Wake County Executive and Leadership Team

Heidi Baird, the Chief Executive Officer at Wake County, directs the overarching strategic vision for all government operations. Overseeing the implementation of policies set by the Board of Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across tax collection, health services, and public safety departments. This leadership role involves managing complex inter-departmental workflows to optimize service delivery for residents across the region. By fostering collaboration between administrative divisions, Heidi Baird drives efficiency in resource allocation and long-term planning. The Chief Executive Officer maintains accountability for fiscal health and operational transparency, ensuring that every public initiative meets rigorous standards. Through consistent engagement with community stakeholders, Baird secures the necessary support for large-scale infrastructure projects. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer shapes the future of local governance by prioritizing sustainable growth and high-quality public service outcomes for the entire population.

Donald Garner, the Chief Operating Officer at Wake County, oversees the practical execution of essential public services including parks administration, planning, and permitting. Managing the day-to-day logistics of these critical departments, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery remains consistent and accessible to all residents. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to reduce wait times and improve the quality of public interactions. Donald Garner directs the allocation of physical and financial resources to support the maintenance of local parks and the processing of land-use permits. By implementing data-driven management techniques, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the productivity of field teams and administrative staff alike. Garner monitors service performance against established benchmarks, driving continuous improvement in operational standards. Through the coordination of regional service centers, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the government maintains a reliable and responsive presence throughout the entire county territory.

Benjamin Canada, the Chief of Staff at Wake County, manages the daily administrative functions and executive priorities for the county government. Coordinating the flow of information between the Board of Commissioners and department heads, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic objectives receive proper attention and execution. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve decision-making speed and organizational agility. Benjamin Canada monitors the progress of key policy initiatives, providing critical oversight to ensure that all departments remain focused on core service delivery goals. By facilitating communication across the executive leadership team, the Chief of Staff resolves operational bottlenecks and promotes cross-functional synergy. Canada maintains a high level of focus on organizational performance metrics, driving improvements in administrative efficiency. Through meticulous management of executive schedules and priorities, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to address urgent community needs with precision and speed.

Jonathan Feldman, the Chief Information Officer at Wake County, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy required to support modern government operations. Overseeing the security and reliability of critical data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that tax collection, health records, and public service portals remain operational and protected. This role involves modernizing legacy software to improve user experience for residents and internal staff. Jonathan Feldman directs the implementation of cybersecurity protocols to safeguard sensitive information against emerging digital threats. By integrating advanced analytics into departmental workflows, the Chief Information Officer enables data-informed decision-making across the entire organization. Feldman manages the procurement and deployment of hardware and software solutions that drive efficiency in public service delivery. Through the development of scalable cloud-based platforms, the Chief Information Officer supports the long-term digital transformation goals of the county, ensuring that technology remains a catalyst for improved government responsiveness.

Sean Womack, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake County, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce management strategies for the entire government organization. Overseeing the recruitment of skilled professionals for roles in law enforcement, health services, and administration, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the county maintains a high-performing workforce. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that equip staff with the necessary skills to meet evolving public service demands. Sean Womack manages compensation structures and benefits packages to attract and retain top-tier talent in a competitive labor market. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and organizational stability. Womack monitors labor relations and workplace safety standards, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements. Through the implementation of modern HR information systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer streamlines personnel management, allowing the government to focus on delivering exceptional service to the community.

Dara Demi, the Chief Communications Officer at Wake County, manages the public messaging, media relations, and community outreach strategies for the government. Overseeing the dissemination of critical information regarding public health, tax deadlines, and community events, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that residents remain informed and engaged. This role involves developing multi-channel communication campaigns that reach diverse populations across the region. Dara Demi directs the creation of digital content and press releases to maintain transparency and build public trust in government initiatives. By monitoring public sentiment and media coverage, the Chief Communications Officer provides strategic guidance to the leadership team on effective communication tactics. Demi coordinates crisis communication efforts to provide timely updates during emergencies or significant public events. Through the management of the official government website and social media presence, the Chief Communications Officer drives public participation and ensures that the mission of the county remains clear and accessible to all citizens.