About Billy Clayton

A Legacy of Service in Law Enforcement

Billy Clayton’s life and career reflect a deep commitment to integrity, service, and community. His leadership has inspired those around him, and his legacy is one of unwavering dedication to public safety and the people he serves. Billy stands for integrity, respect, trust, and ethics—values that guide his leadership and his vision for the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office.

Career in Public Safety

Billy is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 35 years of dedicated service in public safety. He has a wide span of knowledge from hands-on operational field experience to high-level administrative leadership. Billy’s deep understanding of budgeting, policy development, internal affairs procedures, and personnel management has made him a respected figure in the law enforcement community.

Throughout his career, Billy has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build strong, collaborative teams across local, state, and federal agencies. His commitment to the Public Safety Mission has been marked by strategic partnerships and a steadfast focus on protecting and serving the people of North Carolina’s Triad region, where he has spent the majority of his career.

Education & Professional Development

Billy holds a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University (2007) and a Bachelor of Arts from Elon College (1989). He is a graduate of the prestigious 226th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and was selected to attend the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar (Session 203-11), further demonstrating his leadership and expertise in law enforcement. During his tenure with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Billy completed the Administrative Officer’s Management Program at NC State University and also graduated from the Executive Survival: Policing in the 21st Century course through the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Association, enhancing his strategic insight and preparedness for the challenges of modern policing.

Family & Community

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy is a devoted husband and father. His wife of 30 years, Susan Bradsher Clayton, serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of the Graham Police Department. She formerly worked for the Roxboro Law Firm of Walter Cates and Charlie Hubbard for several years.  Together, they have one son, Chandler Clayton, who is a sworn Law Enforcement Officer in North Carolina.

Memberships & Affiliations

Billy has served on numerous boards and remains active in professional and community organizations, including:

  • State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board

  • Alamance Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board

  • Guilford Technical Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board

  • Lakeview Community Church Leadership Committee

  • FBI National Academy Associates

  • International Association of Chiefs of Police

  • North Carolina Police Executives Association

  • North Carolina Troopers Association

  • Graham Police Department

  • Lakeview Civitan’s Club

  • Bingham & Tabasco Masonic Lodges

  • Burlington Shrine Club

trusted leadership for the future

Billy Clayton’s career, education, family values, and community service make him uniquely prepared to serve as Sheriff of Alamance County with trust, strength, and vision for the future.