Strategic Initiatives Director Jason Horton is responsible for developing and implementing the County's Strategic Plan. He also works with the Board of Commissioners to create and update their annual board goals and key strategic actions. He leads and coordinates the implementation and reporting of priority initiatives.

Horton joined Wake County in 2007 as a budget and management analyst before spending seven years in the Community Services department as an analyst and deputy director. Prior to Wake County, he worked in the private sector as a local government management consultant responsible for municipal management, operations, land-use planning, and code enforcement. Horton also has experience with non-profit organizations focused on community and housing redevelopment, youth leadership development, and outdoor recreation.

A native of Mount Airy, Horton holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University, graduating summa cum laude. He returned to Appalachian State University and received a Master's in Public Administration. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the North Carolina City-County Management Association (NCCMA).