The final meeting of 2018 brought a big change to the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners.

Linda Rouse Sutton was named the chair for 2019 and Roland Best was appointed vice chair during Monday’s meeting. As former chairman Craig Hill steps down from the position, Sutton will serve in the position after previously serving the role of vice chair.

“It’s truly a humbling experience and I feel very honored,” Sutton said. “I’ll continue to do my best to help move Lenoir County forward in a positive manner, which includes working on the upcoming budget as that will be a challenge.”

Sutton said she will be serving in the role in honor of the late Jackie Brown, who passed away in June at the age of 74 after serving as a county commissioner for 21 years.

“I know she wanted it but was never elected,” Sutton said of Brown. “I called her daughter and told her about the news and she was ecstatic.”

Hill said he relinquished the chairman position because he believed in term limits and wanted to make sure other members of the board had the opportunity to serve in the role. Sutton will serve as chair for the first time.

“The board is a living organism and change can be essential,” Hill said. “The citizens elect the board members and we want to make sure everyone is represented.”

Hill has high expectations for Sutton and Best.

“I believe (Sutton) will do a tremendous job — she’s a seasoned member of the county commissioner board and the school board, is very active across the state and very knowledgeable,” Hill said. “Also, I believe Roland Best will do a great job — he’s served on a lot of boards and has prepared well for a role like this.”

Best will also have his first opportunity to serve as vice chair. He said he’ll continue to do his part for Lenoir County.

“This won’t change the way that I serve and work with the constituents in this area,” Best said. “I’ve always looked to help out and I’ll continue in the same manner.”

The next Lenoir County Commissioner meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 7 at 9 a.m.

Neuse News Editor Bryan Hanks contributed to this report.