The Highlands Town Board will fill the seat vacated by the retirement of John Dotson using a nomination ballot, following a discussion at its Jan. 15 meeting. Commissioners chose the nomination ballot process over a traditional board appointment method.
Residents interested in serving their community have an opportunity to join the board, which is accepting applications for the open seat. The appointment is for a two-year term ending in December 2027. The final selection will be made at the sole discretion of the current board of commissioners.
To be considered for the vacancy, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. Candidates must be 21 years of age or older as of the date they sign their application, reside within the corporate limits of Highlands, be registered to vote in North Carolina, and be qualified to vote in the Highlands municipal election. As part of the process, applicants will also be asked if they have ever had a formal adjudication or determination of professional or criminal misconduct entered against them in any jurisdiction.
Applicants must submit a completed application for appointment cover sheet, a letter of interest not exceeding two pages, and, optionally, a professional resume. The letter of interest should explain the candidate’s motivation for seeking appointment to the board, detail any relevant professional experience, describe participation in committees, organizations or boards, and share any additional information that may be helpful for the board’s review.
Serving on the Highlands Town Board of Commissioners means working on issues that shape the community, including local policy, town operations and development. Board members help oversee projects and initiatives related to infrastructure, public safety and municipal services. The vacancy gives residents an opportunity to share their perspective on the town’s leadership and help guide Highlands’ future.
The application for appointment is available on the town’s website under the forms and applications section. All materials must be submitted by noon Feb. 16, 2026. Applications can be emailed to Gibby Shaheen, town clerk, at gibby.shaheen@highlandsnc.org, or delivered in person at the front desk of Town Hall, 210 N. 4th St., Highlands.
For more information about the application process, contact Highlands Town Hall.
- Josh Bryson
editor@highlandsnews.com