The Chapel Hill-Carrboro chapter of the NAACP recently held its branch election and selected officers who will serve two-year terms with the organization.

A release from the group said the branch elected Dawna Jones to be its next president, with Joal Broun, current president Anna Richards and Diane Robertson chosen to serve in vice president roles.

Jones, who is the Assistant Dean of Students and an adjunct professor at UNC, graduated from the NAACP NEXTGEN leadership development program in 2018. She’s previously served as the branch’s secretary.

“I am excited to continue the work of our current President, who has led us to be a prominent voice in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro communities and the state of North Carolina,” she said in the release. “The NAACP NEXTGEN program has prepared me for this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

Richards has served in the presidential role since 2017 and has led the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP through a period of reorganization and engagement of multiple generations of members. She earned the Branch President of the Year award from the state NAACP in 2019 for her efforts, and this week, she shared praise for her successor in the position.

“Dawna Jones’ leadership and creativity were integral to operations during the last several years,” Richards said. “Those experiences ensure a seamless transition and position the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP for the next level. I congratulate her and all members of the team. I look forward to working together for equality.”

According to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch, additional elections led to Paris Miller and Margaret Krome-Lukens being selected for secretary and assistant secretary, respectively. Deborah Stroman will serve as treasurer and Lonnie Merrick as assistant treasurer.

Sixteen other at-large members were also elected to serve as co-chairs in the many committees supporting the branch’s work, which includes eliminating race-based discrimination and promoting justice for all within the community. They are, in alphabetical order: Delores Bailey, Heather Brutz, Robert Campbell, Robin Campbell, Rebecca Cerese, Barbara Foushee, Braxton Foushee, Valerie Foushee, Jonah Garson, Jesse Gibson, Evelyn Gordon, Trevor Holman, Dianne Jackson, Evan Markfield, Mary Phillips and Gloria Thomas.

Photo via the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP.

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