WILLIAMSTON – The Bertie Martin Regional Jail Commission (BMRJ), at its regular meeting on August 29 announced the promotions of two long-time employees with jail administration.

The BMRJ board voted unanimously to promote Terrence Whitehurst to the position of Jail Administrator, and Lydra Freeman to the position of Deputy Jail Administrator, effective immediately.

Deputy Clerk of Superior Court Angela Todd administrated the oath of office for both Whitehurst and Freeman two days later in Windsor on Aug. 31.

Whitehurst is a native of Martin County and has worked with the jail agency for 20 years.

Whitehurst has been promoted through the ranks since his beginnings with the BMRJ as Corporal, Lieutenant and later Deputy Administrator prior to be elevated to the top management position.

Freeman is a native of Bertie County and has worked at BMRJ for 15 years.  She holds a Bachelor Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University and has a three-year-old son.

Craig Freeman, no relation, formerly held the position of Jail Administrator with BMRJ until his retirement last month.

The Bertie Martin Regional Jail Commission was established to provide governance and oversight for this detention facility serving both the counties dissected by the Roanoke River.

Each county has three representatives who serve on the Commission.

Martin County Commissioner Dempsey Bond serves as the BMRJ Chairman and Bertie Commissioners chairman John Trent serves as the Vice Chairman.

Also representing Bertie County is DiAnne Bazemore, a Lewiston-Woodville Town Commissioner along with Lawrence Carter, a Windsor Town Commissioner.

Martin County representatives include John MacDonald and William Stalls.