Chapel Hill has a new mayor, as Pam Hemminger was sworn in at a Chapel Hill Town Council meeting Wednesday evening, officially taking over for Mark Kleinschmidt.
Michael Parker, Nancy Oates, Jessica Anderson and Donna Bell were also sworn in.
“We’re a new mix of people who have been here a while and people who are new,” Hemminger said. “That brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and some fresh ideas to mix in so we can find those creative solutions.”
During the election in November, Bell retained her seat on the council, while Parker, Oates and Anderson replaced Jim Ward, Lee Storrow and the seat which was vacated by Matt Czajkowski.
Ward, who had served on the council since 1999, was emotional while addressing the crowd.
“Before getting here I Googled how do you keep from getting too emotional when speaking,” Ward said. “You can’t see some of the things I’m doing, but you’ll at least know whether they worked or not.”
He said he was honored to serve Chapel Hill and said he was proud to enact policies that fought for social justice. He noted the renaming of Airport Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as one of the things he was proud of.
Kleinschmidt was elected to the council in 2001 and has served as mayor since 2009.
“Maybe I’m just a little too sensitive,” he said. “But then it made me think about how unfortunate it would be to actually stare at life coldly and unemotionally. So I’m proud I’m a sensitive guy and the time I had today and the last 14 years to spend with this extraordinary staff is very important to me and something I’ll carry forever.”
After their addresses were over and the new members were sworn in, Hemminger and the rest of the council honored Kleinschmidt, Storrow and Ward for their service.
Donna Bell was named mayor pro tempore.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
Chapel Hill: LUMO, Historic Town Hall, Natural Areas ModelChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 29, discussing town news and events. She discussed the latest on the town's Land Use Management Ordinance rewrite. She also discussed a new tool for identifying natural areas in the community. She talked about the Cupola coming down from Historic Town Hall for safety reasons, and more.
![]()
On Air Today: Harlequin Romance Author Karen BoothChapel Hill Resident and Harlequin Romance Author Karen Booth spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 27. She discussed her new book, "Not So Fast," which was released today. She also talked about an upcoming signing event at Flyleaf Books, and what the process for writing the new book was like. She also discussed her journey to becoming a romance author, which started in personal tragedy, eventually led to her debut novel catching the attention of Harlequin. She also discussed what she likes about the genre, and how it has changed over the last several decades. She discussed which of her previous books is her favorite, and more.

Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]
![]()
Chapel Hill: Honoring Bill Massengale, Budget Updates, Greene TractChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 23, discussing town news and events. She talked about a proclamation honoring Bill Massengale, gave an update on the town's budget conversation including feedback and timeline. She also gave an update on the Greene Tract, discussing the next steps as the town partners with Carrboro and Orange County to eventually develop the area into a large park and housing. She discussed some upcoming weekend events and more.

Governor's Soccer Team Among Inductees into Chapel Hill High School Hall of FameChapel Hill High School’s 1983 state champion boys’ soccer team – which featured future North Carolina governor Josh Stein on its roster – was among the inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame earlier this month. According to athletic director Matt Dixon, it was the first time the school had hosted an induction ceremony since […]
![]()
The 5:00 News: Carrboro Downtown Area Plan, State Budget, PFAS Regulations RescindedThe Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear more details on the Downtown Area Plan discussion in Carrboro; State Senator Graig Meyer talks state budget; Inside Climate News Reporter Lisa Sorg discusses rescinded PFAS regulations, and more. In sports, the ACC Baseball Tournament gets underway with UNC scheduled to play on Friday, Hubert Davis joins the Team USA staff, and more.
![]()
The 5:00 News - Pedestrian Fatality in Pittsboro, Human Remains Discovered in Orange CountyThe Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of a pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle in Pittsboro; a dog walker in Orange County discovers human remains; Orange High School's Principal wins a statewide honor; we check the local government meeting schedule; Carolina Connection chimes in on the job market for grads, and more. In sports, the Diamond Heels close the regular season with a big series win; The Women's Tennis team falls in the final four; the Women's Lacrosse team gears up for the final four, and more.
![]()
The Morning News: Pittsboro Budget, Measles Symposium, Manning Drive ClosureAndrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with today's news, including no tax hike for Pittsboro's budget. We hear about an upcoming public symposium on measles being hosted by Orange County; a big contribution to the Jackson Center from the United Church of Chapel Hill, an weekend closure of Manning Drive right at the Emergency Department entrance, and more. In sports, both UNC Women's Tennis and Women's Lacrosse earn NCAA final four bids, the Diamond Heels ride a complete game from Jake Knapp for a big win, and more.
![]()
Climate Thursday: Inside Climate News Reporter for North Carolina, Lisa SorgInside Climate News North Carolina Reporter Lisa Sorg spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 15. She discussed the recent decision by the EPA to roll back previously updated recommendations on so-called "forever chemicals." She also discussed her recent reporting for Inside Climate News, which includes an emboldened NC General Assembly looking to cut environmental justice and clean energy jobs programs. She also discussed other recent reporting and more.
![]()
Chapel Hill: More Budget Updates, Parks Master Plan, Town EventsChapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 15, discussing town news and events. She talked about the latest budget conversations for the council, including what trade-offs might have to be made, and how to keep town staff compensation competitive within the region. She also talked about the Parks Master Plan and upcoming opportunities for community feedback. She also talked about upcoming town events and more.
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines