Dr. Jimmy T. Tate was sworn in Monday night as a commissioner on the Pender County Board of Commissioners, marking his return to the board. State Representative Carson Smith administered the oath of office as Dr. Tate’s nieces stood proudly by his side.
A longtime leader in southeastern North Carolina, Commissioner Tate previously served nearly eight years on the board, earning a reputation for steady leadership and a deep commitment to his community. His prior public service includes chairing the board during periods of growth and transition for Pender County.
Tate was nominated by the Pender County GOP to fill the vacancy created by Commissioner Ken Smith’s resignation in February, following Smith's relocation out of the county. Tate will serve the remainder of Smith’s term, which runs from 2025 until 2028.
The first order of business for Commissioner Tate and the rest of the board was to select a new vice chair, as the position was previously held by Commissioner Smith. Dr. Tate was the first to speak, respectfully declining any consideration for the role, having just rejoined the board. Instead, he motioned to nominate Commissioner Brent Springer. The board unanimously approved Commissioner Springer’s nomination.
Commissioner Tate also currently serves on the University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees, an appointment made by the North Carolina Senate and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. He is the president of Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development, a nonprofit serving 10 counties across southeastern North Carolina.
His regional leadership has included service on the Pender Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, the Southeastern Economic Development Commission, and the Duke University Medical Center Advisory Board for Graduate Medical Education.
In addition to his work in community development, he is the founder of Tate Farm by the Pond, an agritourism and community garden.
Dr. Tate’s return to the board highlights a continued focus on fiscal conservatism and steady leadership during a time of significant growth in Pender County.