My name is Naomi Reed and I am the Assistant City Administrator and Director of Finance with the City of Fountain Inn. I began my career with the City in 2006 as a part-time office assistant while taking online classes to finish my undergraduate degree. I transitioned to full-time and moved to the City Hall accounting department. After being promoted several times, the City’s growth prompted the need for an Assistant City Administrator and I was selected for the role in 2020. I am married to my best friend and together we have four children; Isaiah, twins Joshua and Jaliyah, and Rhian. I was recently recognized as Fountain Inn Black History Maker, selected as a 2021 Change Maker of the Upstate and serve as a mentor for and a special group of young ladies through the Miriam Foundation. The organization supports the development of young women in leadership, academics, health and wellness, and community. I previously served on the Board of Directors for Little Steps which is an organization in Greenville County. Little Steps is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to teen and young parents; a cause near to my heart as I was a teen mother. In my free time, I like to take day trips, read, and assist my sister with her business, The Employee Handbook,
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my best friend and together we have four children; Isaiah, twins Joshua and Jaliyah, and Rhian.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love serving the citizens of Fountain Inn in my leadership capacity. Being a part of the planning and development of policies and organizational planning is my passion. I have been called the “fixer” I enjoy helping departments identify challenging areas and designing plans to improve a workflow, program, or process that will benefit the citizens and staff.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love all of the food options in our community.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
16 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Travelle Wharton, former NFL Carolina Panther and current assistant offensive line coach for the Washington Commanders
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Trinidad and Tobago – my father is Trinidadian and I’d love to take my family to visit my dad’s country to experience the culture.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be honest. Set boundaries. Help when you can.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Open a facility for young parents that focuses on financial stability, leadership, and effective communication.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There was a restaurant called Depot Street Cafe’ and it was good simple food at a great prices. The atmosphere reminded me of a cafe up north.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dawn Staley, she is such an great female leader on and off the court. When she won the first national championship she cut pieces of the net and sent it to other black female coaches and along with a handwritten note to remind them that achieving her status is possible. I would take her to Bobby’s BBQ for a lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Fountain Inn is known for our Annual Christmas festival and the city was incorporated on 12.24.1886
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My goal is to continue in local government as a City Administrator.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve always wanted to have four children, specifically two boys, two girls and that is what the good Lord gave me.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family – they push me and inspire me everyday by supporting my career goals.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Neighbor means self to me – I have always been taught to treat my neighbor as I would myself so whenever I see a neighbor or citizen in need or having questions I always put myself in their shoes and give them the answer I would expect.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Happy, Safe
