Vance County Elections Director Faye Gill has overseen many elections in her more than 20 years on the job. She’ll be passing the baton to a new director come the end of October, as she plans to retire and enjoy a little rest and relaxation.
As with most folks contemplating a well-deserved retirement, Gill said she’d been thinking about it for a couple of years, but in a more serious way since the beginning of 2021.
John C. Rose shared an appreciation for Gill, her professionalism and service to the county on Monday’s Town Talk and noted that deputy director Melody Vaughan will become the new director, effective Nov. 1.
Vaughan will waste no time getting used to her new role – Kittrell and Middleburg hold municipal elections the very next day – Nov. 2.
Henderson elections have been pushed back to early 2022, thanks to the recent release of Census data that may result in redrawing of district lines.
Rose spoke by phone with Gill and Vaughan about the job, their close relationship and how things have changed through the years.
Gill has seen the change from punch cards to electronic ballots, among other improvements. But Rose said he has always been impressed with, and appreciative of, the professionalism that she shows in doing her job.
Having access to information about candidate filings, and any changes regarding elections that need to be shared with the public is essential for media outlets, Rose said. Preparation and reporting on election night coverage does not just “happen – if you don’t have a plan, and cooperation and a good relationship” with elections officials, the job is an uphill battle.
Fortunately, there have been no uphill battles with local elections officials. Just a little good-natured “pickin’ at each other,” Rose said. After that first minute or so of exchanging little digs or jokes, there is always professionalism from both Gill and Vaughan. “When it was business time, it was business time,” he added.
Vaughan has been with the board of elections since 2013, and Rose said that the women are good friends.
They must have a close working relationship as well – literally and figuratively – they share the same office space in the Henry A. Dennis Building on Garnett Street. No doubt, Gill has modeled for Vaughan over the years how to deal with the public and how to manage a team of volunteers, which is so crucial to having a smooth elections process.
“We are one big family. We can’t do our job on election day without volunteers,” Gill told Rose.
When Rose spoke to Gill and Vaughan via telephone earlier Monday, Vaughan told him that Gill “is a really good friend and a great boss.”
As for her new role, Vaughan told Rose, “I have the confidence to do what is asked of me and I will do it to the best of my abilities.”
The last 21 years spent with the board of elections comes on top of a 27-year career working with one of the vice presidents of Rose’s Stores. Almost a half century of work, Gill told Rose she is looking forward to spending time with her family and the arrival of her first great-grandchild.
Well-wishes for a job well done, Faye Gill, from the WIZS family.
Please enjoy here this special edition TownTalk audio.