BURGAW, NC — During the December 2nd Board of County Commissioners meeting, outgoing commissioners were honored, newly elected members were warmly welcomed, and the exceptional contributions of our county leaders were celebrated.
Honoring Outgoing Commissioners
The Board expressed heartfelt appreciation to outgoing commissioners Fred McCoy and Jackie Newton for their steadfast commitment to public service. Commissioner McCoy’s and Commissioner Newton’s years of leadership and advocacy have profoundly influenced the Pender County community. Their service exemplifies dedication to the betterment of the county and its residents.
Swearing-In of Newly Elected Commissioners
During the meeting, Judge Kent Harrell administered the oath of office to three newly elected members of the Board:
- Brad George, representing District 1
- Ken Smith, representing District 4
- Brent Springer, representing District 5
District 2 Commissioner Randy Burton was absent and will be sworn in during the next Board of County Commissioners meeting.
The new commissioners bring a valuable perspective focused on protecting the charms of Pender County while being mindful of fiscal responsibility during a period of exceptional growth.
Leadership Appointments
The Board reappointed Trey Thurman as County Attorney and appointed Lexi Stanfield as Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Both individuals bring invaluable expertise and dedication to their respective roles, ensuring effective governance and support for the county’s initiatives.
Recognition of Wes Stewart
The Board also honored Wes Stewart, Director of the Department of Social Services, who will retire after eight years of exemplary service to Pender County at the end of this year. Under Mr. Stewart’s leadership, the Department of Social Services has achieved significant milestones in delivering vital resources to residents. The Board expressed deep gratitude for his unwavering dedication and impactful contributions.
GFOA Award Recognition
Pender County received the Governmental Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation award for its 2024-2025 Adopted Budget document, recognizing the county's adherence to nationally recognized guidelines in policy, financial planning, operations, and communication. The award was made possible through the work of Budget Analyst Jacob Orman, who has been with Pender County for just over a year. With assistance from county departments and staff, Jacob played a key role in preparing the document. This marks the first time Pender County has earned the award since 2006, and the county aims to make this achievement an ongoing accomplishment.
December 19th Special Meeting
During the December 19th special meeting, Commissioner Randy Burton was elected Chair, and Commissioner Ken Smith was elected Vice Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.