news-record.com

GREENSBORO -- County officials are joining the family of Planning and Development Director Greg Niles in mourning today. Niles, 44, died suddenly Saturday and leaves behind a legacy of dedicated civil service and of being a loving father and husband. "Greg is probably the best planning director this county has ever had," Commissioner Billy Yow said Sunday evening.

Yow worked closely with Niles, speaking to him nearly every week. Among the things that impressed Yow most about Niles was his dedication to resolving conflicts for even the most heated of issues.

"He'd go out and talk to everyone. He didn't sit back and make excuses; he got involved," Yow said.

Nile came to Guilford County in early 2005 with his wife, Claire, and three sons. He had made a name for himself working as planning director for Marco Island, Fla., and North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

County Manager David McNeill said Niles was among the top professionals he has ever worked with. This past week Niles approached McNeil - who is swamped with the county budget - and offered to help wherever he could, not just inside his own department.

"He was a quiet man but a very effective team member," McNeill said.

McNeill also credited Niles with updating technology in the planning department and streamlining customer service. And he noted Niles' service on a county task force on ending homelessness.

He said Niles' staff and many others are deeply saddened by the loss.

McNeill will meet Monday with the county management team to discuss how to fill an interim position. He expects to have someone in place by the end of the week.

Niles' cause of death was not immediately available.