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Person County commissioners swear in three new members; Kyle Puryear elected chair, Jason Thomas vice chair
Summary
At its Dec. 2, 2024 organizational meeting the Person County Board of Commissioners swore in three newly elected commissioners, recognized outgoing commissioners and elected Kyle Puryear as chair and Jason Thomas as vice chair in unanimous votes.
The Person County Board of Commissioners convened its Dec. 2, 2024 organizational meeting and swore in three newly elected county commissioners before reorganizing leadership.
At the start of the meeting the board administered the oath of office to Sherry Wilburn, Tracy Ellickson and Antoinette Royster. Each took the oath required for county commissioners and was confirmed before the board.
After the swearing-in the board opened nominations for leadership. Kyle Puryear was nominated and, after a voice vote, was elected chair by a unanimous vote. Jason Thomas was nominated and elected vice chairman by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting also included recognition of outgoing commissioners. The board presented plaques to Charlie Palmer and Derek Sammis for their four years of service; Chairman Gordon Powell was honored for eight years of service on the board and earlier public-service roles. Gordon Powell’s son presented biographical remarks; the county recited a gubernatorial citation that the county described as the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Commissioners and staff spoke in praise of the outgoing members’ service.
The board’s organizational actions were procedural and passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent.
The board recessed for 15 minutes and reconvened to continue the meeting.
Looking ahead, the board scheduled onboarding meetings and department introductions for the new commissioners in the coming weeks as staff and external consultants continue orientation work.
