Administration

The Town of Clayton Administration Office provides comprehensive information to the Town Council and the public, conducts operational and administrative Town business, and supports and implements Council policies to make Clayton a town of the highest standard.

The Administration Office includes the Town Manager, three Deputy Town Managers, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney. Our goal is to provide customer service that is friendly, efficient, and above standards, and to provide information to the Town's citizenry in that same manner.

  1. Rich Cappola, Town Manager

    Rich CappolaRich Cappola was officially named Town Manager on Oct. 3, 2022. Before that he served the town in a variety of roles including the town’s first director of engineering and inspections, director of public services, deputy town manager, and as interim town manager. In his role as town manager, Cappola said he will focus on managing growth and streamlining processes involving master planning, design, permitting, and construction. He plans to continue to prioritize the operations and management of the town's services and infrastructure. He also hopes to further cultivate and expand community relationships and partnerships.

    Cappola has 20 years of civil engineering, design and land-use planning experience, working in both municipal government and the private sector as a professional engineer (PE). He recently earned a Master of Public Administration degree from NC State, where he also earned a master's degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University as well. A Connecticut native, Cappola has lived in the triangle region of North Carolina since 2006. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the North Carolina City and County Managers Association (NCCCMA), and the American Public Works Association (APWA).
    Phone: 919-553-5002 | Email Rich Cappola


  2. Dolores Gill, Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives

    Dolores GillDolores Gill began her role as Deputy Town Manager for the Town of Clayton on March 1, 2021, leveraging more than 25 years of leadership and operational expertise gained through her extensive service with Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS). Gill successfully served the school system in a variety of leadership roles, including as Chief of Operations and Communications, Chief of Staff, Area Superintendent, Elementary Area Supervisor and School Principal. Notably, she spent five years as the Principal of West Clayton Elementary School, where her leadership helped shape educational outcomes at the local level before she transitioned into district-wide leadership roles. 

    Gill’s broad experience encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including facilities management and construction, growth and infrastructure planning, technology integration, and communications strategies. Her skill set includes strategic problem-solving, the development of policy initiatives, and the successful management and implementation of large-scale budgets. She holds two master’s degrees and an undergraduate degree, all from East Carolina University. With a reputation for excellence in leadership, she is well-versed in guiding complex projects and fostering collaboration across departments, ensuring that the Town of Clayton continues to manage its high standards of service delivery.
    Phone: 919-553-5002 | Email Dolores Gill


  3. Lee Barbee, Deputy Town Manager

    Lee BarbeeLee Barbee was named Deputy Town Manager on May 1, 2023, after officially retiring as the Town's Fire Chief, a position he held since 1991. Barbee also served as the Interim Deputy Town Manager for the Town of Clayton since 2021. He is a 1974 graduate of Clayton High School, and his extensive education as a firefighter began immediately after graduation when he joined the Clayton Fire Department in 1975. 

    After joining the fire department Chief Barbee was been extremely involved in advancing the fire service and has served in numerous leadership capacities with an impressive assortment of local, state and national organizations including: Johnston County Firemen’s Association, Eastern Carolina Firemen’s Association, NC State Firemen’s Association, Johnston County Fire Chiefs’ Association, North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and an active participant in the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Lee Barbee was named North Carolina Fire Chief of the Year in 2018.
    Phone: 919-553-5002 | Email Lee Barbee


  4. Heidi Holland, Town Clerk

    Heidi HollandHeidi Holland was appointed Town Clerk in August 2022, following four years of service as Deputy Clerk for the town. In her role, Holland serves as the liaison between the Mayor and Town Council, town staff, and the public, ensuring efficient communication and administrative processes. Her primary responsibilities include attending all Council meetings, preparing and distributing agendas, documenting and maintaining official minutes, and issuing public notices for Council meetings and hearings. Additionally, she handles the preparation and publication of Town ordinances and resolutions, serves as the official custodian of all legal documents and records, and administers oaths of office for newly elected or appointed officials.

    Holland is recognized for her strong administrative expertise, earning her North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk certification in 2021. She furthered her qualifications by achieving her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2022, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence in municipal governance. She also holds an associate degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, demonstrating a diverse educational background that complements her leadership in the Town Clerk’s office. Holland’s dedication and attention to detail ensure that the Town of Clayton’s legislative processes run smoothly and transparently.
    Phone: 919-553-5002 | Email Heidi Holland


  5. James Cauley, Town Attorney

    James CauleyThe Town Attorney is James P. Cauley III of Cauley Pridgen PA. The Town Attorney attends all Council meetings and advises the Council on a full range of legal matters. The Town Attorney also acts as Legislative liaison for the Town with the North Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Cauley has extensive experience in land condemnation cases and the representation of public utilities. He has served as a legal instructor at Campbell University School of Law, Barton College and Wilson Technical College. He was a charter member of the Council for the NC Bar Association’s Government & Public Sector Section and is also a past chair of that Section. His practice focuses on business, government, and land issues and any related litigation. He is also a certified mediator and lobbyist. Mr. Cauley also serves as President of Cauley Pridgen, P.A.