Pender County Planning Director Tim Owens resigns after two months on the job

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Pender County Planning Director Tim Owens has resigned from his position, effective June 8, according to county officials.

Owens was hired as Pender County’s Planning Director on April 7, 2026, meaning he served in the role for approximately two months before stepping down.

County officials confirmed the resignation but did not immediately provide a reason for Owens’ departure.

According to Pender County’s staff directory, Owens held the title of Planning Director and led the county’s Planning and Community Development Department. The department oversees land-use planning, zoning, development review and other growth-related issues in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing counties.

County records still listed Owens as Planning Director as of Wednesday.

Before joining Pender County, he spent more than 11 years as town manager for Wrightsville Beach, serving in the role from 2013 until his retirement in January 2024. Prior to that, he served as town manager in Carolina Beach for more than six years.

County officials have not released a reason for Owens’ resignation, and it was not immediately clear who will serve as interim planning director.