WINDSOR – Bertie County began a new era Monday morning.

During the organizational meeting of the Bertie County Commissioners, a new chairman and vice chairman were selected to take leadership posts.

Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb opened the meeting, and after the formalities were dispensed with, asked for a nomination for the position of Chairman, a post held for the past three years by Norman M. Cherry Sr.

Cherry rose and nominated Commissioner L.C. Hoggard III, who has served as Vice Chairman for the past four years.  Commissioner Rick Harrell offered a second.

Lamb then called for a vote and all five commissioners unanimously endorsed Hoggard for the post.

“I would like to thank my fellow board members for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve as chairman,” Hoggard said. “I hope that I will continue to uphold the office as my predecessors – Commissioner Harrell and Commissioner Cherry – have.”

Hoggard then asked for a nomination for Vice Chairman and Commissioner Charles L. Smith nominated Commissioner J. Wallace Perry for the post. Cherry offered a second. That motion too carried without objection.

“I appreciate, first of all, the people of Bertie County who elected me to serve again,” Perry said. “I was the commissioner with opposition in both May and November and I appreciate the support of the citizens.

“I also want to thank my fellow board members for choosing me as Vice Chairman,” he added. “I’m thankful for the vote of confidence.”

After the two new officers spoke, Cherry offered his appreciation for the board allowing him to serve three years.

“Thank you for the support you have given me during my time as chairman,” he said. “It was an educational three years, but a good three years.

“Thank you and again, my congratulations to Chairman Hoggard and Vice Chairman Perry,” he added.

Also, the board chose to reappoint Misty Deanes as Clerk to the Board and Lloyd Smith as County Attorney. In addition, they named Bertie County Register of Deeds Belinda White as Assistant Clerk to the Board.

Those three were accomplished by one motion from Smith. It was seconded by Perry and passed by a unanimous vote.