County Elected Officials

At the county level, elected officials are responsible for governing and managing services that directly affect residents' daily lives. These roles encompass a range of responsibilities, from setting policies and budgets to overseeing public safety, maintaining records, and promoting community development.

Board of County Commissioners

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners comprises five members, each elected on a partisan ballot to represent one of the county’s five districts. Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners serves as the county’s governing body, responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and making decisions that shape our community’s future. Commissioners are elected by district and represent the interests of their constituents while working collaboratively to address countywide needs — from infrastructure and public health to education and economic development.

Stay informed about their actions, meeting schedules, and how you can make your voice heard.

Meetings: The Board typically meets on the first and third Monday of each month. Agendas and minutes are available online to follow along and stay informed.

Get Involved: Public participation is encouraged. Attend meetings, share your concerns, or reach out directly to your commissioner.

See Upcoming Agendas and Minutes

 


 

Find Your Commissioner: Not sure who represents your district? Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search to find your district. 

 

McKoy.jpg

Barbara McKoy (D)

(P): 910-893-4684
(E): [email protected]

Mailin Address: 
PO Box 553, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 1 Term Expires: 2026
William H. Morris (R)
Vice-Chair

(P): 910-237-8657 (mobile)
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address: 
129 Bumpas Creek, Dunn, NC 28334

Represents: District 2 Term Expires: 2026
W. Brooks Matthews (R)

(P): 910-890-3943 (mobile)
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 294, Buies Creek, NC 27506


Represents: District 3
Term Expires: 2028
Eddie Jaggers (R)

(P): 910-890-4898 (mobile)
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address
421 Brown Road, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 4 Term Expires: 2028
Matthew Nicol (R)
Chairman

(P): 740-818-5955 (mobile)
(E:) [email protected]

Mailing Address 
307 Lakeside Lane, Sanford, NC 27332

Represents: District 5 Term Expires: 2028

 


 

Board of Education

 

The Harnett County Board of Education comprises five members, each elected on a partisan ballot to represent one of the county's five districts. Each member serves a four-year term.

The Harnett County Board of Education oversees the policies, budget, and strategic direction of the county’s public school system. Its members are elected by district and are responsible for ensuring every student has access to a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. From approving curriculum to hiring the superintendent, the board plays a vital role in shaping the future of our schools.

Meetings: Regular meetings are open to the public and held monthly. Agendas, minutes, and livestream links are available on the Harnett County Schools website.

Get Involved: Public comment is welcome at most meetings — your voice helps shape better outcomes for Harnett County students.

See Meeting Schedule


 

Find Your Board Member: Not sure who represents your district? Use the North Carolina State Board of Elections Voter Search to find your district.

Ms. Sharon M. Gainey (R)

(P): 910-890-5565
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address:
601 South Main Street, Lillington, NC 2754

Represents: District 5 Term Expires: 2026
Mr. Joseph W. Powell, Jr (R)
Chairman

(P): 910-892-0201
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address: 
601 South Main Street, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 4 Term Expires: 2026
Mr. Bradley J. Abate (R)
Vice-Chairman

(P): 910-514-3258
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address: 
601 South Main Street, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 5 Term Expires: 2026
Mr. John E. Hairr (R)

(P): 910-403-3967
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address:
601 South Main Street, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 4 Term Expires: 2026
Mr. Don R. Godfrey (R)

(P): 919-498-0605
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address:
601 South Main Street, Lillington, NC 27546

Represents: District 5 Term Expires: 2026

 


 

Judicial

Harnett County's judicial offices play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice. Elected officials in this branch include the Clerk of Superior Court and the District Attorney. These positions are essential to the fair and efficient operation of our local court system.

More information can be found on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.


Clerk of Superior Court

Renee Whittenton (R) serves as the Clerk of Superior Court for Harnett County. In this role, she manages court records, oversees the administration of estates, and handles various judicial and administrative responsibilities within the county's court system.

This is a four-year term, which will expire in 2026.


District Attorney

Ruzanne Matthews (Republican) is the District Attorney for North Carolina's 12th Prosecutorial District, which encompasses Harnett and Lee counties. Her office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state, representing the public interest in the pursuit of justice. 

She was elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, with her current term expiring in 2028.


 

Public Services

Harnett County's Public Services officials are elected to manage critical functions that directly impact residents' daily lives. These roles encompass law enforcement, public records maintenance, and environmental conservation. Each official brings a commitment to serving the community with integrity and efficiency.

Sheriff

Wayne Coats (Republican) The Sheriff oversees law enforcement operations, ensuring public safety and the enforcement of laws throughout the county.

Term Expires: 2026

Contact Information:

(P):910-893-0100
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address:
Harnett County Sheriff's Department, PO Box 399, Lillington, NC 27546

For more information, visit the Harnett County Sheriff's Office website. 


Register of Deeds

Matthew S. Willis (Republican) The Register of Deeds maintains and provides access to public records, including land transactions, marriage licenses, and other vital documents.

Term Expires: 2028

Contact Information:

(P): 910-893-7540
(E): [email protected]

Mailing Address:
305 W. Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Suite 200, Lillington, NC 27546

For more information, visit the Harnett County website. 

 


Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors

Harnett County's Soil and Water Conservation District is governed by a board of supervisors dedicated to promoting sustainable land and water use practices. These positions are nonpartisan and focus on environmental conservation efforts.

  • Elected Supervisors:

    • Ryan Patterson

    • Jeff Turlington

    • John Hairr

These supervisors work collaboratively to implement conservation programs, provide educational resources, and support agricultural best practices within the county.

For more information, visit the Harnett County website