Board of Commissioners

Commissioner Sylvia H. Pate brings a lifetime of servant leadership, professional experience, and community engagement to her service on the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners. Sylvia is a proud wife, mom, nana and Holden Beach history preservationist. Her family’s connection to Holden Beach dates to 1968, and she and her husband, George, now reside on one of the island’s canal streets. Holden Beach is not just where Sylvia lives—it is central to who she is—and her decision to serve reflects a deep commitment to preserving the town’s character while planning responsibly for its future. She is proud to serve as “Your Voice for Holden Beach” and values ongoing input from residents.

Sylvia retired from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2011 after serving as Director of the Regional Center for Economic, Community and Professional Development. She previously worked with the Lumber River Council of Governments as a Workforce Development Administrator and currently serves as a Broker/REALTOR® with PROACTIVE Real Estate. Her career spans more than 35 years in strategic planning, budget and grant administration, and organizational leadership.

Sylvia holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management from UNC Pembroke, a Bachelor of Science from Western Carolina University, and an Associate of Applied Science from Isothermal Community College. She has completed numerous leadership development programs throughout her career.

Her extensive public service includes current service on the Brunswick County Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee and as part-time Executive Director of the Robeson County Committee of 100. She previously served on the Holden Beach Planning and Zoning Board and has held leadership roles with the UNC Pembroke Alumni Association Board of Directors, Partnership for Children, and numerous local, regional, and state education and economic development boards and advisory committees.

Sylvia’s contributions have been recognized with the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Job Training Professional of the Year (Policy and Management) and UNC Pembroke’s Graduate Student of the Year for Public Administration.