Greensboro, NC City Government Structure and Council Member Bios
Greensboro, NC City Government Structure and Council Member Bios
City Government Structure
Greensboro, North Carolina, operates under a Council-Manager form of government, established in 1921, making it the city’s longest-running governance model. This system balances legislative authority with professional administration to ensure efficient municipal operations. Here’s an overview:
City Council: The legislative body comprises nine members: the Mayor and eight Council members. The Mayor and three Council members are elected at-large (citywide), while five are elected from districts representing specific geographic areas. Council members serve four-year terms with no term limits, and elections are non-partisan, held in odd-numbered years (next in 2025). The Council sets policies, adopts the budget, approves mayoral appointees, levies taxes, and amends city laws. The Mayor presides over meetings, represents the city at state, national, and international levels, and holds a ceremonial role without executive powers. Meetings occur twice monthly at the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro.
Mayor Pro Tem: Selected from the Council, typically the at-large member with the most votes, the Mayor Pro Tem assumes the Mayor’s duties in their absence, signs contracts, and presides over meetings when needed.
City Manager: Appointed by the Council, the City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing daily operations, implementing policies, managing departments, and preparing the budget. Nathaniel “Trey” Davis, the current City Manager, proposed an $828 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Historical Context: Greensboro has experienced all three major city government forms: ward-aldermanic, a three-member commissioner system (1912–1921), and the current Council-Manager system. Reforms in 1975 made the Mayor popularly elected, and in 1983, the Council expanded to nine members with a mixed district/at-large system to enhance representation, particularly for African-American communities.
This structure ensures elected officials set the vision while a professional manager executes it, promoting non-political administration. For more details, visit greensboro-nc.gov.
Mayor and City Council Bios
Below are detailed biographies of the current Mayor and City Council members as of June 2025, based on extensive research. Each bio includes their political affiliation (Democrat or Republican), links to their official City of Greensboro council pages, and, where applicable, professional LinkedIn profiles. Links are provided as plain text for easy copying and pasting, alongside embedded markdown links on names. Significant turnover is expected in 2025, as Mayor Nancy Vaughan, Nancy Hoffmann, and Goldie Wells will not seek re-election, and Yvonne Johnson passed away in December 2024.
Mayor: Nancy Vaughan
Background: Nancy Barakat Vaughan, a Democrat, born in New Jersey, has been Greensboro’s Mayor since 2013, winning elections in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022. She served on the City Council for District 4 (1997–2001) and at-large (2007–2013), acting as Mayor Pro Tem before her mayoral tenure. She graduated from Fairfield University.
Career: Vaughan was executive director of the Guilford Green Foundation (2016–2018), advocating for LGBT rights. She owned Barakat Oriental Rugs and led community efforts against rezoning in the 1990s, sparking her political career. She’s known for declaring a state of emergency during COVID-19 in 2020 and enforcing a code of conduct at Council meetings, which some criticize as restrictive.
Goals: Focused on housing, homelessness, and public safety, Vaughan has supported initiatives like the Pallet shelters for the unhoused and economic development projects such as the Toyota Battery plant.
Future: Vaughan announced in May 2024 that she will not run for re-election in 2025, ending her tenure.
Links:
City of Greensboro Mayor Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/mayor-nancy-vaughan
No personal website found; contact via city email: nancy.vaughan@greensboro-nc.gov.
Mayor Pro Tem and At-Large: Marikay Abuzuaiter
Background: Marikay Abuzuaiter, a Democrat, was elected at-large in 2011 and re-elected in 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022. She became Mayor Pro Tem in January 2025, succeeding Yvonne Johnson, after a 5-3 vote split along racial lines, with unanimous approval in a final 8-0 vote. Born in High Point, NC, she attended Greensboro College.
Career: Abuzuaiter and her husband, Isa, owned Mahi’s Restaurant on Lawndale Drive for 22 years, closing during the 2008 recession. Her restaurant hosted city council members, inspiring her political interest. She faced controversy in 2013 when Yes Weekly reported she acted as a confidential informant for the Greensboro Police Department, which she denied. She’s served on numerous city boards, including the Zoning Commission.
Goals: Advocates for affordable housing, economic development for high-paying jobs, public safety, and infrastructure, particularly transportation. She emphasizes accessibility, mentored by Yvonne Johnson, and aims to represent all residents.
Future: Abuzuaiter announced her candidacy for Mayor in March 2025, citing her 14 years of council experience and institutional knowledge as critical for leading a largely new council.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/marikay-abuzuaiter
No personal website; LinkedIn profile unavailable publicly.
At-Large: Hugh Holston
Background: Hugh Holston, a Democrat, was appointed at-large in 2021 after Michelle Kennedy’s departure and retained his seat in 2022, edging out Republican Katie Rossabi by 554 votes. A Greensboro native, he graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Career: Holston served as chair of the Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission before joining the Council. Limited public information is available on his professional background, but his appointment and election reflect strong community support. He’s noted for supporting Goldie Wells for Mayor Pro Tem, citing her community work.
Goals: Focuses on citywide representation, supporting diversity and equity initiatives like GSO 2040, and addressing housing and economic development.
Future: Holston is contemplating a mayoral run in 2025, which could make him Greensboro’s first Black male Mayor, but he’s confirmed he’ll at least seek re-election at-large.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/hugh-holston
No personal website or public LinkedIn profile found.
At-Large: Jamilla Pinder
Background: Jamilla Pinder, a Democrat, was appointed at-large on January 31, 2025, to fill Yvonne Johnson’s seat after her passing. At 46, she’s the youngest council member. A Greensboro native, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University and attended Dudley High School. Mayor Nancy Vaughan and six council members voted for her, with Abuzuaiter dissenting, preferring Vernon Johnson for his youth advocacy.
Career: Pinder is Director of Community Engagement & Impact at the Cone Health Foundation, with 20 years in the Cone Health system in leadership roles. She’s served on nearly two dozen city boards and commissions, advocating for equitable resource access. Describing herself as a “data geek” with a “superpower” for building relationships, she focuses on mobility and community collaboration.
Goals: Prioritizes sustainable solutions, health equity, and transportation improvements to enhance city mobility.
Future: Pinder will serve until the 2025 election, with no announced plans for re-election or higher office yet.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/jamilla-pinder
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilla-pinder-8b1a1b1a/
District 1: Sharon Hightower
Background: Sharon Hightower, a Democrat, has represented District 1 (east Greensboro, including near downtown) since 2013, winning re-election in 2015, 2019, and 2022 with 77.92% against Felton Foushee. She attended East Carolina University and is a registered voter.
Career: Hightower is a real estate paralegal and president of North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials, a statewide organization. She’s a vocal advocate for east Greensboro, emphasizing inclusivity and equity, and supported Goldie Wells for Mayor Pro Tem to maintain racial balance. She’s criticized traditions like at-large Mayor Pro Tem selections when they overlook diversity.
Goals: Supports bonds for housing, parks (e.g., Windsor-Chavis-Nocho Center), and fire services, aiming to bridge the east-west Greensboro divide. She focuses on affordable housing and community development.
Future: Hightower confirmed in July 2024 she’ll run for re-election in 2025, continuing her advocacy for District 1.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/sharon-hightower
No personal website; LinkedIn unavailable publicly.
District 2: Goldie Wells
Background: Dr. Goldie F. Wells, a Democrat, served on the Council from 2005–2009 and returned in 2017 after Jamal Fox’s departure, winning re-election in 2019 and 2022 (51.54% against Cecile Crawford). Born in Kinston, NC, she’s the daughter of civil rights activist Golden Asro Frinks. She holds degrees from Hampton University (BA, MA), North Carolina A&T State University (MA), and UNC-Chapel Hill (Ed.D.).
Career: Wells is an educator, having hired Zack Matheny’s mother as a teacher over 40 years ago. She’s served as a school administrator and community leader, emphasizing east Greensboro’s needs (District 2 covers areas near Lake Townsend). She ran for Mayor Pro Tem in 2025, losing 3-5 but gaining support from Black council members for her community focus.
Goals: Advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusivity per GSO 2040, focusing on housing, economic development, and community welfare. She’s concerned about stagnation in Greensboro’s quality of life.
Future: Wells announced she will not run for re-election in 2025, ending her tenure.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/goldie-wells
No personal website or public LinkedIn profile found.
District 3: Zack Matheny
Background: Zack Matheny, a Republican, has served District 3 (downtown and west, traced by Battleground Avenue) since 2007, with a break from 2015–2022 when he led Downtown Greensboro Inc. He returned in 2022, running unopposed after Chip Roth withdrew. A Greensboro native, his educational background is not publicly detailed.
Career: Matheny was president of Downtown Greensboro Inc., driving downtown revitalization (e.g., Tanger Center). He’s known for supporting Marikay Abuzuaiter for Mayor Pro Tem, citing her citywide accessibility, and for praising Yvonne Johnson’s integrity. He’s navigated council controversies, including city manager disputes.
Goals: Focuses on economic development, infrastructure (e.g., transportation bonds), and maintaining Greensboro’s ISO1 fire rating to keep insurance rates low. He emphasizes long-term planning.
Future: Matheny confirmed in July 2024 he’ll run for re-election in 2025.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/zack-matheny
No personal website; LinkedIn unavailable publicly.
District 4: Nancy Hoffmann
Background: Nancy Hoffmann, a Democrat, has represented District 4 (central and downtown Greensboro) since 2011, winning re-election in 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022 (64.59% against Thurston Reeder). Her birthdate and educational background are not publicly detailed, but she’s a long-time Greensboro resident.
Career: Hoffmann’s professional background is less documented, but she’s a seasoned council member known for supporting city initiatives like housing bonds and economic projects (e.g., Publix, Boom). She voted for Abuzuaiter as Mayor Pro Tem, aligning with tradition.
Goals: Prioritizes housing, reinvestment in neighborhoods, and access to homeownership, supporting the HousingGSO plan to address the city’s housing crisis.
Future: Hoffmann announced she will not seek re-election in 2025, concluding her service.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/nancy-hoffmann
No personal website or public LinkedIn profile found.
District 5: Tammi Thurm
Background: Tammi Z. Thurm, a Democrat, was elected to District 5 (western Greensboro, near the airport) in 2017, defeating Tony Wilkins, and re-elected in 2022 (55.83% against Wilkins). A UNC-Greensboro graduate, she’s lived in Greensboro since 1975.
Career: Thurm is a senior-level finance executive, having served as CFO of Listingbook and Capsule Group. She’s emphasized her love for Greensboro’s community, raising her family there, and supported Abuzuaiter for Mayor Pro Tem, citing tradition and citywide representation.
Goals: Focuses on economic development, public safety, and infrastructure, supporting bonds for fire stations and housing to maintain Greensboro’s growth.
Future: Thurm confirmed in July 2024 she’ll run for re-election in 2025.
Links:
City of Greensboro Council Page: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-members/tammi-thurm
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammi-thurm-6b3a2b1/
Conclusion
Greensboro’s Council-Manager government ensures a balance between elected representation and professional management, with a structure refined over decades to promote equity and efficiency. The current Mayor and Council members bring diverse expertise—from business and education to healthcare and real estate—though the 2025 election will bring significant change with Vaughan, Hoffmann, and Wells stepping down and Johnson’s seat already filled by Pinder. Residents can engage with the Council through public meetings (first and third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Melvin Municipal Office Building) or by contacting members via greensboro-nc.gov. For further inquiries, call the City Clerk’s office at 336-373-2397.
