Terence Priester Files For Durham Co. Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor 

Durham, NC – On Monday, June 8, Terence Priester, with his wife Shakeema by his side, officially filed at the Durham County Board of Elections as a candidate for Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. He is running for the seat that was most recently held by former Conservation District Supervisor, NC Senator Natalie Murdock of District 20.

“I am running for Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor for several reasons. Agriculture is a part of my family’s heritage. My great-grandparents were farmers, as well as my grandfather. My great grandparents did everything they could to ensure a modest living and I’ve personally witnessed my grandfather work tirelessly to sustain his land and agricultural resources. Like him, there are many hardworking farmers that could use assistance with accessing resources and funding. I am eager to not only help landowners access resources and funding but to ensure they use better management practices to improve soil and water quality,” Terence Priester said after filing as a 2020 Candidate for Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor.

At the age of 32, Terence has over a decade of experience in business consulting, government affairs, project management, and economic development in various roles in local and state government. Terence is one of the most significant young political leaders in Durham County. He has been recruited by Felita Donnell, President of the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, to assume the position as Chairman of African American Caucus of the Durham County Democratic Party.

Terence Priester is a native of Philadelphia, PA but grew up in Halifax County, NC. He has been in Durham for over 9 years. He received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Terence has also completed graduate studies in Divinity at Rhema Bible Training College and the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a mental health professional and community leader, he developed a passion for government affairs and public engagement. He worked to ensure that members of the public, particularly marginalized communities, were informed and included as community projects developed. Priester spent his time and efforts, dedicated to dismantling homelessness, and various mental health concerns around the Triangle.

In 2017, Terence launched Embracing Word Church, a non-denominational worship center where he serves as Senior Pastor.  He serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for the United Covenant Churches of Christ under the leadership of his father, Bishop Priester, Overseer Dr. Byron Battle Sr., and Bishop-Prelate Eric Garnes. He serves as the North Carolina Program Implementation Assessment (PIA) Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and numerous other organizations.

Terence lives in Durham with his wife, Shakeema, and their three children, Zion, Brianna, and Arriyl.

Learn more about Terence Priester, candidate for Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, please visit  www.terencefordurhamsoilandwater.com/

Paid for by the Terence for Durham Committee.