BRANDI DEESE
Indian Trail,NC
Summary
Accomplished local government executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in planning, economic development, community development, code enforcement, budgeting, and organizational management. Trusted advisor to elected officials and executive leadership teams with a proven record of leading high-growth communities, implementing strategic initiatives, managing complex projects, and delivering exceptional public service.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Planning
Town of Indian Trail, NC
Indian Trail, NC
01.2019 - Current
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and organizational leadership for one of the nation's fastest-growing municipalities.
- Direct Planning, Economic Development, and Code Enforcement operations, overseeing personnel, budgets, performance management, and implementation of key organizational initiatives.
- Led the comprehensive rewrite and implementation of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Comprehensive Plan & Downtown Masterplan, modernizing development regulations to support sustainable growth and long-term community objectives.
- Serve as principal advisor to the Town Manager, Town Council, boards, and commissions on planning, development, economic growth, and public policy matters.
- Represent the Town in regional partnerships and major infrastructure initiatives while fostering collaborative relationships with developers, business leaders, residents, and community stakeholders to advance strategic community goals.
Assistant Planning Services Administrator
City of Pensacola, FL
Pensacola, FL
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Managed complex land use, zoning, and development review processes while serving as a key advisor to developers, attorneys, engineers, property owners, and community stakeholders.
- Provided leadership and administrative oversight for multiple advisory and quasi-judicial boards, ensuring effective governance, regulatory compliance, and public engagement.
- Led evaluation and implementation of development regulations, code amendments, and strategic planning initiatives to support responsible community growth.
- Presented policy recommendations and development matters to executive leadership and elected officials, supporting informed decision-making on complex and often sensitive issues.
- Assisted with departmental budgeting, organizational initiatives, and operational leadership, frequently serving in an acting leadership capacity and as a trusted advisor on high-profile projects and challenges.
Planning & Development Director
City of Laurinburg, NC
Laurinburg, NC
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Served as a member of the City Management Team, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for planning, community development, code enforcement, GIS, beautification, and cemetery operations.
- Directed multidisciplinary departments and staff, overseeing recruitment, performance management, professional development, and organizational accountability.
- Developed and managed departmental operating budgets, financial planning initiatives, and capital project funding strategies.
- Administered federal and state grant programs, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful project delivery.
- Led cross-functional coordination with elected officials, consultants, attorneys, engineers, developers, and regulatory agencies to advance community development initiatives.
- Supported economic development and downtown revitalization efforts through strategic planning, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Managed public infrastructure and development projects from procurement and contracting through construction oversight and project closeout.
- Prepared policy recommendations, strategic analyses, and presentations for the City Manager and City Council to support informed decision-making and community goals.
City Planner & Zoning Officer
City of Laurinburg, NC
Laurinburg, NC
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Managed land use planning, zoning administration, development review, and code enforcement activities to support community growth and regulatory compliance.
- Served as primary advisor and staff liaison to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and City Council, providing policy recommendations and professional guidance on development matters.
- Led ordinance development, policy updates, and process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and regulatory consistency.
- Coordinated with developers, engineers, contractors, property owners, and residents to facilitate development projects, resolve issues, and deliver responsive public service.
Intern to the City Manager
City of Laurinburg, NC
Laurinburg, NC
08.2003 - 12.2003
- Supported executive leadership through policy research, strategic planning initiatives, grant development, and special projects that informed organizational decision-making and community development efforts.
- Gained broad exposure to municipal governance and local government management through collaboration with department leaders, participation in executive-level meetings, and professional engagement with municipal leaders at the ICMA Annual Conference.
Secretary / Finance Officer
Praise & Worship Ministries
09.2009 - 09.2014
- Directed financial administration for a growing nonprofit organization, overseeing budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, tax compliance, and fiscal accountability.
- Managed organizational banking, accounting, insurance, and risk management functions, ensuring compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
- Provided financial analysis and operational support to organizational leadership, contributing to sound fiscal management and long-term organizational sustainability.
Mortgage Assistant / Apprentice
First South Bank
08.1999 - 08.2003
- Developed foundational expertise in financial services, lending operations, customer relations, and portfolio administration while supporting residential loan origination and processing activities.
- Assisted lending and branch leadership with customer service, operational support, and administrative functions in a fast-paced financial services environment.
- Earned expanded responsibilities and continued employment while completing college, demonstrating strong performance, professionalism, and commitment to organizational success.
- Developed foundational experience in financial services, lending operations, customer relations, and administrative support while assisting loan officers and branch leadership in achieving operational and customer service objectives.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
UNC Pembroke
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
UNC Pembroke
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Administration
- Economic Development
- Community Development
- Land Use & Zoning
- Organizational Management
- Public Policy
- Board & Council Relations
- Intergovernmental Coordination
- Project Management
- Public Engagement
Accomplishments
UC Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2021, 2024)
Top 50 Most Dynamic Women in Charlotte Region (2023)
United Way Service Award |Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society | Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
Active in Legislative Efforts, NCAPA | Public Safety Workgroup Co-Chair (2023)
Certification
- AICP Certification
- CNU-A Certification
- Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA)
- Governmental Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Capital Financing in Local Government
- Fundamental Supervisory Practices
- Dedman Leadership Fellow
- Community Development Academy
- Learning Organizational Training
AWARDS & LEADERSHIP
UC Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2021, 2024), Top 50 Most Dynamic Women in Charlotte Region (2023), United Way Service Award, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, Active in Legislative Efforts, NCAPA, Public Safety Workgroup Co-Chair (2023)
Timeline
Director of Planning
Town of Indian Trail, NC
01.2019 - Current
Assistant Planning Services Administrator
City of Pensacola, FL
01.2015 - 01.2019
Planning & Development Director
City of Laurinburg, NC
01.2011 - 01.2014
Secretary / Finance Officer
Praise & Worship Ministries
09.2009 - 09.2014
City Planner & Zoning Officer
City of Laurinburg, NC
01.2005 - 01.2011
Intern to the City Manager
City of Laurinburg, NC
08.2003 - 12.2003
Mortgage Assistant / Apprentice
First South Bank
08.1999 - 08.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
UNC Pembroke
Master of Public Administration -
UNC Pembroke