HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-09-23; 6 - Human Relations Commission – Appointments Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 9, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 6
SUBJECT: Human Relations Commission — Appointments Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Applications of Persons Recommended
Applications of Other Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
PURPOSE: To consider appointments to the Human Relations Commission.
BACKGROUND: The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County
Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes
recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County
irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Christopher At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024
Barnes
Rhian At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2026
Carreker-Ford
Brooke Capps- Town of Carrboro Partial Term 06/30/2025
Yaroni
If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
2
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Town of 06/30/2026 Vacant since 06/30/2023
Hillsborough
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to
the Human Relations Commission.
3
6
4 ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE OF
E 0 U ITY V 7
INCLUSIONkAv
October 27, 2023
The Respectable Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Re: Board New Appointments
The Orange County Human Relations Commission(HRC)recommends Christopher Barnes to fill
position#1 (at-large),Rhian Carreker-Ford to fill position#5 (at-large), and Brooke Capps-Yaroni
to fill position#7.
All applicants bring valued perspectives, based on their lived experiences and professional
expertise.
W"" F ae&e&
Melvyn Blackwell,
Inclusion Manager, Orange County Office of Equity& Inclusion
4
Human Relations Commission Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Michael J.Fath Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Jenn Sykes Member Female Hispanic 35-59 Hillsborough Orange County Housing Authority Board
Anjail Taylor Member Female African American 35-59 Cedar Grove Agricultural Preservation Board
Nathalie Volkheimer Member Female Other 35-59 Hillsborough
Jameelah Merritt Member Non-binary African American 18-34 Hillsborough
Lynn McGee Member Female White 60+ Chapel Hill
Ruby Garcia Member Female Hispanic 35-59 Chapel Hill
Josh Ravitch Member Male White Chapel Hill
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
VACANT
Christopher Barnes Applicant Male White 35-59 Cedar Grove
Brooke Capps-Yaroni Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Rhian Carreker-Ford Applicant Male African American 35-59 Chapel Hill
Animal Services Adviosry Board
Michael Delafield Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
Tonya Jones Applicant Female African American 35-59 Cheeks
5
Page 1 of 2 Christopher Barnes
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Christopher Barnes
Name Called:
Home Address: 7121 Compton Road
Cedar Grove NC 27231
Phone: 919-631-6311
Email: hunterpher20l4@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2002
Township of Residence: Cedar Grove
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Chair of Judicial District 18 Officer Nominating Committee
Caldwell Wounded Warrior Project Volunteer
Volunteer for Justice Is Blind Clerkship
Legal Aid Volunteer
Indigent defense representative review board member
Volunteer Counsel for Empowerment in Orange County
As an immigration law practitioner, I represent hundreds of immigrant survivors of violent
crime and human trafficking
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
N/A
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
As a former ESL and Spanish teacher and current owner of a local immigration law practice, I
can relate and provide context to the challenges facing immigrants and people of color in our
community.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I want to be more involved in my community and bring my unique insight and experiences to
serve.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Coming from Eastern NC and having lived in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Spain for long amounts of
time, I can provide unique insight and bridge gaps between United States citizens as well as
documented and undocumented immigrants.
Conflict of Interest:
6
Page 2 of 2 Christopher Barnes
Board of Social Services
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I work directly with survivors of human trafficking and violent crime. I have worked directly with
Orange County DSS by ensuring that immigrants are not afraid to participate in investigations
that will liberate survivors from their abusers/traffickers to promote their security and improve
their quality of life.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To provide insight to the board and offer my perspective having seen first-hand the benefits of
trusting DSS and fully participating in these services.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Coming from Eastern NC and having lived in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Spain for long amounts of
time, I can provide unique insight and bridge gaps between United States citizens as well as
documented and undocumented immigrants.
Conflict of Interest:
Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
As a former educator and community college graduate (Nash Community College-2002), I am
an advocate for community colleges. I had a great experience in the community college process.
That experience helped mold me into the hard worker that I am and propelled me to higher
education to a four-year university and law school.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
As a former educator and community college graduate (Nash Community College-2002), I am
an advocate for community colleges. I had a great experience in the community college process.
That experience helped mold me into the hard worker that I am and propelled me to higher
education to a four-year university and law school.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
By promoting my ideas and hoping to encourage the board to provide education to
undocumented immigrants and immigrants in line with options for legal status at more
affordable pricing.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 2/8/2023 8:10:40 AM Date Printed: 2/9/2023
7
Page 1 of 2 Rhian Carreker-Ford
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Rhian Carreker-Ford
Name Called:
Home Address: 416 Melanie Ct.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 510-910-8064
Email: rhian.carreker.ford@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2019
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: African American
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Community Activities:
Currently trying to build up a Chapel Hill CERT program.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have a masters in public policy from Duke and a masters of Business administration from UNC.
I have an interest in public service and currently work as a consultant that is aligned to public
service.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have lived in Chapel Hill for a number of years and want to be more active in the community. A
few years ago there was a petition regarding the Booker Creek trail and I was able to not only
sign the position but attend community meetings regarding the future of said trail. Being able to
participate in the Civic process was I opening and I want to be able to give back to the
community and when I live.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I don t know of the current makeup of the board, but I bring a unique viewpoint that recognizes
otherness as a daily struggle and work to make equity and justice centered approaches the
dominant version.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
8
Page 2 of 2 Rhian Carreker-Ford
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 9/29/2023 1:42:24 PM Date Printed: 10/4/2023
9
Page 1 of 2 Brooke Capps-Yaroni
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Ms. Brooke Capps-Yaroni
Name Called:
Home Address: 100 Michaels Way
Carrboro NC 27516
Phone: 917-757-3413
Email: mbcapps@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2022
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I am a new member of the community (as of 8/17/22) and am looking to become more
involved. So far, I m helping the McDougle Elementary School PTA with its grant strategy.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
n/a
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have 20+ years of experience in strategic communications -from my stint as a Peace Corps
volunteer in Ukraine right after college and as an adjunct professor at NYU s School for Public
Service (teaching policy and recommendation writing)to my time at Mastercard overseeing
thought leadership and eventually stepping up as Chief of Staff to help the CEO and Executive
Chair handle the relationships required during the pandemic and CEO transition. Throughout my
career, I ve always focused on missions that serve people -going so far as to use my time as a
consultant to take best practices from for-profits and share them with my non-profit clients, and
bringing the values and missions of non-profits to my for-profit clients. Across all of these, my art
has been one of diplomacy and bridge building, helping to convince people and groups that we
are stronger if we work together. Also, while at Mastercard, I drafted the company s decency
policy, it s human right s policy and oversaw the creation of it s financial inclusion principles to
help further work with a wide range of governments and non-profits in its work to enable more
economic opportunities in every corner of the globe.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I am a new resident, having moved here for my husband s job with the Oak Foundation. It is
important to me to become involved in my community, contributing in whatever ways possible.
The Human Relations commission feels like a great spot where I can put my experience creating
inclusive and collaborative coalitions and encouraging constructive conversations to bear for my
new hometown.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
10
Page 2 of 2 Brooke Capps-Yaroni
As a cis-gender white woman, I am aware of my luck throughout life and have pledged to use my
capabilities to amplify the voices of others and to convene constructive conversations that strive
for understanding and progress through respect and decency.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 11/27/2022 4:41:21 PM Date Printed: 12/1/2022
11
Page 1 of 2 Michael Delafield
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Michael Delafield
Name Called:
Home Address: 102 Saddle Ridge Rd
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 919-616-3471
Email: mikedelafield@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2022
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I'm an attorney with 20+ years experience in public education, including the past 10 as an
attorney with the UNC System. I've represented public boards and participated on numerous
committees working on public policy and administrative projects.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I think that preserving and improving our parks and public spaces is critical work that benefits all
citizens. Making sure that such work is properly resourced, and that those resources are
equitably distributed across Orange County, is important for the health and welfare of the people
who live here, and is necessary to ensure that Orange County will continue to be an attractive
location for families and businesses.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I'm relatively new to Orange County, having moved to Chapel Hill from Durham in April 2022, so
I may have a bit of an outsiders perspective. Also, as an attorney, I may bring some expertise
that may not currently exist on the board.
Conflict of Interest:
12
Page 2 of 2 Michael Delafield
Human Relations Commission
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
See above. I have also been involved in equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including
drafting and implementing policies designed to increase diversity and cross-cultural
understanding.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Increasing cross-cultural awareness, equity, and diversity is perhaps the most important
responsibility of public bodies in today s world. Fostering collaborative and constructive dialogue
between diverse groups with differing agendas is difficult but crucial. I'd like the opportunity to
help do this work across Orange County.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
Diversity of viewpoints is critical in any public endeavor, and especially this one. While I identify
as a straight white male, I am constantly striving to better my understanding of the stories and
life experiences of those different from myself.
Conflict of Interest:
Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am an attorney and I have exerience with administrative hearings in a number of settings.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
As a member of the Animal Advisory Board, I think it is important to be involved in this process.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
As an attorney, I am trained to review and analysis facts and evidence dispassionately and
analytically. I am a dog owner, but I feel strongly about the need for dog owners to act
responsibly with regard to the training and care for their animals.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Animal Services Advisory Board
Application Date: 8/29/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
See above. Also a pet owner and animal lover for many years.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I'd like to do something in public service in Orange County. The issues surrounding the county s
animal populations are important not only for the health and welfare of the animals, but also for
making Orange County a safe place to live and work.
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 3/7/2023 11:46:33 AM Date Printed: 3/9/2023
13
Page 1 of 2 Tonya Jones
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mrs. Tonya Jones
Name Called:
Home Address: 5550 Field View Rd.
Mebane NC 27302
Phone: 336-263-4378
Email: twarren_cg@yahoo.com
Year of OC Residence: 1975
Township of Residence: Cheeks
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: African American
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Volunteer - Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC
Member - Gravelly Hill Middle School PTSO
Member - Orange High Athletic Boosters Club
Financial Secretary - Jones Grove Baptist Church
Member - Jones Grove Baptist Church Scholarship Committee
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Human Relations Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
As a former supervisor and current Business Manager with 20+ years of leadership and
management experience, I have established and strengthened staff and patient relationships
through training and communication. My role has given me the tools to make personnel,
budgetary, equipment, and contracting decisions that are necessary but also cost-effective for
my organization. The Bachelor s and Master s degrees in Health Administration allowed me to
intern with the Orange County Health Department and to shadow at the Brookshire Assisted
Living Center. My 20+ years of experience on the Financial Board of my church has given me
research, negotiation, budget preparation, implementation, and presentation skills.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Serving on this board will allow me to fulfill my community responsibility by being a voice and
representation for the Cheeks Township. I would be investing in Orange County s future while
impacting the community. Involvement allows different types of people with similar concerns to
collaborate and work toward the same goals.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
14
Page 2 of 2 Tonya Jones
My willingness to learn all that I can about the role and responsibilities of the Human Relations
Committee will allow me to contribute non-biased, sound, and ethical reasoning within the
viewpoints of a resident, parent, minority, healthcare worker, administrator, and community
representative.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 9/27/2023 10:56:56 AM Date Printed: 10/4/2023
15
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Fourth Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Melvyn Blackwell
Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: The Board of Commissioners appoints all twelve members.This commission seeks to prevent and/or eliminate bias and
discrimination by means of education,persuasion,conciliation and enforcement.It also advises the Board of County
Commissioners on these matters,receives discrimination complaints,and conducts the corresponding investigation of such
complaints.
VACANT
1 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Mr. Michael J. Fath
2 First Appointed: 02/17/2022
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 02/17/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Jenn Sykes
3 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 09/20/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 06/20/2023
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Anjail Taylor
4 First Appointed: 09/20/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 09/20/2022
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
VACANT
5 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Dr Nathalie Volkheimer
6 First Appointed: 09/20/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 09/20/2022
Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Tuesday,October 31,2023 Page 1
16
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Fourth Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Melvyn Blackwell
Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
VACANT
7 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Carrboro City Limits Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Carrboro Number of Terms:
Jameelah Merritt
8 First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Non Binary Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/21/2023
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
VACANT
9 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Hillsborough Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms:
Ms Lynn McGee
10 First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/21/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2024
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Ms. Ruby Garcia
11 First Appointed: 09/20/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/20/2022
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: Chapel Hill Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms: 1
Mr Josh Ravitch
12 First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Tuesday,October 31,2023 Page 2
17
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Melvyn Blackwell
Human Relations Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2497
Mr. Christopher Barnes
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 02/08/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Ms. Brooke Capps-Yaroni
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/27/2022
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. Rhian Carreker-Ford
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 09/29/2023
Ethnic Background: African American Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
Mr. Michael Delafield
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/07/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On: Animal Services Advisory Board
Also Serves On: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
Mrs. Tonya Jones
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 09/27/2023
Ethnic Background: African American Township: Cheeks
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Tuesday,October 31,2023 Page 1 of 1