ROCKINGHAM — Debbie Wrenn, a retired educator and local business owner, now serves on the City Council.
Wrenn’s appointment to the board, to serve the balance of Anne Edwards’ term, was approved at the October meeting, and she was sworn in on Tuesday evening, surrounded by her family.
Edwards resigned in September, citing poor health. She had been on the council since 2015, when she was appointed to complete the term left vacant by Travis Billingsley.
“It’s an honor to be here with this group and all of the leadership that I see here,” Wrenn remarked after taking her seat on the dais.
Wrenn worked for Richmond County Schools for over three decades, rising through the ranks from teacher to principal and eventually settling in administration at the central office.
She retired from the school system and co-founded Simply Chic, a downtown shop on the junction of S. Lawrence and E. Washington streets, with her daughter Jenny Williamson.
Wrenn also served on the city’s Board of Adjustment.
“She has been a part of our community for a very long time,” said Mayor John Hutchinson, joking that the rest of the board would have to “step up our game” and dress more appropriately. “Thank you very much for giving your time and support for the city.”
Councilman Bennett Deane greeted Wrenn and encouraged her to “speak up whenever you have something to say.”
“We’re about to outnumber them,” Councilwoman Denise Sullivan stated, turning to Wrenn and Councilwoman Holly Howe, referring to the board’s current male-female split of 3–3.
“We’re glad to have Debbie on board with us,” said Councilman Gene Willard, who thanked her for offering to fill the position.
Howe expressed her excitement to have her sixth-grade teacher seated next to her on the board.
Wrenn joked that she had one warning when taking the position: “Someone had to be responsible for (City Manager) Monty (Crump).”
Wrenn said Tuesday that she was undecided whether she will run for reelection when her term ends next year.