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A Staff Report

Bladen County, North Carolina — Bladen County is proud to welcome Payton Blaney, a dedicated and accomplished individual, as she joins the County in the capacity of a Fellow under the prestigious Lead for North Carolina program. This program is generously sponsored by local governments and the esteemed UNC School of Government, with support from various funders, including AmeriCorps, State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, Z Smith Reynolds, Wells Fargo, Golden Leaf, State Farm, the Jesse Ball duPont Fund, and private philanthropists.

Payton Blaney hails from Reidsville, North Carolina, and her academic achievements are nothing short of impressive. She graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a Concentration in International and Comparative Politics. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in German Language, Literature, and Culture.

Following her graduation in May of 2022, Payton embarked on a professional journey that further showcased her commitment to making a positive impact. She served as a Campaign Finance Apprentice at Sterling in Washington, DC, where she honed her expertise in campaign finance matters. In September of 2022, Payton received a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed her to embark on a transformative experience in Berlin, Germany. For almost a year, until June of 2023, she served as an English Teaching Assistant, promoting cultural exchange and fostering international understanding.

According to Bladen County Finance Director Lisa Coleman, in her role at Bladen County, Payton will be collaborating with the Finance Department for the next 11 months, bringing her unique skills and passion for public service to the table. Her focus will encompass various crucial projects, including research for audit compliance and reporting, Solid Waste funding initiatives, and Medicaid checklist implementation, among others. Her dedication and skills are sure to make a significant contribution to the department’s efforts in enhancing financial operations and serving the community.

On behalf of the entire Bladen County community, Mrs. Coleman and County Manager Greg Martin extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Payton Blaney. Her impressive background and commitment to public service make her an excellent addition to our team, and we look forward to her contributions as she works diligently to benefit our community. Please join us in welcoming Payton to Bladen County as we anticipate a productive and impactful partnership.