Western Piedmont Council of Governments expands staff roles amid program growth

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments has announced several staff promotions and organizational updates intended to strengthen services across its four-county region, including Burke County, where WPCOG plays a central role in planning, housing, transportation and economic development.

Executive Director Anthony Starr said the changes reflect the council’s commitment to increasing efficiency and expertise throughout the communities it serves.

In its Regional Housing Authority, WPCOG has entered a new phase of growth following mergers with the Valdese Housing Authority in 2024 and the Hickory Housing Authority in 2025.

The merger with Valdese expanded housing services for Burke County residents and unified administrative systems under a regional model.

Director Stephanie Hanvey has promoted Elizabeth Moncrief to Assistant Housing Authority Director in recognition of her leadership during this transition.

To support the authority’s larger footprint, Program Manager positions have been filled by Jennifer Cater, Kelley Hayward and Chastity Houck.

The Community and Economic Development Department, which assists Burke County and its municipalities with grant writing and project administration, has seen significant increases in funding and project volume since Hurricane Helene.

Under department director Ben Willis, WPCOG has supported Burke County communities with housing recovery grants, infrastructure improvements and local planning needs. In response to this growth, Kyle Case has been promoted to Community and Economic Development Manager and will oversee staff responsible for securing and managing grants for local governments throughout the region.

The Community and Regional Planning Department, which regularly provides zoning support, land use planning and development guidance for Morganton, Valdese, Drexel, Rutherford College and Glen Alpine, is undergoing a major restructuring.

Due to growing demand for services, the department has been divided into two separate units. The Community and Regional Planning Department, led by Alison Adams, will continue work in land use, environmental planning and regional development.

A newly created Transportation Planning Department, led by Averi Ritchie, will focus on mobility needs, infrastructure planning and long-range transportation projects for the region, including corridors and mobility plans that affect Burke County residents and employers.

WPCOG leaders said the staffing changes position the organization to continue supporting Burke County and neighboring counties as the region navigates long term development, post Helene recovery and growing demand for coordinated planning and administrative support.

— AVN