Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met this morning for their regularly scheduled Work Session meeting.  Following a closed session, the Board appointed long-standing Deputy County Attorney Lowell Siler as County Attorney for Durham County Government.  Siler succeeds Chuck Kitchen who announced his intent to retire to the BOCC on June 22, 2009.  In this morning’s meeting, Kitchen stepped down in order to devote his full attention to two key appellate court cases on which he has been working.  He will also work with Siler to smooth the position transition.   

“I am fully confident in the abilities of Mr. Siler and the County Attorney staff,” said Commissioner Michael D. Page, Chairman for the Durham BOCC. “I believe under his leadership Mr. Siler and his staff will advise and lead us in a highly-capable and professional manner.”

“I am honored to have been appointed as the new County Attorney for Durham County Government.  I look forward to serving you and working closely with the very talented employees of the County Attorney’s Office to meet your needs,” Siler said to the Commissioners shortly after his appointment.

Siler earned his undergraduate and Juris Doctorate degrees from North Carolina Central University.  Prior to joining Durham County Government in October 1987 as assistant county attorney, Siler worked for Spaulding and Williams Attorney at Law located here in Durham.   In recent years, Siler served as president of Durham County Bar and on the Board of Directors for the 14^th Judicial District.

Siler’s appointment is effective immediately.  The BOCC will establish Siler’s salary at the second Regular Session meeting on Monday, August 24, 2009.