Western Piedmont Community College is proud to announce Burke County Commissioner Johnnie Carswell as the distinguished commencement speaker for the Spring 2024 graduation ceremony.
Commissioner Carswell brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to service to the podium. Serving as a Burke County Commissioner since 2011, with two terms as Chair, Carswell has been a stalwart advocate for the community. His leadership extends beyond local governance; in 2020, he was appointed to the NC Association of County Commissioner’s 5-5-5 Committee, a specialized opioid settlement working group aimed at developing a statewide plan to effectively utilize funds from national opioid settlements.
Throughout his career, Commissioner Carswell has garnered recognition for his unwavering dedication. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as the North Carolina Dogwood Award from Attorney General Josh Stein, The M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and a Mentor Certification from the UNC School of Government’s Local Elected Leaders Academy.
In 2023, Commissioner Carswell became the 107th president of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, marking the first time a president hailed from Burke County. His presidency focuses on crucial issues, particularly the fight against opioids and substance use disorder, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of North Carolina’s residents.
A lifelong resident of Burke County, Commissioner Carswell’s roots run deep in the community. A graduate of Valdese High School and a veteran of the US Army’s 709th Military Police Battalion, he dedicated five decades of service to North Carolina’s residents through a distinguished career in law enforcement.
“We are honored to welcome Commissioner Johnnie Carswell as our commencement speaker for the Spring 2024 graduation ceremony,” said Dr. Joel D. Welch, President of Western Piedmont Community College. “His remarkable leadership, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to public service make him an inspiring role model for our graduates as they embark on their own journeys.”
Commissioner Carswell’s address promises to inspire and empower graduates as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. His message of leadership, service, and community engagement will undoubtedly resonate with the graduating class of Western Piedmont Community College. The Spring 2024 commencement ceremony will take place on May 10, 2024 at the CoMMA Performing Arts Center.