City of Durham, NC Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

City of Durham, NC has 7 executives leading key functions including financial management, administrative operations, technology solutions, human resources, and municipal governance.

Committed to transparent public service, City of Durham, NC delivers essential infrastructure and community support through a council-manager structure that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and equitable economic development for all residents.

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 Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions - Richard Barbee
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Aaron Miley
  • Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology - Marcia Richardson
  • Honorary Member - Robert Smith
  • Kenneth Pennoyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenneth Pennoyer, the Chief Financial Officer at City of Durham, NC, directs the comprehensive fiscal strategy for the municipal government. Overseeing the annual budget process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between departmental spending and long-term economic development goals. This leadership role involves managing complex water resource funding and public safety allocations across 25 distinct departments. By optimizing revenue collection and expenditure tracking, Kenneth Pennoyer maintains the financial integrity of the city. Pennoyer coordinates with the City Council to authorize contracts and enact ordinances that support sustainable growth. Through rigorous oversight of municipal assets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the fiscal health required to deliver high-quality public services. This position demands constant vigilance regarding regional economic shifts, ensuring the city remains competitive while providing essential support to the workforce and community members throughout the North Carolina area.

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

    Sheilah Faucette, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance at City of Durham, NC, supports the execution of complex fiscal policies and budgetary oversight. Assisting in the management of municipal funds, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance ensures that departmental expenditures remain within authorized limits while supporting critical public safety and infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves detailed analysis of revenue streams and the preparation of financial reports for the City Council. Sheilah Faucette coordinates with internal stakeholders to streamline procurement processes and enhance financial transparency. By monitoring the daily fiscal health of the city, Faucette provides the data-driven insights necessary for informed decision-making. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer & Deputy Director, Finance plays a vital role in maintaining the city's creditworthiness and fiscal stability. Through meticulous attention to financial detail, Faucette ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet the diverse needs of the North Carolina community.

    Karmisha Wallace - Chief of Staff

    Karmisha Wallace, the Chief of Staff at City of Durham, NC, manages the daily operational flow between the City Manager and the various municipal departments. Coordinating high-level administrative initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy directives from the City Council translate into actionable public service outcomes. This role involves facilitating communication across the organization to maintain efficiency in workforce development and community engagement programs. Karmisha Wallace monitors the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that all 25 departments operate in harmony with the broader municipal mission. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the responsiveness of the government to resident needs. Wallace drives organizational excellence by aligning departmental goals with the council-manager structure. Through consistent engagement with leadership teams, the Chief of Staff fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, ultimately strengthening the operational capacity of the city to serve the diverse population of North Carolina.

    Richard Barbee - Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions

    Richard Barbee, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions at City of Durham, NC, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all municipal operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced technology systems, the Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions ensures secure and efficient data management across public safety and water resource departments. This leadership role involves modernizing digital platforms to improve community engagement and accessibility for residents. Richard Barbee directs the implementation of scalable software solutions that streamline budgeting and administrative workflows. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, Barbee protects critical municipal assets from emerging digital threats. The Chief Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical capabilities with the city's long-term strategic vision. Through continuous innovation, Barbee enhances the technological footprint of the city, ensuring that digital services remain robust and responsive to the evolving needs of the North Carolina region.

    Aaron Miley - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Aaron Miley, the Chief Human Resources Officer at City of Durham, NC, manages the talent lifecycle for several thousand municipal employees. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the city maintains a high-performing workforce capable of delivering essential public services. This leadership role involves designing equitable compensation structures and fostering an inclusive organizational culture across all 25 departments. Aaron Miley directs initiatives that support workforce development, ensuring that staff possess the skills necessary to meet the demands of a growing urban environment. By implementing robust performance management systems, Miley drives operational efficiency and employee engagement. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the City Manager to align human capital strategies with the city's broader policy goals. Through proactive talent management, Aaron Miley secures the human resources required to sustain the city's commitment to excellence and service delivery throughout the North Carolina area.

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

    Marcia Richardson, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology at City of Durham, NC, manages the maintenance and optimization of existing IT systems. Overseeing the daily technical support for municipal staff, the Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology ensures that essential software and hardware tools remain operational for public service delivery. This leadership role involves troubleshooting complex network issues and managing the transition to updated digital platforms. Marcia Richardson directs the IT team to provide reliable connectivity for departments ranging from budgeting to community engagement. By focusing on system stability and user support, Richardson minimizes downtime and enhances the productivity of the city's workforce. The Interim Chief Information Officer & Director, Information Technology collaborates with other leaders to ensure that technology investments align with immediate operational requirements. Through dedicated oversight, Richardson maintains the digital backbone of the city, supporting the seamless delivery of services to residents across the North Carolina region.

    Robert Smith - Honorary Member

    Robert Smith, the Honorary Member at City of Durham, NC, provides strategic guidance and historical context to the municipal leadership team. Serving as a bridge between the community and the government, the Honorary Member offers perspectives that inform policy discussions and public engagement initiatives. This leadership role involves participating in advisory sessions that shape the long-term vision for the city's growth and development. Robert Smith contributes to the council-manager structure by fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and community leaders. By leveraging extensive experience, Smith assists in navigating complex social and economic challenges facing the region. The Honorary Member supports the city's mission by promoting transparency and civic participation. Through consistent involvement in high-level planning, Robert Smith helps ensure that municipal decisions reflect the values and aspirations of the residents. This role remains essential for maintaining the strong connection between the government and the diverse population of North Carolina.

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    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 7 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 Information Officer & Director, Technology Solutions, Chief Human Resources Officer.