Smithfield interim manager Kimberly Pickett highlights mentorship and public service

Kimberly Pickett, the interim town manager of Smithfield, North Carolina, is being featured for a career shaped by mentorship, ethical leadership and lifelong learning. Her story points to the growing importance of women in local government and the value of transparent public service.

Why it matters: - Kimberly Pickett’s career shows how mentorship and continued education can move public servants into local government leadership. - Her experience underscores a broader issue in municipal management: women remain underrepresented in many leadership roles, especially in technical and executive settings. - Her focus on transparency and integrity speaks to the trust public officials need when making decisions under scrutiny.

What happened: - Kimberly Pickett, MPA, ICMA-CM, is serving as interim town manager for the Town of Smithfield, North Carolina. - Influential Women featured Pickett for her leadership style, career path and commitment to public service. - Pickett has spent more than a decade in municipal government, with experience in finance, administration and executive leadership. - Pickett earned the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation as a career milestone. - Pickett earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in November 2020. - The profile was published July 8, 2026. - More information is available in Kimberly Pickett’s Influential Women profile.

The details: - A town manager early in Pickett’s career encouraged her to pursue graduate study after noticing her leadership potential. - Pickett balanced full-time work, graduate coursework and parenting three young children, including a newborn. - Pickett said her children motivated her to keep going and model perseverance for them. - Pickett said she believes no one is ever too old to learn something new. - Pickett has sought guidance from mentors, city administrators and colleagues throughout her career. - Pickett said that mastering municipal budgeting and executive leadership has been part of her ongoing professional growth. - Pickett says honesty is the foundation of her leadership style because public trust depends on truthful communication. - Pickett has worked on downtown redevelopment and strategic initiatives in Johnston County communities. - Pickett says local government gives her a chance to improve quality of life, strengthen local economies and create long-term benefits.

Between the lines: - Pickett’s story reflects a leadership model built less on title and more on credibility, accountability and follow-through. - Her emphasis on being the first female manager in some communities highlights how visible representation can matter in male-dominated fields. - The profile frames mentorship as a practical career accelerator, not just a feel-good theme. - Her comments suggest that in local government, effective leadership often means absorbing criticism without losing focus on community outcomes.

What's next: - Pickett is expected to continue leading Smithfield as interim town manager while supporting organizational excellence and transparent government. - Pickett says she wants to mentor future public servants, especially women considering careers in local government. - Her profile positions her as an example for aspiring leaders who want to combine public service with professional advancement and personal resilience.

The bottom line: - Pickett’s career is a reminder that mentorship, education and ethical leadership can shape strong local government leaders and expand who sees themselves in those roles.