
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Monday night to swear in three new commissioners and to elect officers for the coming year. Outgoing Chairman Glenn Adams reflected on the accomplishments achieved by the County during his tenure as chairman.
“We’ve achieved significant strides in advancing many of the Board’s top priorities, continuing to transform our community and improve the lives of our residents,” said Adams in a press release. “As I reflect on this past year, I can confidently say that 2024 has been a banner year for Cumberland County. I’m proud to have served as Chairman during this time of progress and transformation. And I’m equally excited for all we will continue to accomplish in the years and decades to come.”

He noted major project milestones like kicking off the Homeless Support Center project, announcing an agreement with PWC to provide safe, reliable drinking water in the Gray’s Creek Community and breaking ground on the Crown Event Center. He also highlighted programs like launching the County’s Ignite Internship Program, opening an Opioid Recovery Resource Center and moving forward with programs including training barbers and stylists to have healthy conversations with their clients and improving maternal health outcomes by providing funding for doula services.
Chairman Adams recognized outgoing commissioners Michael Boose, Vice Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart and Jimmy Keefe for their tenures on the Board and service to the County. Each commissioner was given a plaque in recognition of their contributions.
Next, oaths of office were administered for three newly-elected commissioners:
A. Kirk deViere, administered by North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall

B. Pavan Patel, administered by North Carolina State Senator Tom McInnis
C. Henry Tyson, administered by North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge John M. Tyson
The new Board elected officers with Commissioner Kirk deViere being elected chairman and Commissioner Veronica Jones being elected vice chairwoman.
Chairman deViere presented a plaque to outgoing Chairman Glenn Adams in recognition of his service as chairman over the past year.

This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
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