JACKSON – At the onset of their regular meeting Monday, the Northampton County Commissioners took time out to welcome Rev. James Hester as a new member of their board.

Hester, who is the retired pastor of Conway Baptist Church where he served for 17 and a half years, was sworn in with his wife by his side by Clerk to the Superior Court Shelby Ricks.

&uot;I have been an active member of my community for many years and I am looking forward to giving something back to the community,&uot; said Hester.

&uot;So far, I have been impressed by the leadership I have seen in this county,&uot; he said. &uot;It seems that there are a lot of positive things happening here and I just want to be a part of it.&uot;

Prior to leaving his position as Commissioner, predecessor Jennings White expressed his utmost confidence in Hester’s ability referring to him as a &uot;fine replacement…man of God,&uot; and &uot;a fair man who I know will be an asset to the Board.&uot;

Hester has a Bachelor of Arts from Pembrooke, North Carolina and a THM from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife have three adult children, a pastor, computer analyst and educator and will be celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary on the last day of the month. He also continues to serve as interim pastor as needed.

Chairwoman Virginia Spruill, who was absent from the meeting, was reappointed to serve in her current position, as were Vice Chair Robert Carter, Interim Tax Administrator Cathy Allen, County Attorney Charles Vaughan and Clerk to the Board Kay Flythe.