Mecklenburg picks a new leader for county government. Why Dunlap calls it a new generation
Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously selected Mark Jerrell as their new chairman during the board’s swearing-in ceremony Monday.
Jerrell, who represents east Mecklenburg’s District 4 and was first elected in 2018, said his areas of focus as board chair will include improving equity and affordability.
“This board will remain committed to listening to the concerns of the community, building bridges, breaking down barriers, advocating for your needs. And we’re going to ensure your voices aren’t just heard but are actually woven into the fabric of our decision-making processes,” he said.
Jerrell served for the last year as vice chair of the board under longtime Chairman George Dunlap, who led the board for six years.
At-large Commissioner Leigh Altman, who’s served on the board since 2020 and chairs the Metropolitan Transit Commission, was elected vice chair.
Dunlap, who announced earlier this year he wouldn’t seek another term as leader of the board, said Jerrell and Altman represent a new generation of leadership and are both hard workers who can unite the board.
“One of the responsibilities you have as chair is to look among your colleagues and figure out who is best-suited for more,” Dunlap said.
He said Jerrell will do “an oustanding job.”
Jerrell thanked Dunlap and longtime Vice Chair Elaine Powell for being willing to “pass the torch.” He also credited Dunlap and fellow Commissioners Arthur Griffin and Vilma Leake for helping open the door for Black leaders in Charlotte.
“I get to sit here with giants,” he said.
The only newcomer on the board is at-large Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram, who defeated incumbent Pat Cotham in a March primary.
All nine members of the board are Democrats.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 10:59 AM.
