GREENVILLE, N.C. - Thomas Barnett, a national award-winning revitalization expert, has been named the new Community Development Director for the City of Greenville.

Barnett brings 23 years of experience in both metropolitan and county settings to Greenville, where he will lead the department that houses planning and zoning, inspections, code enforcement, housing, and historic preservation. He is scheduled to begin on August 1.

"It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I look forward to joining the City's management team," Barnett said. "Greenville is a fine growing city and I look forward to being part of that bright future working with our elected officials, city staff, and perhaps most importantly, the citizens of Greenville."

Barnett joins the City of Greenville after serving as Director of Development Services for the City of Hollywood, Florida for nearly two years. In that position, he oversaw six divisions and approximately 130 employees. Barnett also previously held positions as the Director of Community Planning and Building in Calvert County, Maryland, Executive Director of Metropolitan Development in Evansville, Indiana, and Director of Planning in Paducah, Kentucky.

Accomplishments in Barnett's career include creating a national model for place making revitalization using arts and culture as part of The Paducah Artist Relocation Program and serving as the principal author of the Lowertown Neighborhood Plan in Paducah, Kentucky, a 2004 National APA Outstanding Planning Award winner for Best Community Initiative and 2005 winner of the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.

"We are happy to welcome Thomas Barnett to our leadership team," City Manager Ann Wall said. "Thomas has spent time in numerous communities, and he will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to Greenville that will surely be beneficial as we continue to grow."

Barnett holds a Masters of Public Administration from Murray State University and undergraduate degrees in English and Economics from the University of Texas. He will earn $118,500 a year in Greenville.