Burke commissioners hire new Clerk to the Board, Morgan Buchanan

The Burke County Board of Commissioners appointed Spruce Pines native Morgan Buchanan as the new Clerk to the Board at Monday’s pre-agenda meeting.

“I’m super excited,” Buchanan said after the meeting. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.”

Buchanan’s first day on the job will be May 11. She will take over from interim clerk Kat Wright.

Before applying for this position, Buchanan served as the Small Business Center Director at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine.

Buchanan and her husband moved to the area in October, choosing Burke County because it is close to family — something important to them when they were searching for a home to purchase — and it’s also within reasonable driving distance to Charlotte, Hickory, and Asheville.

Plus, they like the people.

“We’ve met so many nice people,” Buchanan said. “That was one of the other driving factors, was just how kind everybody has been.”

County Manager Brian Epley said Buchanan was the top candidate in an extensive and highly competitive search.

“We are excited to welcome Morgan to the team,” Epley said. “We all believe that she aligns perfectly with our mission, purpose, and values, and that she will work incredibly well with the community.”

Chairman of the Commission Jeff Brittain and County Commissioner Mike Stroud agreed that Buchanan will be a great addition to the team.

Brittain said the board is looking forward to working with her, and that Buchanan’s professional background and outgoing personality will be a great fit.

“She’s really professional. We’ve had a changing of the guard with folks retiring and things, so we’ve got new people coming in, new energy,” Stroud said, adding that Buchanan and interim clerk Wright, who is Burke’s Deputy Clerk to the Board, will work well together.

Commissioner Brian Barrier said that, throughout the hiring process, Buchanan demonstrated a professional, positive demeanor and a can-do attitude that will serve Burke County well.

“I am confident her professionalism, capability, and dedication will make her a valuable asset as Clerk to the Board of Commissioners,” Barrier said.

Vice Chairman Phil Smith spoke highly of Buchanan as well, and said once she learns the position, “she’s going to make Burke County proud.”

“As commissioners, we rely heavily on the clerk to help ensure transparency, organization, and accountability in county government, and I am confident Morgan will serve our citizens exceptionally well,” said Commissioner Randy Burns. “I look forward to working alongside her and appreciate her willingness to take on such an important responsibility for Burke County.”

The board’s longtime clerk, Kay Draughn, retired on March 31. Draughn served Burke County for 14 years.