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Allam elected chair, Dr. Mike Lee named vice chair as Durham County commissioners sworn in
Summary
Durham County’s newly constituted Board of County Commissioners held its Dec. 2 organizational session, swearing in five commissioners, installing Sharon A. Davis as Register of Deeds and unanimously approving public official bonds and the 2025 meeting schedule.
Durham County’s Board of County Commissioners convened an organizational work session at 9:00 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2024, in the Commissioners’ Chambers where newly elected and returning officials were sworn in and leadership positions were selected.
County Attorney Larissa Williamson announced that the Nov. 4, 2024, election had been certified and that victory certificates were mailed to the successful candidates, according to Williamson. Chief District Court Judge Clayton Jones administered the oath of office to Sharon A. Davis as Register of Deeds, and several judges administered oaths to commissioners taking office.
Following the swearing-in, the board elected its leadership. County Attorney Larissa Williamson opened nominations for chair; Commissioner Wendy Jacobs nominated Nida Allam, and the nomination carried unanimously. Commissioner Michelle Burton nominated Dr. Mike Lee for vice chair; that motion also passed unanimously. The board then moved into ceremonial remarks.
Commissioner Stephen J. Valentine thanked family and endorsers and pledged to serve Durham County, saying, "Thank you for the privilege and the honor to serve as one of your County Commissioners." Commissioner Wendy Jacobs reflected on her 12 years of service and pledged to work toward "social, racial and economic justice," and to protect immigrant and refugee community members and vulnerable residents. Commissioner Michelle Burton emphasized her background in education and community service and said she would focus on housing affordability and residents' mental-health needs.
Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee framed his priorities around youth opportunity and workforce development, using the phrase "Start Here, Go Anywhere" to describe efforts to connect education and local employment pathways. Chair Nida Allam thanked voters and county staff; Allam noted that she was the first Muslim woman elected in North Carolina and said she is "proud to say I'm the first Muslim woman re-elected to office," and pledged to support county employees and work collaboratively with colleagues.
On routine business, the board unanimously approved two procedural items. Commissioner Wendy Jacobs moved, seconded by Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee, to suspend the rules and then moved, seconded by Commissioner Michelle Burton, to approve the public official bonds; both motions carried unanimously. Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee moved, seconded by Commissioner Michelle Burton, to suspend the rules and then moved, seconded by Commissioner Stephen J. Valentine, to approve the 2025 Board of County Commissioners meeting schedule; that motion also carried unanimously.
The meeting concluded after a motion by Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee, seconded by Commissioner Wendy Jacobs, to adjourn; the board agreed and the session ended at 10:07 a.m.
Votes at a glance • Approval of public official bonds — Motion: approve public official bonds (moved by Wendy Jacobs; seconded by Dr. Mike Lee/Burton as noted); outcome: approved unanimously. • Approval of 2025 Board of County Commissioners’ meeting schedule — Motion: approve 2025 meeting schedule (moved by Dr. Mike Lee; seconded by Stephen J. Valentine); outcome: approved unanimously.
What happens next: No substantive policy items or follow-up assignments were recorded during this session. The board will proceed with its scheduled agenda items in subsequent meetings.
