For the second time in its history, Lexington County Council has a woman in charge.

At its Jan. 10 meeting, the body unanimously elected District 7 Council Member Beth Carrigg as chair. Carrigg succeeds Scott Whetstone, who served as chair for the last year, and follows current Council Member Debbie Summers (who was elected chair in 2009) as the second-ever woman to hold the position.

“I am honored and thrilled to have earned the confidence of such an amazing group of leaders working together to ensure responsible growth and providing quality services to the citizens of Lexington County,” Carrigg, who served as vice chair throughout 2022, is quoted in a release.

Carrigg has served on council since 2019, having previously served as clerk of court, a countywide elected position, from 2005 to 2017.

Per County Council’s rules of procedure, “The chairperson shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the council, shall execute, on behalf of the council, all ordinances, resolutions, directives, deeds, bonds and other official instruments or documents, and shall have such other duties and perform such other functions as may be set forth by resolution of the council.”

Also at the Jan. 10 meeting, Darrell Hudson, who has served on council representing District 3 since 2016, was elected vice chair in a unanimous vote.

“I have been a committed advocate for my constituents and I have fought tirelessly to facilitate changes that are important to the citizens of District 3,” Hudson is quoted.