CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton Electric Department has welcomed Allen Turnage as the new Electric Director.

Turnage is replacing former Electric Director Dale Medlin, who retired earlier this year after 18 years of service to the Town.

“I believe that Allen will be a valuable asset to the Town of Clayton Electric Department. His skills and experience working at a wide range of positions within the electric utility field made him an excellent choice for this position,” said Interim Town Manager Rich Cappola. “We are glad to have him on our team.”

Turnage began his career in the electric field in 1987 and has a background in distribution, substation construction, and transmission line maintenance. Before coming to Clayton, he retired from Duke Energy where he had worked for 35 years.

“I came here because it is an excellent opportunity,” said Turnage. “Although Clayton Public Power is growing, our department is concentrated within the Town limits whereas larger, privately owned utility companies serve a larger area. The advantage and appeal of Clayton Public Power is the fact that we have employees dedicated to delivering and restoring power with consistent efficiency directly to our residents.”

Turnage added that he aspires to provide the Town of Clayton with strategic infrastructure improvements and secure a solid, dependable, cost-efficient, electrical system that will serve the Town for many years to come.

“I look forward to helping the Electric Department grow,” said Turnage. “This role is a great fit for me at this point in my career, and the people are excellent to work with. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming.”

Turnage was born in Johnston County and is a graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School. He currently resides in Smithfield with his wife.