  • Chief of Staff - Karmisha Wallace
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Aaron Miley
  • Chief Information Officer & Director - Kerry Goode
  • Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology - Marcia Richardson
  • Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions - Richard Barbee
  • Honorary Member - Robert Smith
  • Kenneth Pennoyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenneth Pennoyer, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Durham, NC, directs all fiscal operations and budgetary planning for the municipality. Overseeing the allocation of public funds, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state regulations while maintaining long-term economic stability. This leadership role involves managing complex revenue streams and coordinating with department heads to optimize resource distribution across various government sectors. By implementing rigorous auditing standards, Kenneth Pennoyer strengthens the financial integrity of the organization. Pennoyer monitors macro-level economic trends to inform policy decisions that support sustainable growth. Through precise fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to fund critical infrastructure projects and community programs. Ultimately, Pennoyer maintains the fiscal health of the city, ensuring that every dollar serves the public interest effectively while fostering transparency in all municipal financial reporting and accounting practices.

    Sheilah Faucette - Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance

    Sheilah Faucette, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance at City of Durham, NC, manages the daily accounting operations and financial reporting cycles for the municipality. Overseeing the internal audit processes, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance ensures that all departmental expenditures align with approved budgetary constraints. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to provide actionable insights for the executive team, facilitating informed decision-making regarding capital investments. By streamlining procurement procedures, Sheilah Faucette improves the efficiency of financial transactions across the government. Faucette monitors cash flow and debt management strategies to maintain the city's strong credit rating. Through rigorous oversight of financial records, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance guarantees compliance with governmental accounting standards. Ultimately, Faucette supports the broader financial strategy of the organization, ensuring that all fiscal operations remain transparent, accurate, and fully accountable to the public.

    Karmisha Wallace - Chief of Staff

    Karmisha Wallace, the Chief of Staff at City of Durham, NC, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all municipal departments. Managing the daily workflow of the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between strategic goals and operational execution. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve organizational efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. By fostering collaboration among department directors, Karmisha Wallace drives the implementation of city-wide initiatives that enhance public service delivery. Wallace oversees the integration of policy directives into actionable plans, ensuring that the executive office functions with maximum effectiveness. Through proactive problem-solving and stakeholder engagement, the Chief of Staff maintains operational continuity across the organization. Ultimately, Wallace supports the executive leadership in achieving long-term objectives, ensuring that all administrative functions remain focused on the core mission of providing high-quality government services to the residents of the region.

    Aaron Miley - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Aaron Miley, the Chief Human Resources Officer at City of Durham, NC, directs all talent acquisition, workforce development, and employee relations strategies. Overseeing the management of thousands of municipal staff members, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains top-tier professionals dedicated to public service. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs, implementing performance management systems, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. By aligning human capital strategies with the broader goals of the government, Aaron Miley drives organizational productivity and employee engagement. Miley monitors labor market trends to maintain competitive compensation structures that support the retention of essential personnel. Through the development of robust training initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer prepares the workforce for evolving municipal challenges. Ultimately, Miley secures the human infrastructure necessary for the city to deliver consistent, high-quality services to the community while maintaining strict adherence to labor laws.

    Kerry Goode - Chief Information Officer & Director

    Kerry Goode, the Chief Information Officer & Director at City of Durham, NC, architects the digital infrastructure and data security frameworks for the entire municipal government. Overseeing the modernization of legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer & Director ensures that all departments utilize secure, efficient technology to serve the public. This leadership role involves managing large-scale digital transformation projects that enhance transparency and accessibility for residents. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, Kerry Goode protects sensitive government data from emerging threats. Goode coordinates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative overhead. Through the deployment of scalable cloud platforms, the Chief Information Officer & Director supports the city's ability to provide seamless digital services. Ultimately, Goode drives the technological evolution of the organization, ensuring that all information systems remain robust, reliable, and capable of supporting the complex needs of a growing urban population.

    Marcia Richardson - Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology

    Marcia Richardson, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology at City of Durham, NC, directs the maintenance and optimization of existing IT hardware and software environments. Overseeing the technical support teams, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology ensures that all municipal employees have reliable access to essential digital tools. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of IT assets and coordinating the rapid resolution of technical disruptions that could impact public service delivery. By prioritizing system uptime and network stability, Marcia Richardson maintains the operational continuity of critical government functions. Richardson collaborates with department heads to identify specific technology needs and implements targeted solutions that improve workflow efficiency. Through the management of IT service desks and infrastructure maintenance, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology secures the foundational digital environment. Ultimately, Richardson ensures that all technology resources remain functional and aligned with the immediate operational requirements of the city.

    Richard Barbee - Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions

    Richard Barbee, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions at City of Durham, NC, focuses on the development and deployment of innovative software applications that improve citizen engagement. Overseeing the software engineering teams, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions architects custom digital platforms that simplify public access to government records and services. This leadership role involves integrating emerging technologies, such as data analytics and automation, to enhance the responsiveness of municipal departments. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Richard Barbee drives the creation of user-centric digital experiences for the community. Barbee coordinates with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure that all technology solutions meet high standards of usability and performance. Through the strategic application of software development, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions expands the city's digital footprint. Ultimately, Barbee delivers advanced technical tools that empower residents and streamline the delivery of essential government services.

    Robert Smith - Honorary Member

    Robert Smith, the Honorary Member at City of Durham, NC, provides strategic advisory support and historical context to the executive leadership team. Overseeing the preservation of institutional knowledge, the Honorary Member ensures that current policy initiatives remain consistent with the long-term vision of the municipality. This leadership role involves participating in high-level discussions regarding community development and public policy, offering perspectives that bridge past successes with future goals. By acting as a liaison between the government and long-standing community stakeholders, Robert Smith fosters trust and continuity in public relations. Smith contributes to the evaluation of major civic projects, providing guidance that reflects the enduring values of the city. Through the provision of expert counsel, the Honorary Member supports the executive team in navigating complex social and political landscapes. Ultimately, Smith maintains the integrity of the city's mission, ensuring that all strategic decisions respect the community's heritage while promoting progress.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding City of Durham, NC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads City of Durham, NC?
    City of Durham, NC is led by Kenneth Pennoyer (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sheilah Faucette (Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance) and Karmisha Wallace (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of City of Durham, NC’s executive team?
    The executive team of City of Durham, NC includes leaders such as Kenneth Pennoyer (Chief Financial Officer), Sheilah Faucette (Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance), Karmisha Wallace (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does City of Durham, NC have?
    City of Durham, NC has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in City of Durham, NC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of City of Durham, NC includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Information Officer & Director.