Media Facilitators

To support timely and accurate reporting, the Town of Clayton offers dedicated media facilitators to assist with inquiries, coverage coordination, and access to information.

Nathanael Shelton, Communication Director

Nathanael Shelton Headshot 2025Nathanael Shelton serves as the Communication Director for the Town of Clayton, NC, where he leads public outreach, strategic messaging, media relations, and digital communication efforts. With over a decade of experience in journalism and government communication, he has developed expertise in social media strategy, website management, video production, public engagement, and crisis communication.

Before joining local government, Nathanael worked as a newspaper editor, honing his skills in storytelling and media relations. He later transitioned to Johnston County Public Schools, where he managed district-wide communication strategies and crisis messaging. These experiences provided a strong foundation for his work in municipal communication, ensuring transparency and public trust in government messaging. 

A graduate of Barton College with a B.S. in Communication, Nathanael has continued to expand his knowledge in local government by completing the UNC School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration Program. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, expected in Spring 2028, with a focus on strengthening public sector communication and leadership. 

Beyond his professional role, Nathanael is a husband and father of two boys. He enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach or hiking in the mountains, shopping local, testing his movie trivia knowledge, and finding ways to make work fun. His passion for clear, engaging communication helps connect residents with their local government in meaningful ways.
Phone: 252-315-3708 | Email Nathanael Shelton

Emily Stoll, Communication Specialist

Emily Stoll Headshot

Emily Stoll is an accomplished communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in broadcast journalism and public relations. She develops strategic communications for the Town of Clayton, managing internal and external messaging, media relations, and staff engagement across departments. 

The first half of Emily’s career was spent in television news where she held diverse roles at stations in Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina - including anchor, weather forecaster, reporter, and producer. Her ability to craft compelling stories and deliver critical information to the public laid the foundation for her transition into government communications. 

Prior to her current role, Emily played a pivotal role in the Community Relations Department at Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina - one of the nation's top public library systems. She managed external communications for more than 300 staff members, led messaging for major construction projects across 13 library locations, and planned and implemented innovative community initiatives, such as StoryWalks® in local parks. 

Recognized for her expertise, Emily has received multiple awards for crisis communication planning, media training, policy development, and employee engagement campaigns. She is a graduate of Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in meteorology and a specialization in geography. 

Beyond her communications career, Emily immerses herself in the community as a certified Pilates instructor, helping others build strength and confidence. An avid reader, she enjoys getting lost in mystery novels and taking strolls through local neighborhoods and scenic parks with her spouse and their two beloved fur-babies, Layla and Craig. 
Phone: 984-310-3239 | Email Emily Stoll

Lydia Davis, Communication and Marketing Specialist

Lydia Davis Headshot

Lydia Davis is a dynamic communication and marketing professional with a proven track record in public relations, social media management, and strategic content creation. She currently serves as the Communication & Marketing Specialist for the Town of Clayton, where she leads social media, public outreach, and digital strategy efforts across multiple platforms, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance community engagement. 

Prior to this role, Lydia worked as an Economic Development Specialist for the Town of Clayton, where she played a key role in business recruitment, retention, and community development initiatives. Her background also includes serving as the Director of Marketing & Communications at the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, where she developed targeted marketing campaigns, managed social media growth, and created compelling content to strengthen the Chamber’s brand and connect with local businesses and stakeholders. 

She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations from the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, graduating with distinction in 2019.  

Lydia’s experience also includes marketing and public relations internships with Largemouth Communications, FOX Sports University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she honed her skills in media relations, campaign development, social media promotion, and event marketing. A former collegiate athlete, she also contributed to the UNC varsity women's gymnastics team in a marketing and event operations role after medically retiring from the sport. 

Passionate about data-driven storytelling, digital engagement, and innovative marketing strategies, Lydia thrives in creating impactful content that fosters community connections and drives measurable results. 
Phone: 919-901-8900 | Email Lydia Davis