New officers were elected for the North Carolina Association of Directors of Elections, (NCADE) during their recent conference in New Hanover County at the Wilmington Convention Center. “Adapting to Change by Using Tools and Resources” was the theme of the three-day conference that included educational sessions, networking opportunities and group participation. The conference attracted over 300 elections professionals from 91 North Carolina counties and 18 vendors.
Elected as NCADE President was Tonya Burnette of Granville County. Sandra Rich from Caldwell County was elected 1st Vice President. Kellie Harris Hopkins of Beaufort County will serve as Secretary. Treasurer is Rose Whitehurst of Onslow County. Elected as Honors is Kathy Ray of Madison County. Carol Soles of Cabarrus County was elected as Historian. These new NCADE officers will serve a two-year term until 2019.
“We are committed to work together as an association to increase the proficiency of Directors of Elections and their staff throughout the state, enhance professionalism, and improve the management practices and procedures in administering the elections process,” said new NCADE President, Tonya Burnette. “The 2016 Presidential Election Year was a difficult time for all election officials, as changes occurred to procedures and policies, often between elections through legislative changes and court rulings. County Boards of Elections had to operate under constant change and scrutiny and adapt quickly. We want to give each county the tools and resources to better assist them through these changes.”
The North Carolina Association of Directors of Elections was established in 1967 as a professional association dedicated to continuing education and improving the electoral process in North Carolina and the nation.
