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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda 05-12-2026; 8 - Jury Commission – Appointment Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 12, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 8 SUBJECT: Jury Commission —Appointment Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendation Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Members and Applicants Summary Sheet Application for Person Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment to the Jury Commission. BACKGROUND: The Jury Commission reviews the list of potential jurors and prepares the jury list. One (1) member is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, one (1) member is appointed by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, and one (1) member is appointed by the Clerk of Superior Court. Since this is not a County board, it does not submit an Annual Work Plan. The following individual is presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Sylvia Smith BOCC Appointee First Full Term 06/30/2029 (reappointment) If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT 2 We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss an appointment to the Jury Commission. 3 Jury Commission Members and Applicants Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Sylvia Smith Member Female African American Cedar Grove Brandon Horton jApplicant IMale lAfrican American 18-34 jEno 4 Page 1 of 2 Sylvia Smith Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Sylvia Smith Name Called: Home Address: 9400 Walnut Grove Church Road Hurdle Mills NC 27541 Phone (Day): 919-732-7113 Phone (Evening): 919-732-7113 Phone (Cell): 919-210-5822 Email: ssmithy3@centurylink.net Place of Employment: retired from Duke University and Duke University H Job Title: Manager - Human Resources - Duke Temporary S Year of OC Residence: 1947 Township of Residence: Cedar Grove Zone of Residence: County Sex: Female Ethnic Background: African American Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: -Volunteer at Orange Congregation in Mission (OCIM) -Active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Gamma Omega Chapter, Hillsborough, NC (participates in various community activities) Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Jury Commission Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I hold a Bachelor s Degree in Business Education and a Master s Degree in Career Counseling. I have 40 plus years of work experience. My skills set includes managerial experience, detailed- orientation, excellent organizational and communication skills. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I have always had an interest in the criminal justice field and how the court system operates, in connection with the juror selection. Conflict of Interest: Supplemental Questions: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: 5 Page 2 of 2 Sylvia Smith This application was current on: 9/20/2019 Date Printed: 9/20/2019 6 Page 1 of 2 Brandon Horton Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Brandon Horton Name Called: Home Address: 6916 St. Marys Rd. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-923-9365 Email: brandonxhorton@icloud.com Year of OC Residence: 1999 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: African American Age Range: 18-34 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Friends of Russell Rosenwald School, NC High School Athletic Association, Beyond Expectations, Orange County 4-H County Council Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Jury Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Having completed some college education in business, and working as a real estate agent, I bring a unique blend of analytical skills and community insight to the table. My diverse experience in these fields has honed my ability to assess situations objectively and collaborate effectively. Additionally, my previous volunteer engagements have equipped me with a strong sense of civic duty and empathy, essential qualities for contributing to the Jury Commission of our county. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I'm eager to serve on the jury commission because I believe in contributing actively to the community and upholding justice. My background in business and real estate, combined with my volunteer experience, has equipped me with a keen understanding of diverse perspectives and the importance of fairness. Serving on the jury commission would allow me to apply my skills and dedication to ensuring our legal system works justly and efficiently for everyone. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm committed to enhancing the diversity of viewpoints on the jury commission by bringing in my unique experiences and perspectives. As a young black male with no criminal record, my educational background in business, my career as a real estate agent, and my volunteer work have allowed me to engage with a wide range of individuals from various walks of life. This exposure has given me a deep appreciation for different perspectives and the ability to approach issues from multiple angles. I am dedicated to ensuring that our commission reflects the rich diversity of our community, and that all voices are heard and valued in our deliberations. 7 Page 2 of 2 Brandon Horton 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: 10/8/2024 6:56:38 PM Date Printed: 10/15/2024 8 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Jury Commission Meeting Times: As needed As needed Contact Person:Mark Meinschmidt,Clerk of Superior Court Meeting Place: Orange County Courthouse Contact Phone: 919-644-4546 Positions: 3 Length:2 years Terms: 3 Description: One citizen appointment is made by the Board of Commissioners. One appointment is made by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge,and the third appointment is made by the Clerk of Superior Court. This commission reviews the list of potential jurors and prepares the jury list. Sylvia Smith 1 First Appointed: 11/12/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 11/12/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: B.O.C.C. Number of Terms: Monday,May 4,2026 Page 1 9 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Mark Kleinschmidt,Clerk of Sup Jury Commission Contact Phone: 919-644-4546 Brandon Horton Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 10/08/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Township: Eno Age Range: 18-34 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Monday,May 4,2026 Page 1 of 1