William H. Ritchie, Jr., Chairman, Craven County

   Mr. Ritchie has served as a Board member since 1997. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and is a retired USAF Pilot, having flown over 400 combat mission in Vietnam. Mr. Ritchie holds an engineering degree in addition to his pilot training. Mr. Ritchie is the former Mayor of the Town of River Bend and serves as Chairman of the Board’s Technical Committee.

Clark Wylde , Vice-Chairman, Carteret County

    Mr. Wylde joined the Board in January 2002 after serving several years as the municipal representative for the Town of Emerald Isle. In 2004, Mr. Wylde sold his home and business in Emerald Isle and moved to the Town of Newport. He still works part-time for his former business and enjoys bass fishing. Mr. Wylde was elected Vice-Chairman in January 2007.

Joe Valinoti, Pamlico County

    Mr. Valinoti resides in Oriental, NC , where he retired after 32 years as a small businessman in New Jersey. A former Town Councilman in Highlands, New Jersey, Mr. Valinoti graduated from Rutgers University’s Certified Recycling Coordinator’s Program, which included training in solid waste management. He served as Highland’s recycling coordinator, a position he currently holds for the Town of Oriental. Mr. Valinoti stays busy serving as the Chairman of the Oriental Board of Adjustment and racing sailboats.

J. Paul Johnson, Craven County

    Mr. Johnson joined the Board in 1998. Active in civic affairs in the New Bern area for many years, Mr. Johnson is the former owner of Johnson Machine Company. Mr. Johnson serves on the Board’s Personnel Committee.

Steve Tyson, Craven County

    Mr. Tyson joined the Board in January 2007. He is a County Commissioner in Craven County, first appointed in 2005 and re-elected in 2006. He operates a construction and restoration company based in New Bern.

John Langdon , Carteret County

    Mr. Langdon joined the Board as a regular member in January 2007, after serving as the Cateret County alternate. He currently serves as the County Manager of Cateret County, after retiring as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps.

Douglas Brinson , Pamlico County

    Mr. Brinson joined the Board in January of 2003. He is a farmer from the Minnesott Beach community. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners.