Tell us about yourself:

I am a native of Salisbury and the owner of a small business called Byrd & Company, Inc. I am also the founder of Gemstones & COMPASS Leadership Academy, a 501c3 nonprofit organization which mentors youth in the 9th -12th grade and college students. The academy also serves the community with a free food and toiletry pantry.

I am the wife of the late Alex Clark, daughter of Patricia Byrd Sturdivant and the proud mother of Chastity Byrd. 

I earned a dual bachelors degree from Winston Salem State University in Political Science and History and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources from Strayer University. Currently, I am a Doctoral student at Northcentral University, majoring in Organizational Leadership.

I am currently serving my second elected term on the Rowan-Salisbury School Board.  Additionally, I serve on numerous nonprofit and volunteer boards throughout Rowan County and North Carolina. These include the Hunt Institute, One Love Community Services, Novant Health Rowan Foundation, Rowan County United Way, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and the Dorsett Chapel United Church of Christ Board of Trustees.

Why are you running?

Running for Rowan County Commissioner is personal, purposeful and full of passions wrapped up in one. I believe my experience in the public and private sector is what our community needs and deserves.

My passion for servant leadership has shown me that I don’t necessarily have to be in the spotlight. I can stand alongside others or in the back and still produce the outcome of being the change I desire to see.

My leadership commitment has been demonstrated through roles within the American Red Cross, Rowan Vocational Opportunities, local government, higher education, K-12, to serving on numerous board of directors and my community as a whole.  

I am running to become a BRIDGE-BUILDER between municipalities and communities throughout Rowan County. As a member of the Rowan Board of Commissioners, I will expand my advocacy for education and youth engagement while advocating for strategic growth and workforce development. 

I will be the first African-American woman to hold this seat when elected and I stand behind the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – “Service is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

How can people get in contact with you about your campaign?

Facebook: fb.me/committeetoelectalishabyrd

Campaign Contact Email : [email protected]

Campaign Contact Phone: 704-640-7254