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15 <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners - Vacancy Application <br /> Name: Brenda Stephens <br /> Address: 5807 Craig Rd Durham, NC 27712 <br /> Email: Stephensbl908@gmail.com Phone: 919-309-0919 <br /> Registered Voter?yes W1no Party Affiliation: Democrat <br /> Questions: <br /> 1. What motivates you to want to serve as an Orange County commissioner, including why are you <br /> seeking an appointment now, as opposed to running for the seat during a previous election? <br /> I have a record of dedicated service to our county, and I believe that service as a Commissioner <br /> would be a natural extension of my leadership in public service. During the prior elections, I <br /> opted to continue my term as a school board member at the local and state level. Now that I <br /> have fulfillled and closed my commitment as a school board member, I am seeking this role as <br /> another avenue of service. <br /> 2. What do you consider to be one of the most important characteristics of a county commissioner? <br /> What in your experience demonstrates your ability to be effective as a commissioner?What is your <br /> experience in shared governance or leadership?What steps do you take in making decisions? <br /> A county commissioner is more than a fiduciary gatekeeper.As an elected official, I understand <br /> and appreciate the shared governance model that we enjoy in our county. My experience in <br /> leadership and shared governance is one of growth, efficacy, and pragmatism. <br /> In my role as Regional Library Director(Caswell, Orange & Person) I established a positive <br /> working relationship with trustees, county commissioners and patrons. I worked with municipal <br /> and state officials to meet the needs of libraries, and worked with special groups in advisory <br /> capacities. I collaborated with Dr. Neil Pederson,former Superintendent of Chapel <br /> Hill-Carrboro City Schools, to place a branch library in McDougle middle school, and I worked <br /> with former Mayor Mike Nelson and the Carrboro Board of Alderman to establish the inaugural <br /> location of the Cybrary in the Century Center. <br /> 3. How would your appointment enhance diversity of the BOCC? <br /> I am unapologetically a champion for diversity and equity. I have been blessed in my life to see <br /> equal rights, albeit slowly, extended to the underrepresented and underserved demogrphics in <br /> America.As a Black woman who served in the military, I have firsthand knowledge of the <br /> positive effects of diversity. <br /> Also, I have deep roots in Orange County that date back to 1792. My family has been <br /> enhancing diversity for centuries in our community. My great, great,great grandfather, Frank <br /> Umstead, was a Blacksmith in Hillsboro Township. <br /> Applications are due to the Orange County Clerk to the Board by 5 pm on January 6, 2023. Completed <br /> applications can be emailed to clerk@orangecountync.gov or delivered to 300 W. Tryon St.,2"d Flr., <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278. <br />