Jackson County’s Board of Commissioners is now complete, as members of the Democratic Executive Committee chose acting Commissioner Brian McMahan to fill former Chairman Stacy Buchanan’s seat and appointed one-time commissioner Conrad Burrell to fill the McMahan’s District 2 vacancy.

McMahan’s nomination to fill Buchanan’s seat came as no surprise. He was the only candidate who openly expressed interest in filling the position. Any active registered Democrat living in Jackson County was eligible to do so.

Democratic Executive Committee member Carl Coward made the nomination, declining to make a speech, but lauding McMahan, 29, for being “a good man” and “a good Christian candidate.” McMahan’s unanimously was approved and he accepted the nomination.

“I’m honored tonight to be here,” McMahan said. “I promise you my 100 percent best.”

and presented a letter stating his resignation from his District 2 commissioner’s seat. Taking one last action as District 2 commissioner, McMahan moved to amend the Democratic Executive Committee’s agenda, allowing for the selection of a representative to fill his seat.

One-time commissioner and current N.C. Department of Transportation District 14 Board Member Conrad Burrell was nominated to fill McMahan’s seat. Although his nomination unanimously was accepted, Burrell was not present at the meeting to accept the position.

“Mr. Burrell is in Florida fishing,” McMahan said.

Upon his return, Burrell is expected to accept the position.

McMahan’s selection as chairman will smooth the personnel transition for the board, said Vice Chairman Roberta Crawford, who has fostered McMahan’s political career since his election as commissioner two years ago.

“I think he’s going to do a wonderful job,” Crawford said. “Brian is someone easy to work with and he listens to everybody.”

McMahan and Burrell were nominated with 47 of the 51 Democratic Executive Committee members present, a group that includes county commissioners Joe Cowan, Eddie Madden, and Vice Chairman Crawford, Forest Hills Mayor Irene Hooper, School Board Member Mark Brooks and Sheriff Jimmy Ashe. Executive Committee member Rep. Phil Haire, D-Sylva, was unable to attend the meeting.

McMahan will be sworn in at noon Wednesday in the Jackson County Justice and Administration Center.