The Jackson County Democratic Executive Committee chose Commissioner Brian McMahan to fill former Chairman Stacy Buchanan’s seat and appointed one-time commissioner Conrad Burrell to fill McMahan’s District 2 vacancy on March 22.

McMahan’s nomination came as no surprise. He was the only candidate who expressed interest in filling the position that was open to any active registered Democrat living in Jackson County.

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.”

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

Former commissioner Conrad Burrell, who represents Western North Carolina on the N.C. Board of Transportation, was nominated to fill McMahan’s seat. Although his nomination was accepted unanimously, 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 been a political mentor for McMahan 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.

McMahan was sworn in at noon Wednesday, March 23 in the Jackson County Justice and Administration Center.