Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston has had plenty of recognition in local political circles.

 And he’s about to get more recognition – this time from Black Business Ink magazine, which is featuring Alston in this month’s issue and putting him on the cover.

Though Alston may be best known in Guilford County as a politician who’s held office across four decades, he’s also known for success in land development, real estate services and the restaurant business.  

Alston struggled to make it as a young man growing up in Durham – his family lived together in a one-room apartment – but that experience created a lot of drive in him.  He moved to Greensboro, and eventually became a highly successful in business as well as politics.

Alston said on Thursday, Feb. 18 that he felt proud and humbled by the recognition and the cover spot.  He said that was particularly true since this issue is a special Black History Month edition.

Alston gave the magazine some free publicity by posting the cover image (above) on his Facebook page.

In a Facebook post, Alston offered his gratitude.

“Thanks to publisher and Editor in Chief Richard Williams for allowing me to share my humble beginnings, which inspired me to be a servant for mankind,” Alston wrote.  “I have always believed that service is the rent that you pay, for living here on earth.  To God be the glory for all the things he has allowed me to do.  Looking forward to continuing to be of service to my community.”

Alston added, “Please keep me in your prayers.  Be blessed!”

The chairman of the Board of Commissioners probably did appreciate any prayers directed his way on Thursday.  This week he’s had his hands full with the county’s business rather than his real estate endeavors. 

On Thursday, Alston was leading a county that was in a State of Emergency due to a winter storm.  He was simultaneously working to get more COVID-19 vaccines for Guilford County and was also preparing to run an online Guilford County Board of Commissioners Thursday night meeting.