Wake County Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wake County has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, communications, and information technology.

Committed to public service excellence, Wake County delivers essential tax, library, park, and health services while maintaining robust planning and law enforcement infrastructure for all residents.

Leadership Roles at Wake County

  • Chief Executive Officer - Heidi Baird
  • Chief Operating Officer - Donald Garner
  • Chief of Staff - Ben Canada
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan Feldman
  • Chief of Staff & Sheriff - Alan Bumgardner
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sean Womack
  • Chief Communications Officer - Dara Demi
  • Deputy Director - Kathy Meyers
  • Deputy Director - Spencer Berg
  • Heidi Baird - Chief Executive Officer

    Heidi Baird, the Chief Executive Officer at Wake County, directs the overarching strategic vision for all government service delivery. Baird manages the alignment of departmental goals with the mandates set by the Board of Commissioners to ensure efficient tax collection and public resource allocation. By overseeing the integration of health, human services, and planning departments, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of operational accountability across the region. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to address evolving community needs and fiscal priorities. Heidi Baird drives the implementation of long-term policy initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of public programs. Ultimately, Baird fosters a culture of transparency and responsiveness that defines the administrative success of the organization.

    Donald Garner - Chief Operating Officer

    Donald Garner, the Chief Operating Officer at Wake County, architects the internal systems that support tax collection and administrative service delivery. Garner manages the logistical framework required to process public revenue and maintain government operational continuity. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that tax-funded services reach the community with maximum efficiency. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology and personnel resources into daily operations. Donald Garner monitors fiscal performance and operational throughput to identify bottlenecks in service delivery. Through the implementation of process improvements, the Chief Operating Officer drives organizational productivity and accountability. Ultimately, Garner strengthens the foundation of the government by ensuring that all administrative functions operate in harmony with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership team.

    Ben Canada - Chief of Staff

    Ben Canada, the Chief of Staff at Wake County, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between the Board of Commissioners and the administrative leadership. Canada coordinates high-level projects that span multiple departments, ensuring that strategic initiatives receive the necessary support and resources. By acting as a central point of contact, the Chief of Staff streamlines decision-making processes and enhances organizational agility. This role involves preparing policy briefings and managing the flow of information to the executive team. Ben Canada monitors the progress of key government mandates to ensure alignment with the broader mission of public service. Through the facilitation of cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of complex administrative tasks. Ultimately, Canada maintains the operational rhythm of the executive office, supporting the overall effectiveness of the government.

    Jonathan Feldman - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan Feldman, the Chief Information Officer at Wake County, directs the digital transformation and cybersecurity strategies for all government services. Feldman manages the infrastructure that supports tax collection, permitting, and public health data systems. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that residents have secure and reliable access to digital government resources. This role involves collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer to integrate technology into daily administrative workflows. Jonathan Feldman monitors emerging digital trends to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery across the region. Through the protection of sensitive data and the modernization of legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological advancement of the organization. Ultimately, Feldman secures the digital future of the government by providing the tools necessary for a modern, responsive public service environment.

    Alan Bumgardner - Chief of Staff & Sheriff

    Alan Bumgardner, the Chief of Staff & Sheriff at Wake County, oversees the integration of law enforcement operations with broader administrative and public safety strategies. Bumgardner directs the deployment of personnel and resources to maintain public order and safety across the region. By coordinating with the executive leadership team, the Chief of Staff & Sheriff ensures that law enforcement activities align with the overall mission of the government. This role involves managing complex safety protocols and responding to community-wide security challenges. Alan Bumgardner monitors operational performance within the sheriff's office to ensure compliance with legal standards and public expectations. Through the leadership of safety initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Sheriff drives the protection of residents and property. Ultimately, Bumgardner maintains the security infrastructure necessary for the stable functioning of the entire county.

    Sean Womack - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sean Womack, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake County, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce management strategies for the entire government. Womack manages the policies that govern recruitment, retention, and professional growth for thousands of public servants. By fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts the expertise required to deliver essential services. This role involves collaborating with department heads to address staffing needs and organizational development goals. Sean Womack monitors workforce metrics to identify trends in employee engagement and performance. Through the implementation of comprehensive training and benefits programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the operational capacity of the government. Ultimately, Womack secures the human capital necessary to sustain the mission of providing high-quality services to the community.

    Dara Demi - Chief Communications Officer

    Dara Demi, the Chief Communications Officer at Wake County, directs the public relations and community engagement strategies that define the government's relationship with residents. Demi manages the dissemination of information regarding tax services, public health initiatives, and local government programs. By architecting clear and consistent messaging, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the public remains informed and engaged with essential services. This role involves coordinating with the executive team to manage crisis communications and promote transparency in government operations. Dara Demi monitors public sentiment and media coverage to refine communication strategies across the region. Through the management of digital and traditional media channels, the Chief Communications Officer drives the reputation and accessibility of the organization. Ultimately, Demi secures public trust by maintaining open lines of communication and highlighting the impact of government services on daily life.

    Kathy Meyers - Deputy Director

    Kathy Meyers, the Deputy Director at Wake County, manages the operational execution of library services and local parks administration. Meyers coordinates daily activities across these public-facing departments to ensure accessibility and high-quality facility maintenance for the community. By streamlining resource distribution, the Deputy Director optimizes the impact of recreational and educational programs throughout the region. This role requires close coordination with the Chief Executive Officer to align departmental outputs with broader county objectives. Kathy Meyers monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for service expansion and operational efficiency. Through the management of public assets, the Deputy Director supports the mission of providing essential community resources. Ultimately, Meyers ensures that library and park services remain central to the public experience, reflecting the commitment of the government to resident well-being.

    Spencer Berg - Deputy Director

    Spencer Berg, the Deputy Director at Wake County, oversees the complex landscape of planning, permitting, and land-use regulation. Berg directs the administrative processes that govern regional development, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and long-term growth strategies. By managing the permitting workflow, the Deputy Director facilitates economic activity while protecting public interests and environmental standards. This leadership position involves frequent interaction with the Board of Commissioners to refine zoning policies and infrastructure development plans. Spencer Berg monitors the effectiveness of planning departments to ensure timely service delivery for developers and residents alike. Through the application of rigorous regulatory oversight, the Deputy Director maintains the integrity of the built environment. Ultimately, Berg secures the sustainable development of the region by balancing growth demands with the overarching public service mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wake County Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wake County?
    Wake County is led by Heidi Baird (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Donald Garner (Chief Operating Officer) and Ben Canada (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Wake County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wake County includes leaders such as Heidi Baird (Chief Executive Officer), Donald Garner (Chief Operating Officer), Ben Canada (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wake County have?
    Wake County has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wake County’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wake County includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff & Sheriff.