New Forsyth County Manager Makes History As First African American And Woman To Hold Position
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – A significant moment in the history of Forsyth County unfolded at the Government Center the last week of June. On Thursday, June 27, Shontell Robinson made history by becoming the first African American and the first woman to be sworn in as the county manager.
Judge Valene McMasters swore in Robinson in front of a packed auditorium filled with more than 100 family members, friends, loved ones, and community leaders. After administering the oath, McMasters said she had the pleasure of working with Robinson during the pandemic on community issues and serving as managing attorney of Legal Aid of NC. “Forsyth County has done well; you’re getting an excellent leader,” McMasters said.
Robinson was hired as director of Forsyth County Human Resources in 2014. In January 2020, she was promoted to assistant county manager, and before the end of the year, she was promoted to deputy county manager.
As deputy county manager, Robinson served as director of Forsyth County Health and Human Services and oversaw Social Services, Human Resources, Community and Economic Development, Behavioral Health Services, Court Diversion programs, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center, and MapForsyth.
Robinson was the top candidate for the county manager position following a nationwide search to find a successor to Dudley Watts, who retired after 17 years of service. After taking her seat next to the commissioners in the chambers, Robinson said she was honored and humbled by the support she had received.
Robinson, in her new role, has pledged to be an accessible, fair, and honest county manager. She has also committed to keeping the community well-informed and engaged in the county’s affairs.
“I feel very strongly that government should go beyond the walls of our buildings to serve our community. It’s important for us to meet people where they are,” Robinson continued. “Our teams will continue to go to the churches, temples, mosques, housing developments, community organizations, bus stations, wherever people are.”
To receive feedback from the community, throughout July, Robinson will hold a series of listening sessions at all ten library branches in Forsyth County. All listening sessions will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Here’s the complete schedule for the listening sessions:
*Walkertown Branch Library- Tuesday, July 9
*Carver School Road Branch Library- Wednesday, July 17
*Central Library – Thursday, July 18
*Clemmons Branch Library – Tuesday, July 30
*Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center – Thursday, Aug. 1
*Lewisville Branch Library – Tuesday, Aug. 6
*Paddison Memorial Branch Library – Tuesday, Aug. 13
*Rural Hall/Stanleyville Branch Library – Wednesday, Aug. 14
*Southside Branch Library – Tuesday, Aug. 20
*Reynolda Manor Branch Library – Wednesday, Aug. 21.