Board Elects Commissioner Bryan as Chair; Ward as Vice Chair

12/2/2007

The Wake County Board of Commissioners today elected Joe Bryan as its new chair and Betty Lou Ward as vice chair, effective immediately, for a one-year term. The chair presides over Board meetings and represents the County in an official capacity at community, business and other functions.

In assuming his leadership post, Bryan thanked his fellow commissioners and pledged to work diligently on behalf of both the Board and the citizens of Wake County.

"I am honored to serve as chair of the Board of Commissioners," Bryan said. "As one of the highest-growth counties in the nation, Wake County faces many challenges and opportunities. It's my goal to build on the quality of life we have enjoyed to date because this Board of Commissioners and the County have taken the long view. It is my plan to continue to engage our business, education and community leaders for solutions and strategies. And I know I can count on the contributions of the great citizens of Wake County. I look forward to a productive year."

Commissioner Bryan pledged his work and the work of the Board of Commissioners in addressing growth, education, infrastructure, public safety, human services, and economic development.

Commissioner Bryan joined the Board in December 2002. He served as vice chair in 2004 and previously as chair in 2005. He is also chair of the Board's Growth, Land Use and Environment Committee and serves on its Public Safety Committee, as well as the Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee. He serves as chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) and is the former mayor of Knightdale. He is second vice president of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners board of directors and chairs the Human Services Steering Committee. Bryan serves as vice chair of the National Association of Counties' Transportation Committee.

First elected in 1988, Commissioner Ward is the longest-serving current commissioner. She chaired the board in 2000 and served as vice chair in 1999. Commissioner Ward serves on the boards of directors for the Wake Education Foundation, and United Arts of Raleigh and Wake County; and the board of trustees of Communities in Schools. She is also a past president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and past chair of the Wake County Social Services Board. She currently serves on the NCACC President's Task Force and Environment Steering committees. Ward has also served as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and currently serves on numerous NACo committees.

Note: Photos of Commissioners Bryan and Ward are available online at www.wakegov.com/media/commissionerphotos.

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