A new member will be joining Smithfield’s Planning Commission this year, and a former member will return.

The Town Council named James Yoko and Bill Davidson on Jan. 3 to the seven-member advisory body, and reappointed Commissioner Dr. Thomas Pope to a new four-year term.

Yoko is an engineering manager with Newport News Shipbuilding, according to his LinkedIn profile. Davidson is a retired engineer and previously served as a commissioner for 12 years, from 2008 to 2020.

They will succeed Commissioners Julia Hillegass, who served as the body’s vice chairwoman in 2022, and Michael Torrey.

Yoko and Davidson won’t be seated until February. Hillegass’ and Torrey’s terms expire Jan. 31.

The body is tasked with making recommendations to Town Council on rezoning requests, permits and other land use decisions.