Durham County commissioners elect Dr. Mike Lee as chair, Commissioner Alam chosen vice chair

Dr. Mike Lee was unanimously elected chair of the Durham County Board of County Commissioners during the board’s Dec. 1, 2025 work session, and commissioners also selected Commissioner Alam as vice chair.

The board’s county attorney, Larissa Williamson, opened nominations and the clerk conducted a roll-call vote; commissioners recorded unanimous 'yes' responses, and Williamson announced the election result. Following the vote, Lee accepted the gavel and thanked colleagues, saying he looks forward to representing the community and supporting staff. Vice Chair Alam thanked the board for the honor and emphasized collaboration and service.

The leadership changes were procedural and took place at the start of the work session. Both Lee and Alam used their remarks to highlight a commitment to teamwork and community service and to acknowledge the transitions the board and staff have undergone this year. Lee said he will continue working closely with County Manager Hager and County Attorney Williamson.

The board then moved into the rest of its agenda, including a public comment period during which several residents raised concerns about Department of Social Services practices. Staff and commissioners agreed to schedule a detailed work session in January to present on child protective services procedures and related court processes, signaling the new leadership will face immediate oversight questions on social-services matters.

No policy votes accompanied the leadership elections beyond the roll-call confirmations announcing the appointments.