Beaufort County Appoints First All-Female Leadership Team

News Summary

Beaufort County has made history by appointing its first all-female leadership team for its county council, with Alice Howard as chair and Tab Tabernik as vice chair. This landmark election, driven by a commitment to transparency and community-driven initiatives, seeks to regaining voter trust amidst ongoing challenges. With a focus on pressing issues like affordable housing and population growth, these leaders aim to foster a collaborative environment and represent the interests of their nearly 200,000 residents.

Beaufort County Welcomes a New Era of Leadership

In a historic turn of events, Beaufort County has appointed its first-ever all-female leadership team for its county council. Alice Howard and Tab Tabernik are making waves as they step into their new roles as chair and vice chair, respectively, a groundbreaking change that comes after nearly fifty years since the council’s formation in 1975. This monumental election took place on January 2, when Howard narrowly claimed the chair position with a tight 6-5 vote, succeeding Joe Passiment, who held the chair since 2020.

Meet the Leaders

With a combined wealth of experience, both leaders are passionate about bringing fresh perspectives to the council, which serves nearly 200,000 residents in Beaufort County. Howard has been a dedicated council member since 2015, and has over 30 years of expertise in environmental and regional planning. She holds a Master’s degree in public administration and a Bachelor’s in community planning. Her roots trace back to a rural farm in Georgia, and her previous roles include work at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort.

On the other hand, Tabernik is stepping onto the political stage with significant accomplishments in public education. Recently initiating her term in 2023, she offers a doctorate in Urban School Administration and has an impressive background as a middle school principal and an assistant superintendent in Ohio. Both women entered politics driven by a desire for community change rather than personal ambitions.

A Commitment to Change

As the new leaders, Howard and Tabernik recognize the importance of regaining voter trust in local government, particularly following concerns surrounding recent alleged misfeasance. Both of them hope to usher in a new era marked by transparency and accountability. Howard’s decision to run stemmed from her first-hand observations regarding her daughter’s struggles to find affordable housing while working as a teacher in Beaufort County. This central issue, among others, is one they plan to address head-on.

Priorities on the Agenda

Howard and Tabernik have identified several critical areas that demand immediate attention. As the county continues to experience an impressive population growth of over 6% since 2020, existing challenges like affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and basic waste management have moved to the forefront of their agenda. They are fully aware that they won’t be able to satisfy everyone, but they promise to focus on the best interests of the county’s residents.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Interestingly, Howard and Tabernik’s appointment comes amidst an ongoing workplace investigation by Beaufort County management, addressing potential violations of employee policies. Despite these challenges, both women remain steadfast in their commitment to leading with integrity and compassion.

Howard has expressed a strong desire to foster a collaborative environment and tackle pressing issues like growth management and development. Tabernik, meanwhile, is anxious to bring her background in education into the policy-making process. They view their leadership positions not only as a remarkable achievement for women in leadership but as a profound opportunity to positively impact their community.

A Concluding Note

As Beaufort County turns a new page, residents can expect a focus on accountability and community-driven initiatives from their new leaders. Howard and Tabernik are poised to step up to the challenges ahead, ready to engage with their fellow residents and ensure that their voices and needs are heard. Stay tuned as these leaders embark on their path to foster a brighter and more inclusive future for Beaufort County.