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WINSTON-SALEM — Next week, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will swear in its newest member.

On July 18, Gray Wilson will take the oath of office during a special-called meeting at 2 p.m. in the commissioner’s meeting room on the fifth floor of the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem.

Wilson is filling the remainder of longtime commissioner David R. Plyler’s vacated term. Forsyth County reported Plyler’s retirement on Feb. 9, with it going into effect on June 30.

“Following a distinguished career as a local radio and television broadcaster, Plyler was first elected commissioner in 1994,” the county’s post said. “He served as chairman of the board of commissioners for 10 years.”

According to the Forsyth County government page, in response to Plyler’s retirement, Board Chairman Don Martin said, “Dave Plyler has been a dedicated public servant his entire life, including serving almost 30 years as commissioner.”

In the coming months, we will celebrate Dave’s many achievements throughout the years.”

Plyler’s term, which Wilson will finish ends on Dec. 2. In the March 5 Primary, Wilson was the 4th-leading vote getter (10,871) in the Republican race for nomination. There are three available seats. Despite announcing his retirement, Plyler still received 12,048 votes, making him the 3rd-leading vote getter. However, with Plyler announcing that he would not seek another term, Wilson became the de facto third nominee and run alongside Richard Linville and Gloria Whisenhunt as they seek to capture the three available seats.

Kendall Fields, Valerie Brockenbrough and Marsie West will represent the Democratic side of the ticket.