By Tracey Morrison,
Contributing Author
Photo by Photographer:
Antoinne Duane Jones
It’s been a remarkable milestone for Cumberland County Board of Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart. Governor Roy Cooper recently elected Stewart to serve on the Health and Human Services Steering Committee of the NC Association of County Commissioners. In her new role, she will support the expansion of Medicaid and Women and Children’s Health Services Block Grant funding and legislation to restore state funding for accreditation of local health departments.
The North Carolina Association of County Boards of Social Services (NCACBSS) also elected Stewart as the Region 6 Director. As director, she will advocate for improved public policy and develop educational programs for social services boards representing nine counties. Her role, centered on managing the association’s business affairs, budget approval, and policy development, will enhance county social services. The counties she represents are Anson, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, and Richmond.
In this year’s election, Stewart is a candidate for her second term as County Commissioner to continue the momentum of serving the community well. She has made a name for herself as an exceptional leader. She held the positions of Chairwoman of County Commissioner in 2022 and Chairwoman of County Commissioner in 2023 before serving as Vice Chairwoman for the second time.
The writer spoke with Dr. Stewart to learn more about her background and the passion behind her servitude spirit.
BETTER IN STORE
Dr. Stewart initiated her political journey when she ran for Fayetteville City Council against the late Bill Crisp approximately 6-7 years ago. Despite not emerging victorious, she demonstrated remarkable resilience. Rather than allowing the loss to deter her, she viewed it as a stepping stone to her future, inspiring others with her unwavering determination.
She acknowledges that her run for city council didn’t align with God’s plan. “God told me to run. After the loss, he told me to run, but not for city council,” Stewart stated.
She believes this experience taught her the importance of patience and divine timing, emphasizing that God will provide grace through his path in the endeavors he had in store for her. She cautions against forcing your outcomes before God’s appointed time, referencing one of her favorite scriptures from Isaiah 60-22, NIV, “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; I will do this swiftly in its time.”
This scripture generally provides a reassuring perspective on not giving up when what you want doesn’t happen.
Stewart was passionate about what was happening on a county level. When the time comes, she receives a green light from God to run for county commissioner. Despite the difficulties of campaigning during the pandemic, she became the top vote-getter to earn a seat on the board.
“That was definitely all God,” she exclaimed while reflecting on her victory.
GROWING SUCCESS AS COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Just in her fourth year on the board, the county has tackled issues such as homelessness by building a homeless support center and temporary shelter that she helped spearhead. The county is also building the new Crown Event Center. This center will be a game changer to boost the downtown area by generating revenue, supporting small businesses, and bringing jobs to the community. She’s also striving to get a crisis center, primarily to address the growing crisis for the male population.
Dr. Stewart’s commitment to community service is unwavering. Her passion for mental health advocacy, homelessness, education, and promoting clean water (PWC building better water lines) drives her to make a difference. These are not just areas of interest for her but causes she actively champions in her role as County Commissioner. In her passion for homelessness, for instance, Stewart shared that it’s imperative to address the multiple reasons why people are homeless and to provide resources, from mental health to employment, to assist them in changing their living environment and becoming better beings.
As a County Commissioner, she and her team focused on creating a solid workforce by collaborating with Fayetteville Technical Community College to support trade and employment initiatives through Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
In addition, she serves on many boards. She’s a member of the Cape Fear Valley Hospital System Board of Trustees and the Social Services Board. She was appointed to serve on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Liaison Committee, the Finance/Audit Committee, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Committee.
PASSION FOR SERVING
Dr. Stewart’s faith is the foundation of her dedication to community service. This belief has served as a compass since her days in Ohio, where she volunteered at her church’s food pantry. Her commitment to serving the community is motivated by her faith in God, which is a driving force behind her service to the community. This connection to her faith and values makes Dr. Stewart’s service genuine and impactful.
“It doesn’t matter to me if people live in a mansion or in a tent; I’m here to serve. I get so much joy out of serving, and I also know that it’s a blessing to be able to serve,” Stewart said.
In addition to her role on the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Stewart is the Special Projects Manager at True Vine Ministries, an Ordained Elder, and a Certified Life Coach.
HEART FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY
She credits the success since she followed the road God intended for her through her admiration to service Cumberland County. Cumberland County is not only her home but her village. Since arriving here from Lima, Ohio, she has invested and given her all as a citizen and as County Commissioner.
Running for her second term as county commissioner, she intends to keep investing in the welfare of the community she loves through her heart of duty.
