The Town of Smithfield is proud to announce two key additions to its leadership team: Tracy Stubblefield as Finance Director and Brent Ashley Reck as Planning Director. Together, they bring decades of public-sector experience and a strong commitment to serving communities across North Carolina.

Tracy Stubblefield Named Finance Director

Stubblefield brings 26 years of accounting experience, including more than a decade in local government finance. She most recently served as Assistant Finance Director for the Town of Clayton, where she helped guide day-to-day financial operations and long-term fiscal planning. Her work focused not only on balancing budgets, but on building systems that support transparency and accountability.

Before her time in Clayton, Stubblefield spent seven years as Internal Auditor for Johnston County Schools. In that role, she provided independent oversight and strengthened internal controls for one of the largest public institutions in the region.

A Certified Local Government Finance Officer, Stubblefield earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Mount Olive. She has called Johnston County home for more than 24 years and looks forward to serving the community she and her family know so well.

Brent Reck Named Planning Director

Reck steps into the Planning Director role with more than 20 years of experience in municipal planning, zoning, and land development. He began his career with the Town of Cary, where he advanced through several positions, including Zoning Compliance Supervisor. In 2008, his peers recognized his leadership and professionalism by naming him North Carolina Zoning Official of the Year through the North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials.

Smithfield is familiar ground for Reck. He previously served the Town as a Code Compliance Officer before continuing his municipal career with the Town of Holly Springs Engineering Department. He later moved into private-sector land development, managing residential projects with M/I Homes and D. R. Horton. The combination of public and private experience gives him a well-rounded perspective on growth, infrastructure, and community planning.

Reck studied Civil Engineering at North Carolina State University and Urban Planning at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds both AICP and Certified Zoning Official (CZO) credentials. He also served honorably in the United States Army with the 7th Special Forces Group (Green Berets), the 8th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 7th Infantry Division Light Fighters, completing his tours at Fort Bragg. His military service reflects a longstanding dedication to leadership and public service.

Interim Town Manager Kim Pickett said both appointments reflect the Town’s continued focus on strong, steady leadership. “Tracy and Brent each bring deep experience and a genuine commitment to public service,” Pickett said. “They understand the responsibility that comes with serving a growing community like Smithfield, and I’m confident they will help position our Town for continued success.”