Meet The
Commissioners
The Commissioners
The Commission is made up of eight members selected by the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court and the Chief Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The members include a Superior Court Judge, a Prosecuting Attorney, a Defense Attorney, a Victim Advocate, a Member of the Public, a Sheriff, and two Discretionary members.
Commission Chair & Superior Court Judge
The Honorable Jason Disbrow
Superior Court Judge / Commission Chair
Judge Jason C. Disbrow is the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Brunswick County (District 13B).
Appointed by Chief Justice Paul Newby
Term Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2026
Alternate: Judge Beth Freshwater-Smith
Superior Court Judge / Commission Chair
Judge Freshwater-Smith is the Special Superior Court Judge in Wilson, Nash, and Edgecombe counties.
Appointed by Chief Justice Paul Newby
Term Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2026
Prosecuting Attorney
Commissioner: Ashley Welch
Prosecuting Attorney
Alternate: Andrew Gregson, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney
Appointed by Chief Justice Paul Newby
Term Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2026
Victim Advocate
Commissioner: Robin Colbert
Victim Advocate
Chief Administrative Officer, Addiction Professionals of North Carolina
Appointed by Chief Justice Chris Dillon
Term Jan 1, 2022 - Dec 31, 2024
Alternate: Scott Bass
Victim Advocate
Director of Victim Services, NC Victim Assistance Network
Appointed by Chief Justice Chris Dillon
Term Jan 1, 2022 - Dec 31, 2024
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Commissioner: Aleta R. Ballard
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Appointed by Chief Justice Chris Dillon
Term Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2026
Alternate: Darrin D. Jordan
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Term Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2026
Public Member
Commissioner: Immanuel Jarvis
Public Member
Alternate: Dr. Edward Landis
Public Member
Sheriff
Commissioner: Sheriff Van Shaw
Sheriff
Alternate: Sheriff Joey Lemons
Sheriff
discretionary member I
Commissioner: Kieran Shanahan
Discretionary Member I
Alternate: Judge Beth Tanner
Discretionary Member I
discretionary member II
Commissioner: Paul "Skip" Stam
Discretionary Member II
Alternate: Yvonne Mims Evans
Discretionary Member II
Term Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2025