Lamarie Austin-Stripling selected to fill Cabarrus board seat

Published on April 10, 2025

CONCORD, N.C. – Lamarie Austin-Stripling has been named to fill the anticipated open seat on the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners.

Austin-Stripling was named to the seat that is expected to be vacated by Board Chair Chris Measmer. Measmer is anticipated to resign his position since being selected to replace North Carolina Senator Paul Newton. Measmer’s resignation will go into effect after he is sworn into the General Assembly.

Should the vacancy move forward, Austin-Stripling will be sworn in at the Government Center in downtown Concord before the Organizational Meeting on April 15.

A Cabarrus resident for 24 years, Austin-Stripling has worked with Concord United, a racial equity committee that serves as an advisory board for the City of Concord, for the last four years. There, she helps identify community gaps and makes recommendations to the Concord City Council on areas of improvement. She has also worked on the Logan Economic Development Committee.

“I have a heart for public service," she said. "If I see there is a need and if I know I can jump in and use my skills to meet that need, that’s typically where you’re going to find me. I think it’s important that if you have the ability to step up and serve, you should.”

Austin-Stripling said that she sees the position as an opportunity to use her knowledge and skills to address needs in the community.

“I’m ready to work for the people,” she said.

Austin-Stripling has previously worked for Cabarrus County Veterans Services and in mental and behavioral healthcare. She has worked for Westrock Coffee, formerly S&D, for the last 18 years, and currently serves as legal project manager and assistant corporate secretary.

Coming into a busy time for budget preparation, she plans to do a deep dive on where things stand, what has been accomplished and what goals remain on the table.

Commissioners are expected to receive the county manager's recommended budget in May and vote on it in June.

Austin-Stripling holds an associate’s degree from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Charlotte, where she majored in English and communication studies with a concentration in public advocacy.

She’s been married to husband Tory, a Concord native, for 12 years.

Watch the special meeting presentation at https://youtube.com/live/QHi4Q9LUxeY.