Vance County loses one elections director, gains another
Aug. 21—HENDERSON — Longtime Vance County Elections Director Faye Gill has announced her retirement effective Oct. 31.
The Board of Elections lost no time in filling the imminent vacancy, promoting Deputy Elections Director Melody Vaughan into the position.
Gill became Vance County's elections director in the summer of 2000. Her 21-year tenure encompassed six presidential elections, along with the off-year legislative and congressional elections and odd-year municipal elections.
Gill said she plans to use her retirement to enjoy her family, which includes two adult children, five grandchildren and an anticipated "first grandbaby" in November.
"You couldn't have a better director," said Cathy Clodfelter, an elections board member. "She's easy to work with but she's tough."
Clodfelter described how Gill would pull out the law book when she received a complaint and point to the relevant passage.
Other elections board members also spoke highly of Gill.
James Baines said Gill is "very knowledgeable, friendly, a great people person." Lee Faulkner commented on her extensive knowledge of election law and procedures.
Former elections board Chairman Kevin Kilgore said. "Faye was very professional, extremely knowledgeable of election law, what was allowed and not allowed. She was very helpful to the board because of her knowledge. She went over and above what was actually required of the director."
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen said Gill possesses a lot of history about Vance County elections.
"Her knowledge will be tough to replace," McMillen said.
The 2020 election during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, including provisions to protect poll workers and voters. "We were lucky no poll workers were affected," Gill said.
It may have been more than luck. "She held everything together," Baines said.
Gill's capabilities have also been recognized beyond the bounds of Vance County. The State Board of Elections called on her to work on its recertification program. And she has served as district representative to the N.C. Association of Directors of Elections, for which she chaired the 2019 nominating committee.
"Other [election] directors call Faye for advice," Clodfelter said.
The appointment of Vaughan, who has served as deputy director since 2013, provides continuity in the operation of the elections office. The board is currently in the process of filling the deputy director position.
Clodfelter said they received "a dozen or so" applications, then narrowed the field to five people for interviews. The result of the hiring process has not been announced.
"I've enjoyed doing my job," Gill said, adding, "I've worked with a lot of good people."
