A mayor serves as the chief executive and public face of a city or town. News 12’s Brian North sat down with three eastern North Carolina mayors to talk about growth in their communities.
Mayor Jeffrey Odham was elected to serve as New Bern’s Mayor in July 2022 and was re-elected in November 2025 after a runoff election. Mayor Ellen Brabo was elected in November 2025. She unseated incumbent Washington Mayor Donald Sadler. Mayor P.J. Connelly was re-elected in November 2025. He’s been the mayor of Greenville since 2017.
New Bern
New Bern’s population in 2024 was around 34,218, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Governing Board of New Bern is made up of a mayor and six Aldermen, each representing one of New Bern’s six wards. The members are elected in a nonpartisan election.
Mayor Jeffrey Odham talked about new businesses coming to New Bern and addressing growth in the area.
Washington
The City of Washington’s population as of 2024 is 9,738, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The city is governed by a Council/Manager form of government. The elected City Council hires a City Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of municipal services and government. The mayor and all five members of the Washington City Council are elected at-large by the citizens of Washington in November of odd-numbered years. All serve two-year terms.
Mayor Ellen Brabo talks about how she ended up in ‘the original Washington’ and how it’s been navigating politics in Beaufort County.
Greenville
The city of Greenville’s population as of 2024 is 95,138, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Mayor and City Council are the governing body of the City. The Mayor acts as the official head of the government and spokesperson for the Council. The Mayor presides at all City Council meetings and signs all documents authorized by the Council.
