The City of Gastonia has named Ms. Stacy Pethia as its new Director of Housing and Community Engagement.
Ms. Pethia will begin her position with the City of Gastonia on Monday, August 31 and will lead the day-to-day operations of the Housing and Community Engagement Department and its employees. She was selected as the new Director after the completion of an extensive national search. The position became vacant with the retirement of former Housing and Community Engagement Director Danette Dye. Ms. Dye retired after 36 years of service with the City of Gastonia earlier this year.
“Ms. Pethia’s experience and expertise will be critical as we continue to address the housing needs and challenges in our community,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “Ms. Pethia will also be instrumental in developing and fostering relationships with faith-based and non-profit organizations and other community partners.”
Ms. Pethia comes to the City of Gastonia with nearly 20 years of experience in Housing, which includes service as the current Director of Housing for Albemarle County, Virginia. She previously served as the Assistant Director of Housing, and the Housing Policy Manager for Albemarle County, Virginia. Prior to those roles, Ms. Pethia served as the Housing Program Coordinator for the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as a Housing Planner with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in Washington, DC.
She has earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in Urban Policy Studies from Georgia State University, a master’s degree in Urban Regeneration Research and Policy from University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), and a PhD in Urban Regeneration from the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom).
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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.