The New Hanover County Social Services Board announced in a recent press release the election of Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr. as its new chairman.

Barfield took over the gavel from Evelyn Bryant, an appointee of the N.C. Social Services Commission, who joined the board in July 2008 and has served as chairwoman since 2011.

Barfield has represented the board of commissioners on the Social Services Board since July 2011.

A resident of New Hanover County and graduate of New Hanover High School, Barfield was first elected county commissioner in 2008. He is a licensed realtor and owner of Barfield & Associates Realty LLC.

Frankie Roberts, another Wilmington native, was elected vice chairman of the board, the release stated. Roberts is the founder and executive director of LINC, a nonprofit organization that provides residential services for adult men and women returning from incarceration.

The board meets on the third Tuesday of every month in the multi-purpose room at the Department of Social Services.