Commissioner Martin elected chair after Kirk Smith steps down

The Lee County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner Martin as chair by secret ballot at its May 18 meeting after the board accepted a letter from Commissioner Kirk Smith stepping down as chair effective immediately. Ballots produced six votes for Commissioner Martin and one for Kirk Smith, and the board formally turned the meeting over to Commissioner Martin to serve until the next organizational meeting.

The board paused to recognize Commissioner Smithfor years of service, with multiple commissioners thanking him for regional coordination and committee work carried out on behalf of Lee County. "Serving as chair involves far more than presiding over meetings," one commissioner said, praising Smithfor behind-the-scenes relationship building and institutional knowledge.

Commissioner Martin, newly seated as chair, thanked colleagues and asked for patience as she settles into the role. She told the board she would lean on fellow commissioners and staff while becoming accustomed to procedural details, and asked for collaborative work going forward.

The chair election came at the top of an agenda that also included zoning public hearings, proclamations, an opioid-settlement update, and a proposed FY27 budget. The board did not take further action on leadership beyond the temporary chair appointment; the next organizational meeting will determine the seating for the next term.