Tag Archive for: #cityofoxford

City of Oxford

City Of Oxford’s New Police Chief Begins Role June 8

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— Information from City of Oxford Communications Specialist Sabrina M. Richards

The City of Oxford has hired Brandon Goins as chief of police.

Goins brings more than 16 years of law enforcement experience focused on leadership, public safety operations and community engagement. He’ll begin his new role on June 8, according to a press statement from the city.

Goins currently is a lieutenant with the Bladensburg Police Department in Prince George’s County, MD.

He has been Watch Commander and Special Operations Division Commander there, and briefly served as Acting Chief of Police. In these positions, he oversaw specialized

enforcement and support units including Criminal Investigations, the Special

Assignment Team (SAT), K-9, Traffic, Quick Response Team, Dispatch, Community

Engagement, Hiring and Recruitment, and personnel assigned to federal task

forces. During his tenure in Bladensburg, Goins helped implement the

department’s plainclothes Special Assignment Team and assisted in the formation

of a tactical response team. These efforts contributed to a reduction in crime

over a three-year period.

Prior to joining the Bladensburg Police Department, Goins served 13 years with the Norfolk Police Department in Virginia. During his career in Norfolk, he worked in several assignments, including the Vice and Narcotics Division as a Detective and Undercover Officer, as well as serving as a Corporal, Sergeant, and Acting Lieutenant in the Gang Suppression Unit.

Throughout his career, Goins conducted undercover investigations involving narcotics, currency counterfeiting, and prostitution for both the Norfolk Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. He also conducted surveillance operations involving murder investigations, gang activity, narcotics, and fugitive apprehension cases utilizing various investigative techniques and technology. Goins has been recognized as a narcotics subject matter expert in both Norfolk General District Court and Norfolk Circuit Court.

“Chief Goins went through a very rigorous and competitive selection process. Oxford was fortunate to have had a group of finalists with proven and accomplished records in law enforcement and significant leadership roles,” said City Manager Brent Taylor. “He is committed not only to bettering himself, but also the department he will lead and the community where he will live. This process included interviews with five different panels,

and Chief Goins consistently demonstrated his experience, leadership, and commitment to community policing. Ultimately, he came through as the best fit for the Oxford community.”

Goins has a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Norfolk State University, where he graduated Cum Laude. He has completed executive law enforcement training through the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the

Southern Police Institute. He is currently completing the IACP Chief’s Leadership Certification Program. Throughout his career, Goins has received numerous honors and recognitions, including the Hampton Roads Crime Line Top Cop Award, the Norfolk Police Distinguished Service Medal, a Norfolk Police Commendation Letter, and two nominations for Top Cop from the National Association for Police Organizations.

City of Oxford

City Of Oxford Nov. 4 Election Results

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Oxford Mayor Guillermo Nurse won re-election Tuesday, defeating challenger Jim Crawford by 251 votes.

The final count Tuesday night was 1,107 for Nurse – 56.31 percent –  and 856 – 43.54 percent – for Crawford, according to unofficial results on the N.C. State Board of Elections website.

Karen McGhee, Scotty Brooks, Kate Kelly and S. Quon Bridges were the top four vote-getters to earn seats on the City of Oxford Commission.

Brooks and Bridges are incumbents; McGhee and Kelly are newcomers to the board.

Voter turnout for the Oxford municipal elections was just over 26 percent – 3,887 of 14,852 voters cast ballots, according to NCSBE.

McGhee got 1,198 votes, Brooks got 1,103, Kelly got 954 and Bridges got 911.

The other candidates for city commissioner were:

Martha Wrenn – 881 votes

Courtney Crudup – 719 votes

Sandra Compton – 662 votes

All results are unofficial until they are certified in the Nov. 14 canvass.

 

Municipal Elections Nov. 4 In Granville County

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Voters in the upcoming Nov. 4 municipal elections in Oxford will have two choices for mayor and will choose from among seven candidates for four seats on the city’s board of commissioners.

According to information from the Granville County Board of Elections, Oxford Mayor Guillermo Nurse will face opposition from James W. Crawford, Jr. in the upcoming nonpartisan election.

The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, have filed for seats on the city’s board of commissioners:

Quon Bridges (incumbent)

Scotty Brooks (incumbent)

Sandra Compton

Courtney Crudup

Kate Kelly

Karen McGhee

Martha Wrenn

The top four vote-getters will win seats on the board, said Granville County Board of Elections Director Tonya Burnette.

In Stovall, Jeffrey G. Stovall is the lone filer in the mayor’s race. Mayor Mike Williford did not file for re-election.

And Burnette said none of the sitting town commissioners filed for re-election, so voters will select two candidates for seats on the town commission. The top two vote-getters will be elected.

Candidates for Stovall Town Commissioner are:

Phylicia N. Barker

Tammy Hughes

Vicki Reid

Tiana Royster

David Rivenbark (filed for unexpired term that ends in 2027)

Absentee voting begins Friday, Oct. 3 and Oct. 21 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot.  The deadline to register to vote is Friday, Oct. 10, according to information on the Granville County Board of Elections website.

In-person early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 16 and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1.

Polling places are open on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Visit https://www.granvillecounty.org/315/Board-of-Elections to learn more.

(This information was originally posted on WIZS.com on July 24, 2025.)

City of Oxford

Pam Patron Named Oxford’s Economic Development Director

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— information courtesy of City of Oxford Communication Specialist Sabrina Richards

The City of Oxford has selected Pam Patron as its new Downtown Economic Development Director.

With a strong track record of success and a career spanning over two decades, Patron brings deep expertise in business development, strategic planning, commercial and residential real estate, and organizational leadership. Her appointment signals a major step forward in Oxford’s efforts to drive sustainable, long-term economic growth that enhances the quality of life for its citizens.

In her new role, Patron will spearhead comprehensive downtown revitalization initiatives, including Oxford’s participation in the North Carolina Main Street Program. She will oversee business development strategies, support workforce development, and work closely with local businesses, property owners, and community partners to foster a thriving downtown.

Patron’s background includes senior leadership positions in major financial institutions, where she managed high-value portfolios and led complex mergers and acquisitions—most notably a transformative $345 million multi-state timber deal. As a former Multi-Unit Franchise Owner/Operator in the Triangle region and an Independent Business Consultant, she has driven growth for numerous businesses and community-based projects.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and recently completed an advanced certification in Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation through MIT Professional Education, underscoring her commitment to technology-forward economic development strategies.

“We are excited to welcome Pam to the City of Oxford,” said City Manager W. Brent Taylor. “Her vision, experience, and passion for community-centered progress make her the ideal leader to guide our downtown into a new era of opportunity.”

Patron expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Oxford has tremendous potential, and I look forward to working alongside stakeholders to create vibrant spaces that celebrate our history while embracing forward-thinking development.

 

City of Oxford

Celebrate Local Artists May 8 At Oxford City Hall Art Exhibition Opening

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Check out a variety of works by local artists during a celebration of arts Thursday evening at the Oxford Art Exhibition Opening Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Presented by the City of Oxford and Granville Arts, the event features an Art Talk, gallery tour and live performances, according to information from Oxford’s city communications specialist Sabrina Richards.

The exhibition is located on the second floor of Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St. and will be up for viewing through July.

Visit https://oxfordncarts.org/ to learn more about Oxford Arts.

 

Local Airport Authority Role Is To Manage, Protect Land, Flight Patterns

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Although Henderson gets top billing in the name, the Henderson-Oxford Airport is actually located in Granville County, and the Airport Authority that oversees its operation is owned by both Vance and Granville counties and by both cities.

David Thomas of Henderson is the current chair of the Airport Authority and Jon Carver of Oxford is vice chair.

Carver and District 2 Granville County Commissioner Rob Williford explained the authority’s role and the value of having a regional, public airport as counties and municipalities compete for industry, manufacturing and other types of economic development.

Anyone interested in developing property within a 5-mile radius of the airport is supposed to file a form with the Federal Aviation Administration – Form 7460 – which allows the FAA to provide feedback about the proposals as well as point out any effects that development could have on the airport.

There are height restrictions for structures that may be in a plane’s flight path or gliding pattern near the airport, for example, Williford pointed out.

“All the owners of the airport have to be good stewards of the airport,” Carver said, adding that if the form isn’t submitted, the airport authority could be found in violation of grant assurances. And worse still, the FAA could ask for money back. In the case of the local airport, that would be about $9.5 million.

Carver said he explained this procedure to Oxford city commissioners at a recent meeting during which there was discussion of a rezoning request for 527 acres of land located within that 5-mile radius of the airport.

The FAA is not going to stop the development, Carver said, but without that Form 7460, the FAA could come back to the airport authority and say it isn’t being a good steward.

“They don’t have the jurisdiction to stop the development,” he continued, but added that the authority could incur a penalty and face further consequences.

The airport is in Williford’s district, and he said he has learned a great deal about the airport since he’s been on the county board of commissioners. He said the authority is doing all the proper things for the airport, which relies on FAA funding. “We can’t afford to have that cut out,” he said.

He said he is confident that the city and the county “will come together and work things out and we will be fine.”

Williford said the airport is an asset to both Granville and Vance counties and said as the counties continue to grow and attract business and industry, the airport will play a vital role.

“When we can (say that) we have an airport that can handle corporate jets, that’s a plus,” Williford said.

People coming to check out the area for locating their business or industry are going to fly in, he said. They want something even closer than RDU – and the Henderson-Oxford Airport fits that bill.

But others use the airport for recreational purposes – a lot of people now enjoy flying in for hunting, he said, and even keep a vehicle on the airport grounds for their comings and goings.

In fact, the wait list for hangar space is 49-people long. The airport authority is in a holding pattern waiting for the water lines to extend to the airport that will accommodate the required sprinkler system for fire suppression.

And then the Henderson-Oxford Airport will be ready for takeoff.

City of Oxford

Portion Of Hillsboro Street In Oxford Getting Resurfaced

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Part of Hillsboro Street in Oxford is getting a facelift, and city staff have said the improvements will take several weeks to complete.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 23, Hillsboro Street, from Lewis Street to College Street will be affected, so drivers in and around that area can expect detours. No street parking will be allowed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., but city staff said nearby public parking is available.

Vehicles parked on the street within the work zone during the day may be subject to towing.

H.G. Reynolds is in charge of the project, which begins with the milling of the existing asphalt followed by resurfacing.

“While we aim to minimize disruptions, some road closures and detours will be necessary. However, one lane will remain open for through traffic,” according to a statement issued by City Communications Specialist Sabrina Richards.

 

City of Oxford

Fallen Tree Forces Several Road Closures In Oxford

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From the City of Oxford at 3 p.m.

 

Several city streets are closed because of a fallen tree, and city officials urge drivers to follow posted detour signs to avoid the affected area.

Currently, Forest Avenue is closed from College Street to Lanier Street; New College Street is also closed from Lee Street to Forest Avenue; and Dogwood Lane also is closed.

Crews are working to clear the area.

Oxford Names Downtown Economic Director

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Oxford City Manager Brent Taylor has announced the hiring of Kenia Gomez-Jimenez as the city’s new Downtown Economic Director.

In her new role, Gomez-Jimenez will help develop the downtown economically and culturally and build relationships with stakeholders, Taylor said, and she will be active in implementing the city’s Main Street program, which provides downtown strategic economic development planning, revitalization, small business development, and the rehabilitation of historic properties.

Pierre Gingue, the president of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corp., welcomed  Gomez-Jimenez.  We are excited to see the enthusiasm, energy, and community-centered approach she will bring. We anticipate transformative growth and prosperity for our city’s core,” Gingue stated.

As a native of Vance County and a graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill, Gomez-Jimenez’s academic journey in Political Science and Philosophy ignited a deep-seated commitment to public service and community empowerment.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation existing downtown businesses, and community leaders to forge lasting positive impacts and cultivate a dynamic downtown community in Oxford,” said Gomez-Jimenez. “Most importantly, I’m excited to engage with the citizens of Oxford to enrich our downtown’s livability and elevate it as a pivotal destination for new businesses and visitors alike.”

During her time as Regional Program Coordinator at the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Gomez-Jimenez showcased her exceptional project management skills. She spearheaded the branding communications strategy for the Council, fostering robust relationships with regional stakeholders, citizens and local governments. Her most notable achievement was successfully administering federal and state grant programs, securing a substantial $200,000 in funding for active transportation projects across the five-county region. This feat, accomplished in less than a year, significantly enhanced the region’s infrastructure and promoted sustainable development.

Gomez-Jimenez is active in the community by serving on various boards and councils. Notable among these are her roles on the Henderson Optimist Club Board of Directors, Salvation Army of Henderson Board of Directors, and the Vance County Cooperative Extension Advisory Leadership Council. She was recognized as the 2023 Henderson Optimist of the Year and a graduate of the Leadership Vance 2023 program, and she has earned accolades for her outstanding contributions to community development and leadership. Gomez-Jimenez is fluent in both English and Spanish and believes diversity is a cornerstone of vibrant, thriving communities.

Oxford Seeks Input On City Marketing Strategies Via Online Survey

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The City of Oxford and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation are working to create a brand identity and marketing strategy to promote Oxford as a place to live, visit and conduct business.

Part of the effort will include creation of a dedicated brand to promote Downtown Oxford as a unique destination, according to information from Sabrina Richards, communications specialist for the city of Oxford.

Richards stated that city leaders will hold public workshops in 2024 to gather input from the community as the strategies are developed.

Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OxfordNC.