NEWTON, N.C. — The City of Newton has selected longtime city employee Alex Fulbright as its new Planning Director after more than 26 years of service with the city.

Fulbright has spent the last 18 years as Assistant Planning Director and most recently served as Interim Planning Director following the retirement of Randy Williams in May. City officials say Fulbright has helped shape Newton’s development through zoning, land use planning and long-range growth initiatives. He officially assumed the Planning Director position on June 27.

Mayor Jerry Hodge praised Fulbright’s decades of service, saying he understands the community and will help preserve what makes Newton unique while planning for future growth. City Manager Sean Hovis called Fulbright the clear choice for the position, citing his leadership, experience and commitment to Newton residents.

Fulbright joined the city’s Planning Department as a planner in 1999, was promoted to Assistant Planning Director in 2008 and previously served as Interim Planning Director from 2011 to 2012. In his new role, he will oversee planning and zoning, development review, long-range planning initiatives and implementation of policies that guide Newton’s future growth.