In a sharp turn of events, Gilbert Todd Jr., serving as the Town Manager of Zebulon since December 2024, resigned abruptly from his position during a leadership meeting on Thursday night. Todd's unexpected departure was announced just after the agenda was approved by leaders, and he referred to significant ethical concerns as his reason for stepping down. Through the course of the meeting, according to a report from CBS17, Todd conveyed his inability to continue under the current circumstances. "Recent developments involving a serious personnel matter has led me to the point where I can no longer continue in this role," said Todd.
After WRAL News began inquiring about the allegations made by Todd, the Board of Commissioners released a statement via email rebutting Todd’s claims and maintaining that no inappropriate requests were made of him. They emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability. The board would not comment further on the specific "personnel matter" that triggered Todd's resignation. The commissioners, they have already agreed to recontract the former interim town manager, Taiwo Jaiyeoba, to assist with the budgeting process, while they navigate this leadership hiccup.
The turnover for the town manager position in Zebulon has been notably high, with Todd being the third individual to exit the role since the previous June. According to ABC11, Todd released a further statement after his resignation underscoring his beliefs about leadership and treatment of public servants, "I have always believed how we treat people...says everything about our leadership. I will not compromise those beliefs even at the cost of stepping away."
In the wake of this upheaval, Zebulon residents like Scott Carpenter are expressing concerns about the town's direction and leadership stability. During an interview, Carpenter addressed the frequent changes among department heads and the need for management that can handle the town's growth. "We need leadership and management that will help guide this town through that growth," Carpenter told WRAL News. The search for permanent replacements in critical town positions such as police chief and public works director remains ongoing, as reported by WRAL News. Todd brought to the position years of experience, having served in roles from project manager for Zebulon Public Works Department to positions with the United States Air Force and other government bodies.
