Commissioner Matt Mizell
Matt Mizell
Commissioner
Commissioner Matt Mizell was raised in the Town of Midway and now lives in the Arcadia community with his wife.
Education
A graduate of North Davidson High School, Commissioner Mizell earned a B.A. in Political Science from High Point University. He continued his education at Wake Forest University, where he earned both a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration.
Before transitioning to a career in marketing, he taught history in North Carolina public schools for four years.
Personal Information
In their spare time, Commissioner Mizell and his wife enjoy traveling to the coast, visiting bookshops, and reading together in their home library. Commissioner Mizell also enjoys writing and is an avid reader. Some of his favorite authors include David McCullough, Stephen King, Ron Chernow, Robert McCammon, and Joe Hill.
A lifelong student of history, he enjoys visiting historic sites, particularly Civil War battlefields.
Commissioner Mizell is a member of the Republican Party and holds memberships with Three Rivers Land Trust and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, two organizations dedicated to conservation.
Governing Philosophy: My 10 Rules for Public Office
I do not claim to have mastered these rules, and I know I have fallen short of them before. But they are the standards I strive to uphold and believe are important for anyone entrusted with public office.
1. Do not assume you know everything.
You do not have all the answers, and wisdom begins by remembering that.
2. Understand that public office is temporary stewardship.
The seat is not yours permanently. It is entrusted to you for a season by the citizens.
3. Communicate often and explain your rationale.
People may not always agree with your decisions, but they deserve to understand them.
4. Respect the freedom of conscience protected in our Republic.
Opinions are like the number of stars. You will not please everyone, but there is beauty in the vastness of free thought.
5. Remember that elected office is not private ownership.
Serving in public office is not the same as being a CEO or sitting on a corporate board. You are not there to command; you are there to represent, deliberate, and serve.
6. Do not mistake contradiction for persecution.
Being challenged is not the same as being attacked. Public service requires the humility to hear disagreement without becoming resentful.
7. Be resolute in principle, but flexible in application.
Principles should be firm. Methods should be thoughtful enough to adjust to reality and changing needs.
8. Listen more than you speak.
New information and new perspectives can only be received by those willing to truly hear.
9. Build respect and civility before expecting sincere dialogue.
Honest discussion requires a foundation strong enough to support disagreement.
10. Shun stubbornness for stubbornness’s sake.
Reality, like time, does not stand still. Be willing to reassess when facts, circumstances, or consequences demand it.
Board & Commission Memberships
Commissioner Mizell represents the Davidson County Board of Commissioners on the following boards and commissions:
- Davidson County Parks & Recreation Commission
- Winston-Salem MPO Board
- Capital Facilities Committee
- Davidson County Department of Senior Services Advisory Board
- Teaching Scholarship Committee
- Davidson County Integrated Solid Waste Advisory Board
- Tourism Recreation Investment Partnership
Term
Commissioner Mizell is serving his first term on the Davidson County Board of Commissioners, with his term expiring in December 2026.