WS Chronicle

History was made at the Forsyth County Government Center last week. On Thursday, June 27, Shontell Robinson was sworn in as the county manager. Robinson is the first African American and the first woman to hold the position. 

Robinson was sworn in by Judge Valene McMasters 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 during her time 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 of 2020 Robinson 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 has received. 

Robinson said she will be a county manager who is available, fair, and honest. She said she will ensure that the community stays informed and engaged. 

“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 the month of July Robinson will be holding a series of listening sessions at all 10 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.