County Leadership

 

Carolyn Garris
Chair

Carolyn Garris was elected to her first term as Chair during the March 6 Beaufort County Republican Convention. Her interest in local politics peaked during the 2018 election cycle when she hit the pavement to promote strong candidates like Representative Keith Kidwell. Carolyn’s desire to serve her community grew and she became involved in voter registration, volunteering at the Republican Headquarters, attending rallies, planting and delivering signs, and working at her local precinct on election day.

Carolyn has worked in local government for more than 29 years. She has received several awards in her career and still has the enthusiasm, if not more, than when she began. Her work record goes back to age 10 and includes a law firm, car dealership, egg farm (egg picker), and even harvesting cucumbers! She has served and chaired several committees during her tenure with local government and brings experience and enthusiasm to the table.

Carolyn believes you should learn something new every day. She has continued her educational path and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a major in Computer Information Systems May 2021.

Carolyn is committed to building strong foundations within the Republican Party and growing participation from our young people. In today’s climate, she believes we need to educate our young people before they reach voting age. They will be our leaders in the future.

Why did Carolyn decide to run for Chair of the Beaufort County GOP? She says, “I  was encouraged by others to consider running. Second, I love my community and country. I knew it was time to be part of the solution and work hard to elect strong Republicans locally and nationally.” And she reminds us, “It is not over after we cast our vote!”

Contact Carolyn: email or (cell) 252.944.3307

Paul Varcoe
Vice Chair

Paul Varcoe has held the position of Vice-Chair of the Beaufort County GOP for the last six years.  As an assistant in the 2014 campaign of Beaufort County Commissioner Ron Buzzeo, Paul facilitated Ron’s appearances in the festivals and parades that Ron attended by driving him in his antique car as an attention getter. 

In his position as Vice-Chair, he organized and supervised the Beaufort County GOP Headquarters for the 2016 Presidential election.  In this election cycle he distributed 1200-yard signs for Donald Trump.  Paul concentrated on the campaign of Keith Kidwell for North Carolina House 79 in 2018.  In support of his candidacy he traveled with Keith to many meetings.  Along with Keith, he helped install many campaign signs. 

From his career in business education and as a business owner, to his many positions in sales, Paul has developed an appreciation for capitalism and conservative values.  When asked, “What made America the greatest country in the world?”  His answer is “Freedom.  Individual freedom coupled with the opportunity to prosper.” 

Paul enjoys his cars and fishing. Beaufort County offers opportunity for both. 

Contact Paul: email or (cell) 252.402.0499


Patricia Garrison
Second Vice Chair

Contact Patricia: email or (cell) 252.943.4658

 

Vacant

Secretary

 

Anne Maatman
Treasurer

Bookkeeping was part of each of Anne’s positions in the working world and serving as treasurer for the Beaufort County Republicans is a natural fit for her skill set. Anne found navigating various computer software programs to be an enjoyable challenge. These experiences led to a love of website creation and maintenance and a passion for effective marketing. Anne also serves as the webmaster for the website for Beaufort County Republicans.

Anne Zwaal Maatman grew up in Beaufort County, on a Terra Ceia dairy. She graduated from Pantego High School and Dordt College (Sioux Center, Iowa). Most of her work experience was as a travel agent and an event planner. She began volunteering for the Republicans as a planner for fund raising events like the Elephant Stomp and Reagan Day Dinner.

When her husband retired in 2013, they moved back to North Carolina and quickly (re)adapted to Down East living. They share a love of cooking, reading, entertaining, and of course, the two kids and two grandkids!

Contact Anne: email or (cell) 712.540.7284