Bigelow promoted to head City's Planning Department

The City of Reidsville promoted from within to find its new Planning and Community Development Director.

Drew G. Bigelow replaces former Director Jason Hardin, who left earlier this month for a position with Guilford County. She has been working as the City Planner since February of 2023. Her new position as Director became effective June 24.

"I’m honored to accept the position of Planning & Community Development Director, and I am excited to take on this new chapter in my career,” Bigelow said. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to lead a team dedicated to creating thoughtful, inclusive, and forward-thinking planning strategies that will help develop a stronger and more sustainable future for Reidsville."

Born in Chapel Hill, Bigelow grew up in Alamance County, North Carolina. In 2020, she received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was enrolled in a dual program in Anthropology and Environmental Studies, concentrating in Sociocultural Development and Sustainable Development. Bigelow would go on to earn a Master of Science in Sustainability and the Environment from UNC-G in 2022 with a concentration in Regional Planning and Resiliency.

In addition to being a Certified Zoning Official (CZO) from the NC Association of Zoning Officials, Bigelow has received Surface Water Identification Training and Certification from the NC Department of Environmental Quality and the NCSU Biological Agricultural Extension Program. She is also certified in NC Law & Administration from Vance-Granville Community College and last month she obtained her certification as a Geospatial Information Systems-Technician (GIS-T). Bigelow is a 2025 graduate of the NCSU Leadership Learning Institute, and the Leadership Rockingham course completed through the local Chambers of Commerce.

Bigelow explained that she pursued a career in planning because she has always been passionate about the way our environment shapes our communities.

“I’m deeply interested in how thoughtful planning can improve quality of life, promote sustainability and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all residents,” she noted. “Planning allows me to combine creative problem-solving with a strong sense of social responsibility. It’s a field where I can contribute to long-term, meaningful change by helping our community grow in a way that is inclusive, efficient and resilient.”

Reidsville City Manager Summer Moore agrees.

“I have watched Drew grow in her chosen field, first as our City Planner and now as Director of our Planning & Community Development Department,” said Moore. “She has both the people skills and technical expertise to help the City of Reidsville grow for years to come.”

Drew and her husband, Michael, have lived in Rockingham County since April of 2022, with their four pets, including two dogs, a cat and a bearded dragon. She enjoys hiking, reading, indoor gardening, attending concerts, and is an avid listener of podcasts.