Barnes Sutton

Leland's community development planner has been promoted to the position of economic and community development director.

Barnes Sutton will succeed current economic and community development director Gary Vidmar when Vidmar retires June 23, according to an announcement Wednesday. Sutton has been with the town of Leland since November 2021. Prior to that, he served as the director of planning and development for the town of Navassa.

He has a bachelor's degree in public and international affairs, another bachelor's degree in business administration with an economics concentration, and a master's degree in public administration, specializing in urban and regional policy and planning. All his degrees are from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Sutton is a Certified Planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners, a Certified Stormwater Manager and a Certified Zoning Official.

Vidmar said he will work with Sutton in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am blessed to be able to end my career on a high note after working eight years for an amazing town, amongst wonderful colleagues, and after meeting and working with many incredible individuals around the Cape Fear region,” Vidmar said in the announcement.