Government Communicators Day – Spotlight on Daniel Bizzell
In celebration of Government Communicators Day on Feb. 21, the Town of Clayton is highlighting Visual Communication Specialist Daniel Bizzell, whose primary role is to help share important information and stories with the community through engaging video and visual content.
Bizzell’s journey with the Town of Clayton began in the summer of 2022 as an intern. After dedicating nearly a year to supporting communication efforts, he transitioned to a full-time role in May 2023. A Clayton native and 2020 graduate of Clayton High School, Bizzell brings a deep appreciation for his hometown and a fresh perspective to his work.
“I was fortunate to grow up in Clayton,” said Bizzell. “It’s been exciting to witness the growth of downtown and see more people engaging with local businesses. There are so many more things to do here now, from coffee shops to community events, that just weren’t around when I was younger.”
Bizzell graduated from North Carolina State University in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, concentrating in media, and a minor in film studies. His passion for storytelling is evident in his creative approach to producing videos that resonate with residents and showcase the heart of Clayton.
While studying communications, Bizzell sought an internship that would give him hands-on experience and was pleasantly surprised to find that opportunity with his hometown. “I never really thought about working for the town or what goes on behind the scenes,” he said. “But right from the start, I learned so much. It was great to be thrown into real work situations and be part of a team making a difference.”
Growing up, Bizzell was actively involved in the community through sports with Clayton Parks and Recreation and the Civitan Club, as well as performing in theater productions with the Clayton Youth Theater at The Clayton Center. These early connections with the community now provide valuable insight into his work. “Having attended community events my whole life like the Harvest Festival, Fourth of July fireworks, and downtown concerts, it’s been really cool to see what goes into planning them. There’s so much thought and effort behind every detail, from safety planning to booth placement. It’s given me a whole new appreciation for the work our Town does.”
When asked why he pursued a career in communications, Bizzell credited his fascination with how information is shared and consumed. “I grew up in the YouTube generation, watching more videos than I probably should have in middle and high school,” he said. “But that exposure made me curious about how information gets out there and how media shapes what we know and think.”
One of the most eye-opening aspects for Bizzell was discovering how many people it takes to keep a local government running smoothly. “From the outside, government can seem like just a big machine, but on the inside, you realize it’s powered by passionate people working together. Whether it’s the team at the wastewater treatment plant ensuring proper sanitation or those in administration setting the Town’s vision, everyone plays an important role.”
Bizzell finds the most rewarding aspect of his work is providing useful information to the community. “It’s fulfilling to know you’re helping people, whether it’s updating them on park improvements, letting them know about a fun downtown event, or helping them understand why we do things the way we do. In a time when misinformation is everywhere, it feels good to share accurate, helpful information with our residents.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bizzell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Town of Clayton. “There are so many talented people in communications, and I’m really thankful I’ve been able to get this hands-on experience. In this role, I’ve worked with almost every department and connected with organizations outside the Town. It’s been a great learning experience and something I truly value.”
“Bizzell’s creativity and dedication to his craft are remarkable,” said Clayton Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. “His ability to turn complex information into compelling visual stories is a tremendous asset to our team and the entire community.”
According to Shelton, Government Communicators Day honors professionals like Bizzell who work behind the scenes to keep communities informed. Clayton is proud to have him as part of the team, helping bridge the gap between local government and residents through storytelling.
(Town of Clayton Communication and Outreach Team [from left] are Communication Director Nathanael Shelton, Communication and Marketing Specialist Lydia Davis, Communication Specialist Emily Stoll, Digital Media Specialist Joshua Propst, and Visual Communication Specialist Daniel Bizzell.)
