The City of Kannapolis announces the promotions of Suzanne Burgess, Christen Solberg, and Sarah Williams. Suzanne Burgess has been named Director of Budget and Strategy; Sarah Williams will now serve as the Assistant Director of Human Resources and Christen Solberg has been promoted to Purchasing Manager.
Suzanne Burgess was formally the Assistant Director of Finance for the City. She brings more than 20 years of local government finance and budgeting experience to the organization, including extensive experience with budget development, financial analysis, long-range financial planning, and working with departments and leadership to effectively manage public resources. Suzanne has both City and County experience and has worked for both Rowan and Cabarrus Counties.
In her new role, Suzanne will oversee the City’s budget process, including development and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets, financial forecasting, budget and grant administration, and coordination with departments, the City Manager’s Office, and City Council.
She is a graduate of Wofford College with a bachelor’s degree in business economics and finance. She is an NC Certified Local Government Finance Officer, a member of NC Government Finance Officers Association and the Government Finance Officers Association. She is a graduate of the University of NC School of Government Municipal and County Administration Program and the University of NC School of Government Leading for Results – Civic Fellows Program.
A native of Kannapolis Christen Solberg joined the City of Kannapolis in 2024 as a Purchasing Manager. She previously worked for Charlotte Water at the City of Charlotte for 12 years.
Christen graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and from Western Carolina University with a Master of Science in Human Resources. She is a member of the North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing.
As purchasing manager, she will be responsible for the procurement and oversight of items needed for the City such as supplies, materials, equipment and services. The process and oversight of bids and contracts will also be one of her primary duties.
Sarah Williams joined the City of Kannapolis in 2025 as the Health & Wellness Manager. She has 18 years of human resources experience in local government and a broad depth of knowledge across key HR functions, including employee wellness, benefits administration, retirement, leave administration, risk management, employee relations, and policy development. She is deeply committed to the field of Human Resources and the positive impact it has on employees and organizational culture.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). She is a dual member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Cabarrus Regional SHRM Chapter. She is a member of the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) North Carolina Chapter.