Michelle Kennedy leaving Greensboro for planning & development job in Black Mountain
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A long-time Greensboro public official is making a move out west.
On Monday, the Town of Black Mountain announced that former Greensboro councilwoman and current Director of Neighborhoods and Housing Michelle Kennedy has been hired to serve as the town's Planning & Development Director.
She will begin this new job in late April.
'The search for a new planning director was significantly impacted by the disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which required town leadership to shift focus toward emergency response and recovery efforts,' Black Mountain said in their statement. 'Michelle Kennedy will replace Jessica Trotman, who served as Planning Director since 2017 before transitioning to a hybrid role in FY 23-24 and later being promoted to Assistant Town Manager in July 2024. Since that time, Trotman has also served as Interim Planning Director.'
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'Michelle's leadership and experience in housing and community development will be a wonderful asset to Black Mountain,' said Town Manager Josh Harrold. 'We were committed to finding the right person for this critical role, and while the search took longer than expected, we are confident that Michelle's background and passion for public service will serve our community well.'
'It has been an honor to serve as Planning Director I'm proud of the department's accomplishments and excited to have Michelle continue this important work,' Trotman agreed. 'I look forward to seeing her leadership in action.'
Kenney provided the following statement to FOX8:
It has been my privilege to have spent most of my career serving Greensboro. I'm proud of the programs and initiatives that I helped to foster as a nonprofit leader, City Councilperson and as the Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development. However, for me, it is time to move on. I am thrilled to be joining the Town of Black Mountain as their Director of Planning and Community Development. I can think of nothing more meaningful than the opportunity to contribute to the recovery and future of Western North Carolina and there is no team I respect more than that of Black Mountain. Black Mountain Strong!
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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