We are an elected group of concerned citizens who love Martin County and provide leadership as an extension of State Government. We strive to effectively and efficiently manage tax dollars and resources and encourage development and job creation by supporting businesses and promoting Martin County.
Meet the Commissioners:
The Martin County Board of Commissioners is the governing body for Martin County Government. The Board consists of five elected officials, three of whom are elected from the eastern district, and two of whom are elected from the western district.
The Board of Commissioners establishes local ordinances, policies and procedures and determines the immediate and long-term goals and objectives of the County.
Ronnie Smith, Chairman
Western District
9242 US Highway 64
Robersonville, NC 27871
(252) 217-3701 (cell)
Term Expires 2026
- Elected in 2002
- Elected 2nd Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (2017-2018)
- Elected President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (2020-2021)
- Chairman of the Martin County Board of Commissioners (2008-2010, 2014-2016, 2020-2022)
- Vice Chairman of the Martin County Board of Commissioners (2006-2008 & 2012-2014)
- Holds a BS in Intermediate Education from Fayetteville State University; Double Masters from Webster University, St. Louis, MO in Industrial Management & Human Relations.
- Retired Air Force Officer
- Married to Joyce; has three children.
Dempsey Bond, Jr., Vice Chairman
Eastern District
221 Wildcat Road
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 792-3516 (home)
Term Expires 2024
Emily Biggs, Commissioner
Eastern District
1506 West Main Street
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 217-2274
Term Expires 2024
David "Skip" Gurganus, Commissioner
Eastern District
2036 Hollow Pond Road
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 217-1165
Term Expires 2024
(252) 792-3516 (home)
Term Expires 2024
- Elected in 2012
- Vice-Chairman of the Martin County Board of Commissioners (2018-2020, 2020-2022)
- Local Elected Leaders Academy Practitioner, Master & Mentor
- Bertie-Martin Regional Jail Commission (Chairman)
- Retired as Assistant Transportation Director of Pitt County Schools
- Retired from the NC DMV Division of School Bus & Traffic Safety
- Served as Assistant Principal (1967-1978) at W S Etheridge Elementary School Windsor, NC
- Some Present & Past Boards/Committees/Commissions Affiliations:
- Martin County ABC Board
- Martin Community College Board of Trustees (2012-2017)
- Martin County Tourism Development Authority (Chairman 2012)
- Mid-East Rural Planning Organization (TAC Chairman)
- Southern Albemarle Association (President 2009)
- State Employees' Credit Union Advisory Board
- Pitt Area Transit Authority
- NC Pupil Transportation Association
- North Carolina Association of School Administrators (Member #5607)
- Married to Marykay Walker Bond; has two sons, one daughter, six granddaughters, one grandson, two great granddaughters and one great grandson.
Joe R. Ayers, Commissioner
Western District
PO Box 279
Oak City, NC 27857
(252) 809-2589 (cell)
Term Expires 2026
Western District
PO Box 279
Oak City, NC 27857
(252) 809-2589 (cell)
Term Expires 2026
- Elected in 2014
- An entrepreneur and private business owner in Agribusiness
- A 1978 graduate of East Carolina University with a BS degree in Business Administration
- Some Present & Past Boards/Committees/Commissions Affiliations:
- Martin County ABC Board
- Martin County Economic Development Corporation Board
- Town of Oak City Board of Commissioners for 27 years
- Lives in Oak City
- Has four children and two grandchildren
Emily Biggs, Commissioner
Eastern District
1506 West Main Street
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 217-2274
Term Expires 2024
- Elected in 2020
- Dedicated School teacher with Martin County Schools
- Member of the Women's Council, Martin Community College Board of Trustees, and Social Services Board
David "Skip" Gurganus, Commissioner
Eastern District
2036 Hollow Pond Road
Williamston, NC 27892
(252) 217-1165
Term Expires 2024
- Elected in 2020
- Professional career includes manufacturing and mtce/engineering management, project management for large industrial capital projects.
- A graduate of Williamston High School, he holds a BS degree in Business Management from Kennedy Western University and AS degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Some Present & Past Boards/Committees/Commissions Affiliations:
- Martin County Tourism Development Authority Board
- Martin County Economic Development Corporation Board
- Martin General Board of Trustees
- Martin County Council on Aging Board
- Martin County Chamber of Commerce
- Farm Life Ruritans
- Jamesville Rescue Squad (Past member & President)
- Griffins Township Fire Department (Past member)
- Dymond City Express
- Bluegrass Gospel Group
- Lives in the Farm Life Community
- Married to JoAnna