Surry County’s Board of Supervisors voted on Jan. 5 to name Claremont District representative Robert Elliott as its chairman for 2023.

He succeeds Bacon’s Castle District Supervisor Judy Lyttle, who held the role in 2022.

Elliott’s nomination passed 4-1 with Surry District representative Timothy Calhoun voting “no.”

Lyttle was then named vice chairwoman following two series of votes that initially drew three candidates vying for the position.

Calhoun nominated himself for vice chairman but received only his own vote.

Elliott then nominated Lyttle, but the nomination drew only his own and Lyttle’s votes.

Newly elected Carsley District SupervisorBreyon Pierce then nominated himself, but his nomination received only his own and newly elected Dendron District SupervisorBrenton Byrd’s votes.

Elliott then called for a second vote for Lyttle and for Pierce, resulting in Calhoun switching his vote to support Lyttle’s nomination. Pierce again received only his own and Byrd’s votes.

The board then voted unanimously to reappoint County Administrator Melissa Rollins and Deputy County Administrator David Harrison in their roles for another year.