Metro Codes News
Carla Langley-Smith Promoted
Carla Langley-Smith, a 31-year veteran of the Department of Codes and Building Safety, has been promoted to Customer Service Supervisor in the Permit Division, Director Terry Cobb announced.
“Carla is a dedicated Metro employee who works hard everyday to provide great customer service to those who come to the Codes Department,” Mr. Cobb said of her. “I would compare her professionalism and customer service skills to anyone, in any department, anywhere. She makes a difference everyday.”
As customer service supervisor, Ms. Langley-Smith is responsible for the day-today management the five staff members who handle the in-take of all permit applications. Based on permits issued thus far, 2007 will be the third consecutive “record” year for value of permits issued by the department, expected to be more than $1.9 billion.
“It has been a great pleasure for me to work with so many good people. I have been here long enough to see transition within some of the companies. I can honestly say the latest generation of people running the construction companies is just as good to work with as the first one,” she said through her characteristic smile. “When I started I was working, it was with men who started the companies, then I worked with the oldest son and now I
am working with the youngest son. It has been wonderful.”
During her tenure, Ms. Langley-Smith has worked with almost all contractors doing
business in Nashville. Johnny Phipps of Phipps Construction described his experience with her. “I have known her since she was 19 and she has always been accommodating and always smiling,” said Phipps of Phipps Construction. “She always shows interest
and she is always welcoming.”
Tim Giankas of Gianikas Contractors was blunt when asked about this promotion.
“It’s awesome,” he said immediately. “She is a tremendous asset.”
Ms. Langley-Smith met her husband, Chuck (a local architect) in a chance meeting
at the Codes more than eight years ago. She said the two met one day as he was filing
plans with the department. Two years later, they married. She and her husband share a love for boating and football, especially the University of Tennessee. Her stepson, Matthew is a 19-year-old student at the UT Knoxville.