Governing magazine has named Debra Campbell, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Director, one of its 2007 Public Officials of the Year. The publication bestows the honor upon appointed or career officials in state and local government, who have shown leadership, advanced innovative policies and achieved results.
Campbell was recognized for her passion for neighborhood development and her work in revitalizing struggling urban areas and using mass transit to build a more livable community. In addition to being profiled in the magazine, she and her eight co-recipients will be honored at a dinner November 7 in Washington D.C. Other 2007 recipients include Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton.
"It is a tremendous honor to receive such recognition," said Campbell. "I accept it on behalf of the elected and senior City staff, who have understood the merits of prudent land use decision-making and have been willing to set forth a framework of policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Charlotte community."
"Debra's recognition is truly deserved," said City Manager Curt Walton. "For Debra, her role as planning director is much more than a job. Her leadership in the transit corridors, and in some of our most fragile neighborhoods, demonstrates that she truly cares about the Charlotte community and won't settle for anything less than quality development for the citizens she serves."
Campbell was appointed planning director in May 2004. Since joining the City in 1988, she has served as a senior community planner, planning coordinator, planning manager and assistant planning director. Campbell has more than 24 years of experience in the field of transportation/land use integration, transit station area planning and development, neighborhood and business corridor revitalization, housing and community development and urban planning.
Campbell is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where she received a master's in Public Administration in 1980 and a bachelor's in Urban Planning in 1978. She serves on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations including Charlotte Center City Partners, the Center for Real Estate, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation For the Carolinas, Metropolitan YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Catawba Lands Conservancy.
Governing is a monthly magazine for state and local government officials. With 85,000 subscribers and more than 275,000 readers each month, the magazine focuses on boards, policies and operations of city, county and state governments.
