W. Lane Bailey is an established manager with 32 years of local government experience, having served seven years as a County Manager and over 21 years as a municipal manager. Lane is passionate about public service and the impact it has on communities and the difference it can make in peoples’ lives. He is also a champion of developing and mentoring the next generation of local government leaders has built relationships throughout the United States and is widely respected in his field. Lane is also a staunch advocate of customer service and has presented on its importance in local government both nationally and internationally.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Appalachian State University
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Appalachian State University
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
- ICMA Southeast Regional Vice President
- North Carolina City County Management Association (NCCCMA), member and past president
- ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2002
- 2009 recipient of the NC Society of Certified Managers Public Manager of the Year in 2009
- 2018 recipient of the Centralina Council of Governments James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award
- 2020 recipient of the John Whitehurst Service Award
- American Leadership Academy graduate
- Adjunct professor at Appalachian State University
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
32 Years of Local Government Leadership and Management
- City Manager, Salisbury, NC – 2015-2021
- City Manager, Lenoir, NC – 2004-2015
- City Manager, King, NC – 2000-2004
- County Manager, Polk County, NC – 1993-2000
- Assistant County Manager, Polk County, NC – 1992-1993
- Budget Analyst, Gaston County, NC – 1989-1992
