New county manager makes history as first African American and woman to hold position

History was made at the Forsyth County Government Center last week. On Thursday, June 27, Shontell Robinson was sworn in as the county manager. Robinson is the first African American and the first woman to hold the position.  Robinson was sworn in by Judge Valene McMasters in front of a packed auditorium filled with more than 100 family members, friends, loved ones, and community leaders. After administering the oath, McMasters said she had the pleasure of working with Robinson during the pandemic on community issues and during her time as managing attorney of Legal Aid of NC. “Forsyth County has done well, you’re getting an excellent leader,” McMasters said.  Robinson was hired as director of Forsyth County Human Resources in 2014. In January of 2020 Robinson was promoted to assistant county manager and before the end of the year she was promoted to deputy county manager.  As deputy county manager, Robinson served as director of Forsyth County Health and Human Services and oversaw Social Services, Human Resources, Community and Economic Development, Behavioral Health Services, Court Diversion programs, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center, and MapForsyth.  Robinson was the top candidate for the county manager position following a nationwide search to...