Beth Burns has been recommended for appointment to the vacant seat on the Pender County Board of Commissioners. Burns, who serves on the Pender County Board of Education, was selected by the Pender County Republican Party Executive Committee on Aug. 20, 2026, according to a Facebook post from the organization.
Burns has been recommended for appointment by the Pender County Republican Party but still must be officially appointed by the board itself.
The seat became vacant after previous commissioner Brad George resigned on Aug. 1. Burns would serve out the remainder of George's term, which expires after the November election. The seat officially represents District 1, an area covering northern Hampstead, Topsail Beach and Surf City.
Burns was one
of two people to submit a self-nomination for the position. She went up against Shayne Frey, the Republican nominee running for the same seat in the upcoming election.
Who is Beth Burns?
Burns has served on the Pender County Board of Education since 2018.
In a letter of intent provided by the Pender County Republican Party, Burns wrote, "My experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, evaluating contracts, establishing policy, and working collaboratively with fellow board members and county leaders has prepared me to serve effectively on the Board of Commissioners."
Burns expressed an emphasis on maintaining fiscal responsibility as the county navigates ongoing growth.
"My focus will be on listening to the citizens of District 1, protecting taxpayer dollars, supporting responsible growth, and ensuring county government remains transparent and accountable," Burns wrote.
North Carolina law generally prohibits a person from holding two elected offices simultaneously, but because Burns would be filling the seat through appointment rather than election, she may be able to serve on both boards temporarily.
According to Bob Fankboner, communications director for Pender County Schools, Burns is seeking guidance from state officials on whether she may serve simultaneously on the two boards. No decision regarding her continued service on the Board of Education will be made until she receives that guidance.
The Pender County Board of Commissioners next meets on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in Burgaw.
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Pender GOP chooses school board member to fill vacant commissioner seat
