GRANVILLE COUNTY, N.C. – Granville County Commissioners Mark Griffin and Russ May have been appointed to statewide committees and workgroups that will give them opportunities to advocate for rural communities, build partnerships across county and regional lines, and help identify solutions to challenges facing rural North Carolina.
The appointments give Granville County a stronger voice in discussions surrounding transportation, agriculture, economic development, public services and other issues that directly affect the quality of life and long-term prosperity of rural communities. “These appointments give Granville County an opportunity to be at the table and to make sure the needs of rural North Carolina are part of the conversation,” said Commissioner Russ May. “Our rural counties are the lifeline to the prosperity of North Carolina. We need to continue building relationships and partnerships that allow us to find ways to bring more resources, projects and opportunities to the communities we represent.”
Commissioner May Brings Extensive Transportation and Public-Sector Experience
Commissioner May, who is serving his second term on the Granville County Board of Commissioners, brings extensive experience in transportation planning, public safety, government management and regional cooperation to his appointment. He currently serves on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board and the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Advisory Committee. May was recently appointed as the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ representative on the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Strategic Prioritization Office of Transportation (SPOT) Workgroup, which helps review and refine the state’s process for prioritizing transportation projects and ensuring communities’ needs are represented. He has also worked with regional transportation organizations for approximately six years, focusing on the challenges rural counties face in competing for transportation resources.
Transportation is closely tied to agriculture, economic development, education, public safety and quality of life across the region. Granville County encompasses approximately 532 square miles and is connected to other rural communities throughout the region. “Transportation funding is finite, and we have many projects that need attention,” May said. “We have to make sure rural counties have a voice in determining where those investments go and that there is equity in the process.”
May said improved transportation infrastructure is particularly important to Granville County’s agricultural economy, where roads are essential to moving crops and other commodities from farms to markets. May’s background includes 40 years in government, including a career with the U.S. Department of Justice in law enforcement and executive management. He also serves in regional and local roles involving transportation, public safety, economic development, education and natural resources. “These issues do not exist in silos,” May said. “Transportation affects agriculture. It affects economic development. It affects public safety and education. When we improve one area, we can create opportunities in others. The goal is to work collectively to improve the region and, ultimately, the state.”
Commissioner Griffin Brings Agriculture and Community Experience
Commissioner Mark Griffin, who was elected to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in 2024 and is serving his first term, brings a strong rural and community perspective to his statewide service.
He was recently selected to serve on the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ Legislative Goals Committee and Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources Steering Committee. A lifelong Granville County resident who grew up on a tobacco farm, Commissioner Griffin continues to raise small vegetable crops in his community. His experience in agriculture has shaped his belief that protecting farmland, supporting farmers and introducing younger generations to agriculture are essential to the future of rural communities. “Agriculture is at the very core of everything I do,” Griffin said. “We have to maintain and preserve our farms because agriculture is essential not only to Granville County, but to our state and our country. We also have to make sure young people understand that agriculture can be a career and that there is a future in farming.”
Griffin has been active in a wide range of community initiatives, including Granville County’s Soil and Water Conservation efforts, the Extension Leadership Advisory Council, Granville Health System Board of Trustees, the Granville County Fire Commission, the Library Board and the Animal Control Advisory Committee. Through these roles, Griffin has worked on issues ranging from farmland preservation and agricultural education to healthcare, emergency services, community programs and quality of life.
His experience also includes 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked in communities of varying sizes and developed a strong commitment to working directly with residents and community organizations. “I’ve always believed that you have to get out into the community, listen to people and understand what they need in their everyday lives,” Griffin said. “Serving on these committees gives us another opportunity to bring those local concerns forward and work with others to find solutions.”
Building Partnerships for Rural North Carolina
The appointments of Commissioners Griffin and May come at a time when rural counties across North Carolina are working to address increasingly complex needs with limited resources. By participating in statewide and regional discussions, Griffin and May can help build relationships with county leaders, state agencies, regional organizations and policymakers while bringing Granville County’s perspective to the table. Those relationships can create opportunities to share ideas, identify common challenges, pursue projects and develop partnerships that benefit Granville County, neighboring communities and the region. “Sometimes the biggest challenge for rural counties is simply making sure our needs are seen and understood,” Commissioner Griffin said. “Being involved gives us an opportunity to tell our story, build relationships and work together on solutions that can make a real difference for our residents.”
For Granville County, that work includes strengthening transportation infrastructure, supporting agriculture and local businesses, maintaining public safety services, improving access to healthcare and continuing to invest in the communities that make the county unique. Both commissioners emphasized that their goal is to bring the benefits of that engagement back home. “We want to use these opportunities to help the people we serve,” May said. “If we can build the right partnerships and find better ways to meet the needs of rural counties, then Granville County benefits, the region benefits, and North Carolina benefits.”
For more information aboutbout the commissioners and Granville County, visit granvillecounty.org.
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About the Commissioners
Commissioner Mark Griffin represents District 3 on the Granville County Board of Commissioners. He was elected in 2024 and sworn into office in December 2024. His current committee and liaison assignments include the Animal Control Advisory Committee, Board of Equalization and Review, DOT issues, Extension Leadership Advisory Council, Granville County Fire Commission, Granville Health System Board of Trustees, Library Board, Parks, Greenways and Recreation Advisory Committee, Soil & Water Board and Vaya Region 4 Board of Directors.
Commissioner Russ May represents District 5 on the Granville County Board of Commissioners. He was first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. His current assignments include the Board of Equalization and Review, CAMPO Executive Board, Granville County Fire Commission, KTRPO Transportation Advisory Committee, Opioid Advisory Committee, Planning Board, Public Safety, School Administration, SGWASA, Upper Neuse River Basin Committee and Veterans Affairs. May is retired from the U.S. Department of Justice, where he worked in law enforcement and executive management.
About Granville County Government
Granville County, North Carolina, is a rural community along the Virginia border encompassing approximately 532 square miles. With a strong agricultural heritage, growing communities and historic towns, the county is served by a seven-member Board of Commissioners committed to strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic and agricultural development, and improving quality of life. Through regional partnerships and collaboration, Granville County works to ensure rural communities have a strong voice in shaping the future of the region and North Carolina.
About the NCACC
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress, and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management, and education and leadership training.
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