Schumata Brown Named North Carolina Rural Leader of the Year

Maysville town manager and Jones County school board chair recognized for community leadership

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeated, abstracted image of a town hall building in a grid of neon colors and bold black outlines, conceptually representing the community-focused leadership that drives positive change in small towns.A vibrant celebration of the community leadership that drives progress in rural North Carolina towns.Today in Raleigh

Schumata Brown, the town manager of Maysville and chairman of the Jones County Board of Education, has been named the 2026 North Carolina Rural Leader of the Year by the NC Rural Center. The award recognizes Brown's strong leadership, hard work, and dedication in enhancing the quality of life in rural North Carolina and making significant improvements in her community, region, and the state.

Why it matters

The NC Rural Leader of the Year award highlights the critical role that local leaders play in driving progress and positive change in rural communities across the state. Brown's recognition demonstrates the impact that passionate, committed individuals can have in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing small towns in North Carolina.

The details

Brown was selected for the award based on her work as Maysville's town manager and her leadership on the Jones County Board of Education. Through her roles, she has advocated for her community, fought for its future, and driven real change that has improved the quality of life for residents.

  • Schumata Brown was named the 2026 North Carolina Rural Leader of the Year.

The players

Schumata Brown

The town manager of Maysville and the chairman of the Jones County Board of Education, recognized for her strong leadership and dedication to enhancing rural communities in North Carolina.

NC Rural Center

A nonprofit organization that works to develop, promote, and implement strategies to improve the quality of life in rural North Carolina communities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Receiving this award affirms what I have always believed — when you love your small town enough to invest in it, advocate for it, and fight for its future, real change happens.”

— Schumata Brown, Town Manager, Maysville

The takeaway

Schumata Brown's recognition as the North Carolina Rural Leader of the Year underscores the vital role that local leaders play in driving progress and positive change in small towns across the state. Her story serves as an inspiration for other community champions to invest in and advocate for the places they call home.