Winston Salem Times

City Manager Patrick Pate has announced the appointment of Angel Wright-Lanier and Sharon Wojda as assistant city managers. Wright-Lanier, currently the executive director and CEO of Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, will begin her role on August 19, 2024. Wojda, who serves as assistant city manager in Bend, Oregon, will start on October 21, 2024.

The selection process involved the Chapel Hill firm Developmental Associates to help screen and select candidates from over 180 applications. Fifteen applicants were chosen for interviews and an intensive assessment center.

In their new roles, Wright-Lanier and Wojda will oversee various departments and strategic initiatives across the city. "I am excited that Angel (Wright-Lanier) and Sharon (Wojda) have chosen to join our leadership team," said Pate. "They will bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of knowledge and experience to help enhance the delivery of services to our residents."

Wright-Lanier brings over two decades of local government experience in North Carolina. Her previous roles include overseeing departments such as Community Development and Human Resources in Cumberland County. She holds degrees from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Strayer University, and Vanderbilt University.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new position, Wright-Lanier stated: “We’ve all heard the saying that if you do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life. I love local government service.”

Wojda also has two decades of experience in local government with her recent position as assistant city manager in Bend focusing on finance-related departments. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

"I am so honored to have this opportunity to join the city of Winston-Salem," said Wojda about her upcoming move back to North Carolina.