Kimberly Pickett, MPA, ICMA-CM
Kimberly Pickett, MPA, ICMA-CM, has built a distinguished career in local government rooted in resilience, service, and a commitment to continuous growth. Her journey was shaped by mentors who recognized her potential early on and encouraged her to pursue leadership beyond what she initially envisioned for herself. While balancing a full-time career and raising three young children, she took on the challenge of earning her Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, graduating in November 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her determination to walk across the stage—so her children could witness firsthand the value of perseverance—remains one of her proudest accomplishments. Today, Kimberly serves as Interim Town Manager for the Town of Smithfield, North Carolina, and has recently earned her ICMA Credentialed Manager designation, a significant professional milestone that reflects her dedication to ethical leadership and excellence in public service. With more than a decade of experience in municipal government, she has advanced through roles in finance, administration, and executive leadership, gaining a comprehensive understanding of local government operations. Throughout her career, she has leaned on the guidance of seasoned leaders, particularly women in the field, whose mentorship has helped her navigate the complexities of a traditionally male-dominated profession. At her core, Kimberly is driven by a strong sense of integrity, transparency, and responsibility to her community and team. She believes in leading with honesty—even when it is difficult—and staying true to her values while making decisions that serve the greater good. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted wife and mother of three who values quality time with her family, whether traveling, enjoying their beach house, or simply unwinding with a good book by the water. Kimberly’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and leadership—demonstrating that with the right support and determination, it is possible to thrive both personally and professionally.
• Credentialed Manager
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Master of Public Administration - MPA, Public Administration
• East Carolina University
Bachelor's Degree, Communication and Media Studies
• Member of ICMA (International City County Management Association) since 2019
• Benson Elementary School
• Princeton Elementary School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having amazing mentors throughout my career. My ability to never give up is what really contributes to my success. I've always told people you're never too old to learn something new. When I went back to get my master's degree, I was encouraged to do that by my town manager at the time - he saw something in me that maybe I didn't see in myself. I had just had a baby, so three kids, but he encouraged me all two years while I pursued my degree and then mentored me while I was assistant manager, teaching me how to do a budget and other things. I had an amazing mayor when I first became a manager in Benson who passed away, but I could go to him for anything - he listened and had great advice. Being able to reach out to my neighboring city administrators, especially the female administrator who's been around the block for quite a while and is close to retirement, has been very successful for me. Just being able to have their knowledge and those mentors to reach out to has made all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever gotten is to just look past the negative and know who you are, stay true to yourself on the inside, and keep your head up. We get a lot of scrutiny in the public eye and we don't always get portrayed properly. So I've learned to just keep doing what's best for the city and for my employees, and always do the right thing. That advice has helped me navigate the challenges of working in government where there's so much public attention and criticism.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have a thick skin. Never let anybody make you feel small. We're heroes too. Government work is not for the faint of heart and it's male dominant, so you need to be prepared for that. But don't ever let anyone diminish you or make you feel less than. Women can be leaders and heroes in this field just as much as anyone else.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that local government can still feel like a “man’s world,” particularly when working alongside engineers, contractors, and other traditionally male-dominated roles. I’ve had to learn how to confidently assert my technical knowledge and leadership in those environments, ensuring my voice is heard and respected. Being one of the first female managers in some of the jurisdictions I’ve served has come with added pressure, but it has also strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to paving the way for other women in this profession.
At the same time, there are incredible opportunities in local government right now, especially in growing communities like Johnston County. I’ve had the privilege of being involved in downtown redevelopment and strategic initiatives that directly impact residents, businesses, and the future of our community. Seeing that growth firsthand and playing a role in shaping it is both exciting and rewarding. It’s a unique opportunity to make a lasting, visible difference in the place people call home.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Always honesty. You don't have anything if you don't have honesty. There's so much distrust in government, and I work in government but I'm not a politician in any way, shape, or form. For me, it's being very transparent. You might not like me, but I'm going to give it to you straight. You can take it or leave it, but that is what it is. So always be honest. I believe in giving people the truth even if they don't want to hear it, because that's the only way to build real trust.