Durham swears in Claudia Odom Hager as county manager

Claudia Odom Hager took the oath of office before the Board of County Commissioners on the evening the board convened, repeating a pledge to support the constitutions of the United States and North Carolina and to "well and truly execute the duties of the office of county manager." Judge Shamika Reinhardt administered the oath.

The board and family members used the ceremonial moment to highlight Hager's two decades of work with Durham County government and her role in major local efforts. Chair (speaker 1) told the chamber that Hager "has over 2 decades of service" and has been "a bridge builder and a peacemaker" for Durham County. Vice Chair Burns praised Hager's "award winning financial expertise" and said her fiscal leadership had been a "compass guiding our county through turbulent waters." Hager thanked her family and said she would serve as a "servant leader" focused on collaboration and fiscal stewardship.

The board paused regular business for photographs and extended congratulations. Commissioners also noted this moment made the county's leadership team notably female, with the chair, manager, county attorney and clerk sworn in and serving concurrently. The swearing-in and accompanying remarks were ceremonial; no formal policy changes accompanied the oath.

The ceremony concluded with the board returning to regular agenda business and the clerk reading scheduled announcements.