Nine new district directors join Board

• Click here to view an NCACC district map.

Representatives from the NCACC's odd-numbered districts caucused at the 102nd Annual Conference in Catawba County to select district directors to two-year terms on the NCACC Board of Directors.

Three of those directors are featured here. District 3 Director Christine Mele of Pamlico County, District 5 Director Robert Wright of Hoke County, District 7 Director Robert Carter of Northampton County, District 11 Director Darrell Frye of Randolph County, District 15 Director Renée McDermott of Polk County, and District 17 Director Dana Jones of Cherokee County were featured in the October issue of CountyLines.

District Directors are expected to maintain contact with other commissioners in their districts. This allows directors to know and to understand the issues that affect their counties and provides a means for communicating with members. District Directors should inform Association staff and other members of the Board of Directors about matters of interest or concern in their districts.

Advocacy: As part of the Association's grassroots advocacy program, District Directors serve as a primary contact when legislative action is needed. At times, they may be asked to find out what other commissioners in their districts think about specific legislative proposals.

Representation: District Directors are encouraged to foster constructive intergovernmental relationships in their counties. This includes participating in civic education programs in the schools and community organizations, or at colleges and universities in the area. District Directors may also represent the NCACC with other interested parties or organizations at the local level, such as municipalities and regional planning organizations.

Mentoring: District Directors can serve as mentors to newly elected commissioners from their districts, especially in the year following county elections, by offering encouragement, helping them to understand county government, and sharing experiences. And most importantly, District Directors should encourage new commissioners to become involved in NCACC programs, activities and committees.

For a full listing of district directors and members of the Board of Directors, click here.

Phil Faison

District 1 Director
Camden County

Represents Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties

Occupation: General contractor specializing in upscale modular homes, office buildings.

Political history: Elected to first term on Board of Commissioners in 2006; served as vice chair first two years, elected chairman in 2008. Member of NCACC Agriculture and Public Education steering committees.

Top local priority: "Diversifying the tax base in the county by successfully getting a $2 million Golden Leaf grant to provide sewer to the northern end of Camden County for commercial development."

Why did you run for office? "Because of both community encouragement and encouragement from members of the Board of Commissioners at that time."

Born: Dec. 27, 1953

Education: B.S. in psychology from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), 1978

Family: Daughter, Marla, 17

What are you most proud of from work in public service? "Moving the county into the 21st century and changing the culture of our board."

Interesting story from tenure on Board of Commissioners: "Traveling to Washington, D.C. and visiting Capitol Hill and the Pentagon with Currituck County Commissioner Gene Gregory to fight the OLF."

Amy Dalrymple

District 9 Director
Lee County

Represents Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Orange and Wake counties

Occupation: Home school teacher, farmer

Political history: Seated to Board of Commissioners for first term in December 2008

Top local priorities: Education and economic development

Why did you run for office? "I've always been active in community causes. I've done a lot with education. I was on a steering committee for a bond issue for elementary schools about 10 years ago. I've been involved in issues in the county, and I was encouraged by a lot of citizens in the county."

Born: Oct. 7, 1964, in Lee County

Education: "I'm a proverbial student – I'm still in search of a degree. … I still go back to school from time to time." Has taken classes at Central Carolina Community College, Campbell, UNC-Chapel Hill

Family: Husband, Tommy; four children, Robert (20), Catherine (18), Matthew (10), Jenni (8)

What are you most proud of from work in public service? "The one thing I'm proud of as far as working on the board so far is feedback from citizens. They know I'm an independent thinker and a hard worker. That makes me feel good that they recognize that."

Barbara Beatty

District 13 Director
Catawba County

Represents Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties

Occupation: Internal auditor; cost accountant; manufacturer sales representative; sales account executive

Political history: Elected to fourth four-year term on Board of Commissioners in November 2008; NCACC Public Education Steering Committee member; numerous local boards and commissions

Birthday: July 9