GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville City Council during its August 14 meeting appointed Shawan M. Barr to fill the open District 1 seat until the November election.

Barr, who is the assistant director at Greenville's Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Center, was one of five applicants for the seat that was vacated in July when Kandie Smith was appointed as Mayor. Smith has announced that she will not seek re-election as Mayor and will instead run for the District 1 seat again. Barr is not running for re-election.

"This is a great day for two reasons," Barr said after taking her seat on the Council. "The first is because this is my second wedding annniversary. It's also a day that shows serving your community pays off."

Barr was nominated by District 2 representative Rose Glover. She was sworn in at the conclusion of the August 14 meeting.

In her application to the Council, Barr stated the following:

My interests and goals include working with a diverse population while promoting positive community interaction, developmental growth, self- esteem, and inclusiveness to improve the quality of life. As a member of this community, my interest also include the well-being of an individual, group, and community member by intervening through strategic planning, community engagement, and education.

My desires are that the Greenville community have access to opportunities, resources, and services available. I currently work with the City of Greenville, through partnership, in many capacities; therefore I see this as an afforded opportunity to continue building a strong relationship between the community & city and hopefully provide creative and new ideas to the team.