Pembroke’s first city council meeting of 2024 commenced with a big crowd at the Harn Community Center. 

After a prayer invocation by local pastor Lawrence Butler of the Bridge Church in Pembroke and the customary Pledge of Allegiance, six elected officials were sworn in to office on Monday evening. 

Pembroke Mayor Tiffany Zeigler was sworn in first, followed by Johnnie Miller of District 1, Sharon Lewis of District 2, Diane Moore of District 3, Ed Bacon of District 4, and Ernest Hamilton, District At-Large.

Among the special guests invited to speak included fellow Mayor Russ Carpenter of Richmond Hill and Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA; 1st District).

Mayor Carpenter read out a proclamation recognizing the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke, Judy Cook, and named her an “honorary citizen” of Richmond Hill.

“Now, therefore, the city of Richmond Hill, in recognition of Mayor Judy Cook’s exemplary service and lasting contributions to the city of Pembroke, does hereby proclaim her as an honorary citizen and extends its heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement,” Mayor Russ Carpenter said.

Cook recently served her fourth term as Mayor of Pembroke, after retiring in 2011. She was first sworn as Mayor in January 2000, earning the distinct honor of being the first woman elected to the position in Pembroke. 

Congressman Buddy Carter also thanked Cook for her long years of service, and congratulated incoming Mayor Tiffany Zeigler and the newly-elected council members.

“I don’t think I’ve had a more enjoyable time in public service than when I was mayor,” Congressman Carter said. Carter served as Pooler’s mayor from 1996 to 2004, and previously was on its city council as well. 

“It is a great honor, a great privilege as a mayor of a city, particularly a growing city like Pembroke.”