Chairman J.R. Rowell was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Commissioners in October 2023 due to the untimely passing of Chairman Stony D. Rushing. Rowell served as Clerk of Superior Court for Union County from 2006-2022 before retiring. Before being elected as Clerk of Superior Court, Rowell served as a trooper, sergeant, and first sergeant for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Through his tenure with the North Carolina Highway Patrol and the Union County Clerk of Superior Court, Rowell has showcased his exceptional ability to lead people through stressful situations and balance the needs of a large organization.  

Rowell, a Union County native, is a graduate of Parkwood High School, Central Piedmont Community College (A.A.S.), Gardner-Webb University (B.S.), and Pfeiffer University (M.S.). He shared 22 years of marriage with the late Rita Rowell until her passing. He is the father of a grown daughter and son and grandfather to three young grandsons. Rowell is a devoted member of the West Monroe Baptist Church, where he has served as a deacon, usher, and part of the security team. 

Rowell’s ability to communicate, empathize and collaborate with various stakeholders makes him a trusted and approachable figure within the community.

J.R.Rowell@unioncountync.gov