Aaron Tucker, who has served in the Cornelius Planning Department since 2014, is the town’s new Planning Director, taking over for Wayne Herron, who was named Assistant Town Manager last year. 

“For the past year, Aaron has been working with Wayne to prepare for his new role and develop a smooth transition plan” said Town Manager Andrew Grant at the Town Board’s January 6 meeting. “This is a well deserved promotion.”

Tucker, whose first job was detailing cars at a body shop in Concord, will get a 12 percent raise boosting his pay to $71,320 a year.

“I am humbled by the opportunity that I have been given by the Town,” Tucker said. “I look forward to facilitating a dialogue between potential developers and the Board, enforcing the Town’s land use code, and helping the Town prepare for future development, while preserving and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”

Tucker, 27, came to Cornelius after working in the City of Kannapolis Planning Office, and served as Cornelius’ Lead Planner since 2018. He is single and a Concord NC native, where he still makes his home. Tucker has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography, plus a Minor in Community and Regional Planning from Appalachian State University where he graduated in 2014.  

As Planning Director, Tucker will oversee a department with six employees and an annual budget of $627,660.

Tucker’s promotion comes at a crucial time for the town, with several proposed major developments, including Alexander Farm and Charmore Center, nearing periods of intense planning department review. It will also free up time for Herron to function full time as Assistant Town Manager, rather than splitting his attention between Planning and general town functions.

Aaron Tucker

TUCKER

Cornelius Planning Director

Age: 27

Mentor:  “My father is and has always been my mentor. I’ve always admired his loyalty and good work ethic.”