Andy Thomas joined the NCAZO in 1988 and was a graduate of the first Certified Zoning Officials (CZO) class in 1991. Andy currently works for the City of Greenville as Subdivision Administrator but has served in various planning and zoning duties with the city over his career.

Andy has served the NCAZO in a variety of areas. He has been a volunteer on committees, a member on the Board of Directors, and was president of the NCAZO in 1995-1996.  He has been a chair and presenter at conferences and workshops imparting his experience and expertise that he has gained during his many years of public service. He has been the Association’s Historian since 1998. In this capacity he formats and maintains the large scrapbook displayed at our events and provides photographic documentation of our events for our newsletter and website.

Andy readily offers his assistance at all our organizations workshops and conferences. He does so with pride, skill, enthusiasm, and that jovial disposition only Andy possesses. He is always ready to welcome new members at our events, making them feel comfortable, accepted and most importantly, part of our family of professionals. Past boards and directors have always confided and sought out his opinions and views in their efforts to serve our organization better. He is well respected and admired amongst his peers. We cannot outline every little thing Andy has done for NCAZO over the past years, but we bet it is a lot and we know he did with a big smile on his face. It should also be mentioned that behind every great man there is usually a greater woman. In Andy’s case that would be his lovely wife Beth or as we all know her “Honey Bunny”, who has become a friend to many in the NCAZO organization. We would be remiss if we did not mention Andy is a graduate of and a huge East Carolina Pirate fan.

Andy’s contributions to the association and its members over the past 20 years are numerous. His leadership and dedication to his jurisdiction, his duties with the NCAZO and its members make him truly worthy of “Outstanding NCAZO Member of the Year”.

Grace Smith is a Planning Supervisor for Durham City/County Planning.  She has held this position since 2005 and is responsible for the enforcement of the Durham City/County Unified Development Ordinance. Grace supervises a staff of six code enforcement officers. Prior to employment with Durham City/County, she was the Planning Director for the City of Henderson for ten years. She is a proud graduate of East Carolina University with a BS degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Grace obtained her CZO certification in 1997 and her AICP certification in 2007.

Grace has displayed strong leadership skills in managing her division. She received a “Seven Stars Award” from her jurisdiction for leadership in 2008.  During a 2009 internal audit by her jurisdiction, the department was found to have a 98% compliance rating in the settling and closing of zoning cases that came to them. Their division was given an excellent rating by the auditors. She is not just an office administrator; as she still goes into the field to deal with the public. Grace is quick to give credit to her staff for their dedication to the success of the department and the work that they perform for Durham City/County. Grace also participates in the Durham Landlord Training Program that educates local landlords on ordinances and regulations that affect their properties. She exemplifies true professionalism in all aspects of her job.

Grace is a current member on the Board of Directors representing the central district of the NCAZO. She was elected to this position in 2007.  She currently serves as Membership Chair and has previously served as Secretary to the Board. Prior to her election to the Board she served on the Certification Committee. She has also been a chair and speaker at various workshops.

Grace loves to spend time with her family, especially her young son Blake and enjoys horseback riding on her horse Kobi.

Grace is a great representative of Durham City/County and the NCAZO.  With a wonderful smile and willing attitude she is always ready to make someone feel a part of the organization or help out with any committee or job that needs to be done. She is truly deserving of the “Zoning Official of the Year Award”.

Professor Richard Ducker is the recipient of the 2008-2010 Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Teaching Excellence Award from the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Established in 1998, the Teaching Excellence Award recognizes an individual faculty member of the School of Government for exceptional performance as a teacher. Professor Ducker is recognized and congratulated for his many years of excellent classroom teaching and dedication to the mission of the School of Government.

Visit Professor Richard Ducker's UNC Website