Guilford County is pleased to announce Emergency Services Director Jim Albright as its new Assistant County Manager for Strong Community.
In his new role, Albright will serve on the County Manager’s executive leadership team, overseeing various departments, including Animal Services, Emergency Services, Juvenile Detention, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development, Inspections, and Security, and serve as a liaison to Rural Fire Districts. His leadership will support implementation of the Board of Commissioners’ strategic priorities and support strengthening service delivery and organizational performance.
“Jim has spent his career serving the people of Guilford County, and he brings a combination of operational experience, trusted leadership, and a deep understanding of our organization and community,” said County Manager Victor Isler. “He understands that excellent public service starts with our people and requires strong partnerships across departments and throughout the community. I am excited to have Jim bring that experience and perspective to our executive leadership team.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Guilford County in a new capacity,” said Albright. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside talented and dedicated public servants who care deeply about this community. I look forward to building on those relationships, supporting our departments, and helping the county continue to deliver high-quality services to our residents.”
Albright brings more than three decades of public service and leadership to his new role, including more than 12 years as the county’s Emergency Services Director and 15 years as Deputy Director. Since joining the county in 1989, he has also served in numerous Emergency Services positions, including paramedic, EMS Captain, EMS Assistant Shift Commander, Training Officer, and Administrative Officer.
Currently, Albright leads Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, ES Support Services, the Fire Marshal’s Office, and coordination with fire service partners throughout Guilford County. He played an integral role in the county’s COVID-19 response, worked closely with the development of the Guilford County Behavioral Health Center, and was a founding member of the Guilford County Solutions to the Opioid Problems (GCSTOP). During his tenure, Emergency Services continued to advance innovative approaches to pre-hospital care, emergency preparedness, and coordinated public safety services, including long-standing accreditation of the EMS and EM programs.
A Greensboro native and graduate of Grimsley High School, Albright holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has been a North Carolina credentialed paramedic since 1988 and a nationally registered paramedic since 1996. He graduated from several professional programs, including the National Fire Academy, the UNC-Charlotte EMS Management Institute, the Leadership Development Program from the Centers for Creative Leadership, and the High-Performance Leadership Academy from the Professional Development Academy.
Albright’s first day in his new role is Monday, Sept. 7.