The Wake County Board of Commissioners has elected Shinica Thomas as chair and Susan Evans as vice chair of the board for 2023. Tonight’s vote followed the swearing in of new commissioners, Don Mial and Cheryl Stallings, and incumbent commissioners, Vickie Adamson and Matt Calabria.

“I’m proud to lead this board of dedicated public servants, and I’m grateful for the faith and trust my colleagues put in me,” said Chair Thomas. “I look forward to making strides in the new year in key areas such as affordable housing, public safety, economic development and strategic planning for our organization.”

Chair Thomas was elected to the board in 2020 and served as vice chair in 2022. During her tenure, she has championed efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion across county government, while working diligently to ensure everyone in Wake County has broadband access.

Chair Thomas currently serves on the Connecting Counties Task Force for the N.C. Association of County Commissioners and the Large Urban County Caucus for the National Association of Counties.

Vice Chair Evans was first elected to the board in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. During her terms, she has served as chair of the commission’s Great Government and Education Committees, and she has supported the expansion of NC Pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds and the creation of Wake ThreeSchool, a Pre-K program for eligible 3-year-olds.

“Ensuring our education continuum from cradle to college is strong provides our youth with a path to success in life,” said Vice Chair Evans. “I’m excited to continue our work in this space, as well as focus on issues like public health, food security and support for residents experiencing homeless.”

Chair Thomas and Vice Chair Evans will serve in these new leadership roles through December 2023.