WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Councilwoman Brandi Matthews has been appointed as a Director on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials (NCBEMO), marking a significant milestone in her public service career.
Official Swearing-In at Summer Conference
Matthews was officially sworn into her new role during NCBEMO’s annual Summer Conference held last week in Greensboro. The appointment places her among black elected municipal officials from across North Carolina who serve on the organization’s governing board.
Finding Community and Belonging
Reflecting on her journey, Matthews emphasized the importance of NCBEMO in her political career. “When I was first elected, there was difficulty finding a soft place to land, until I was introduced to NC BEMO,” Matthews said. “Here, I found community, connection, and a group of people who understood the weight of being ‘the first,’ ‘the only,’ and or ‘one of few.'”
Matthews described how the organization provided her with a crucial sense of belonging during her early days in office. “Being in that space provided me with a sense of belonging. I am excited to serve as a Board Member, where I will contribute innovative ideas, help cultivate a culture of unity, support, outreach & in reach. Thank you, NC BEMO!”
New Leadership Team Announced
Matthews joins a slate of newly elected board members who will guide the organization through the coming years. The complete leadership roster includes:
Executive Officers:
- Brian Jackson, Jacksonville Councilmember – President
- Veronica Carter, Leland Councilmember – First Vice President
- Rashad Roberts, Chadbourn Councilmember – Second Vice President
- Dontario Hardy, Kinston Mayor – Immediate Past President
Board Directors:
- Brandi Matthews, Councilwoman – Director
- Sona Cooper, Spring Lake Mayor Pro Tem – Director (2025–2027 term)
- Barbara Foushee, Carrboro Mayor – Director (2025-2027 term)
- Bryan Haynes, Fuquay-Varina Commissioner – Director (2025–2027 term)
- Ricky Credle, Belhaven Mayor – Director (2025–2026 term)
About NCBEMO
The North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials serves as a leading organization supporting public service as a vehicle for implementing positive change for North Carolina citizens. The organization focuses on political and community transformation through comprehensive programming that includes training, education, collaboration, advocacy, and outreach initiatives.
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit statewide organization, NCBEMO brings together current black elected officials and supporters who are committed to advancing the organization’s mission of empowering communities through effective municipal leadership.
