Contessa Smith

Contessa previously ran for Forsyth County commissioner in 2026.

As of April 6, 2026, Contessa Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Mali is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She attended Carver High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications studies with a minor in African American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has a master’s degree in history education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She has a doctorate in education leadership from Walden University. She resides in the East Winston neighborhood.

Board of Commissioners

Malishai "Shai" Woodbury has a bachelor’s degree in communications studies with a minor in African American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in history education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a doctorate in education leadership from Walden University. Malishai resides in the East Winston neighborhood. 

Malishai “Shai” Woodbury is currently a member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District A. She was first elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. She previously served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education from 2018 to 2022, including three years as chair of the school board. Woodbury ran for the school board in 2010 and 2014 but did not win before her successful 2018 election.

Phil Carter - Ballotpedia

Malishai is currently a member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District A. She was first elected in 2022 and is serving her first term. She previously served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education from 2018 to 2022, including three years as chair. She ran for the school board in 2010 and 2014, but did not win.

As of April 6, 2026, Malishai Woodbury did not have a website or any information online.

Malishai Woodbury

Tonya is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She attended Winston-Salem State University and North Carolina Central University. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from Winston-Salem State University and a master's degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University. She lives in Winston-Salem with her three children and three grandchildren. She attends Union Baptist Church.

Tonya D. McDaniel - Forsyth.cc

Tonya is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from Winston-Salem State University and a master's degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University. She lives in Winston-Salem with her three children and three grandchildren. She attends Union Baptist Church.

Tonya is a member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners for District A. She works at the Forsyth County government, where she has served since December 3, 2018. She previously worked at United Health Centers as the Human Resources Director and as the Public Affairs and Relations Officer.

Woman to Watch: Tonya McDaniel | Women AdvaNCe

Tonya previously worked at United Health Centers as the human resources director and as the public affairs and relations officer.

Tonya McDaniel is currently a member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District A. She was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving her second term.

Tonya is currently a member of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District A. She was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving her second term.

Advocates for equitable property tax rates and county funding for schools.

- Advocates for equitable property tax rates and county funding for schools.

Emphasizes community engagement and transparency in government activities.

- Prioritizes equity in school funding.
- Emphasizes community engagement and transparency in government activities.

As of April 6, 2026, Tonya McDaniel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tonya McDaniel

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Forsyth County Commissioner, Ward A

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Forsyth County Commissioner, Ward A

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Candidates (3)
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