Wake County Planning and Development employees help guide growth and development across the county while supporting residents, businesses and communities. From long-range planning and permitting to environmental initiatives and community resources, their work helps shape a more sustainable, connected and accessible Wake County.
This series highlights the employees behind those efforts and the impact their work has on communities across the county every day.
How Brian Lockamy balances Harleys, flat-track racing and building safety in Wake County
When he’s not inspecting buildings, Brian Lockamy is on the road following his son’s flat-track motorcycle races across the eastern U.S. or riding his Harley. On weekdays, he brings that same focus and passion to his work as a building inspector with Wake County, a role he has held since July 2024.
How Frank Karcher inspects, guides and keeps Wake County buildings safe every day
Frank Karcher has three rules for every inspection. It must be safe. It must be completed according to approved plans. And he must be able to sleep that night.
How Joseph LeFrancois inspects, advises and keeps Wake County buildings safe every day
Before Joseph LeFrancois ever picked up a code book, he was picking up a hammer. He spent more than ten years building houses with his father; framing walls, watching foundations go in, learning what it actually takes to put a home together from nothing.
How Vance Wrenn builds safe schools and strong softball players
By day, Vance Wrenn walks through construction sites across Wake County, clipboard in hand, checking that new schools are safe, sound and built to last. By night, he is on the softball field, coaching girls and teaching them skills, confidence and how to aim for goals bigger than themselves.
How Paul Tsasa went from international stages to Wake County job sites
Paul Tsasa didn’t stop being a musician when he became a building inspector. He just found a different stage.