Demitra "Dee" H. Crayton
AGCCP Board Chairman 2003 - 2021
Demitra "Dee" H. Crayton lived her life with passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Dee's dedication left an indelible mark on those around her, touching countless lives as a manager, mentor, and advocate for customer service. Throughout her storied career, she led with vision, compassion, and a relentless drive to uplift those around her.
Dee began her career with the City of Charlotte in 1976, starting as a part-time employee before moving to a full-time role in the Print Shop. From there, she advanced to the Customer Service & Information Center (CS&IC), where her natural leadership skills led her to the position of Manager. When CharMeck 311 launched in 2005, Dee took on the role of Operations Manager, guiding her team with dedication and care. She led a group of 70 Customer Service Representatives, seven Supervisors, and an Assistant Operations Manager, overseeing daily operations with an unwavering commitment to quality. Under her leadership, CharMeck 311 served over 1.6 million customers in 2017 alone, setting a standard of excellence in public service.
Dee’s influence extended beyond the local level to become a model for call centers across the nation. She shared her expertise in cities like Louisville, Kentucky, and Durham, North Carolina, helping them build and improve their call centers. Her dedication to collaboration and unity made her a highly respected figure within the industry.
A founding member and President of the Association of Government Contact Center Professionals (AGCCP), Dee served as Board Chairman from its inception in 2003 until 2021. She also facilitated the AGCCP annual conferences held in Charlotte in 2003 and 2014, helping connect and elevate fellow professionals. Dee’s active involvement extended to several other organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary Post 262, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). She was also a reading mentor to elementary students, sharing her love of learning and helping young minds flourish.
Dee was committed to teaching and empowering others. She focused on helping people reach new heights, grooming future leaders, and fostering a spirit of teamwork. Her warmth and wisdom left a profound impact on those she worked with, and her legacy is evident in the many individuals and teams she helped grow.
Those who had the privilege of working with Dee often described her as "a valuable asset to the City." She had a unique ability to mentor and support others, as captured by one colleague who said, "You took me under your wing and taught me everything I needed to know." Another remarked, "It has been a pleasure just knowing you and working with you"—words that reflect Dee's ability to connect personally with those around her, leaving behind not just professional achievements but cherished memories.
Outside of her professional life, Dee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished her family, which included her husband, three children, ten grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Dee’s life was defined by love—love for her family, her community, and her work.
We celebrate the life and contributions of Demitra "Dee" H. Crayton—a woman who exemplified mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and community spirit. Her legacy continues through all those she influenced, a testament to her lasting impact on both a professional and personal level.