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Commissioners re-elect Dawn Martin as chair after one no vote over leadership concerns
Summary
Forsyth County commissioners re-elected Commissioner Dawn Martin as chair by a 6–1 vote after a commissioner publicly opposed her, citing concerns about vision and collegiality. The board also unanimously elected Gloria Whisenhunt as vice chair.
Forsyth County commissioners re-elected Commissioner Dawn Martin as chair of the board on Dec. 4, 2025, after a brief but pointed floor statement from a colleague who opposed the motion. The motion to retain Martin as chair passed 6–1.
During the nomination and discussion, a commissioner identified as opposing the motion said the county needs “integrity, vision, and a spirit of service” and expressed concern about "a consistent lack of basic collegial behavior" on the board. The speaker said they would vote "no" because they had not seen the leadership style they said the county needs.
The vice chair position was filled immediately after; Commissioners nominated Gloria Whisenhunt for vice chair and the board approved the nomination unanimously. Chair Martin thanked colleagues for their support.
The exchange marked a rare, explicit airing of interpersonal concerns on the dais. There was no formal motion to remove or replace the chair; the matter was resolved by the re-election vote. The board moved on to other business after the leadership elections.
