Concord's cityscape and green retreats will continue to flourish under the guidance of newly promoted Director of Buildings and Grounds, Joel White. According to yesterday's press release from City of Concord, White will be spearheading maintenance efforts for 70 city facilities and over 400 acres of parks and properties, along with managing the city’s cemetery and urban forestry divisions.
Having joined the Concord team in 2017 as Grounds Manager, White's climb to Director was marked by a promotion to Deputy Director in 2019, and a brief tenure as Interim Director in April 2025. His persistent focus on improving maintenance operations, and facility safety has not waned during his eight-year stint. Notably, White has been instrumental in propelling the Parks and Recreation General Obligation Bond projects to fruition. White told the City of Concord, “My goal is to consistently lead the exceptional team members in our department and continue our pledge to be good stewards of City resources while providing excellent service to our coworkers and, the community.”
City Manager Payne recognized White’s contributions, saying, “Joel is a tremendous asset to Team Concord, and his knowledge and employee-centric demeanor will continue to serve our community into the future,” in the aforementioned press release from the City of Concord. The promotion comes as a significant milestone for White who has deep roots in Concord, a place he calls home and is actively contributing to its upbringing, both personally and professionally.
White’s professional accolades include completing his education with an AAS in Agronomy from Central Piedmont Community College and a BS from Liberty University. Leveraging his expertise, he served as a president of the North South Turf Grass Association, and secured the Facility Management Professional designation through the International Facility Management Association. His pre-city experience involves a noteworthy 17-year tenure in golf course management, where his leadership at Rocky River Golf Club led to it being ranked as a Top 100 golf course in North Carolina. Additionally, in his personal life White enjoys outdoor activities with his family and is active in church and community engagement programs.
The promotion, which took effect on July 7, entrusts White with a greater responsibility for the city's aesthetic and functional upkeep. Concord residents can expect the continued enhancement of their public spaces courtesy of White's leadership and the dedicated team at the Buildings and Grounds Department.
