Butch Lawter headshotCentral Pines Regional Council's Board of Delegates has new officers; the final slate of individuals was unanimously approved at the Board's August meeting. Prior to the installation of new officers, outgoing Chair DeDreana Freeman, City of Durham, was recognized for her contributions to the Board. Incoming Chair Butch Lawter, Johnston County, thanked her for her leadership through the organization's rebranding process.

CPRC Executive Director Lee Worsley thanked Chair Freeman for her work and support throughout the year. She will be recognized at the October Board of Delegates meeting.

Incoming officers for FY 23-24 are as follows:

  • Chair: R.S. "Butch" Lawter, Jr., Johnston County
  • Vice-Chair: Brett Gantt, Town of Apex
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Wilma Laney, Town of Aberdeen

Commissioner Lawter, who will be taking the helm as Chair through June 2024, is a Johnston County Commissioner and was sworn in to the Board of Commissioners in 2018. Prior to his time with the County, Mr. Lawter served the Town of Clayton from 1999-2003 and 2008-2018. In addition to his County Commissioner and CPRC duties, Mr. Lawter serves as Vice Chairman of CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization), and is on the Johnston County Board of Trustees.

"As the incoming chair of the board, I am truly honored to serve and continue my journey with TJCOG, now CPRC. My time as a member has been enlightening, as I've had the opportunity to learn about crucial issues and witness the positive impact CPRC has made on Clayton and Johnston County. The regional efforts and invaluable experiences gained from our delegates have expanded my knowledge, and I eagerly look forward to sharing that information with other local governments. With Lee's exceptional leadership, I am confident that CPRC will continue to be a vital resource. It's fascinating to witness how issues that were once foreign to our county have now become relevant, highlighting the important work being done by CPRC to make a lasting impact on our region."

CPRC is governed by a Board of Delegates and Executive Committee comprised of representatives from our member governments. Board membership is a chance for local leaders to set regional policy, learn from peers, and develop programming to assist their community. Interested elected officials can participate as their local government's Delegate or Alternate Delegate. Learn more about the Board of Delegates HERE.