Jeff Thigpen ’93 Writes Book on Young Leaders
Jeff Thigpen, who as a 27-year-old in 1998 became the youngest county commissioner in Guilford County’s history, profiles 16 young leaders in his new book, On Point: Voices and Values of the Young Elected Officials.
The book describes the experience of the officials in life, politics and campaigning, and offers leadership advice for young people considering public service.
Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell wrote the book’s forward, stating, “In a time where slogans of a few words capture a position, and controversy swirls with each news cycle, On Point offers refreshing and timely insights from a new generation of young elected officials, in the eternal struggle to build a more perfect union.”
Jeff met the former senator when he visited Guilford College for a Bryan Series lecture in spring 2004. Also, he credits former Guilford professor Bill Schmickle as one of the people who inspired him to write the book.
After becoming the youngest county commissioner in the state in 1998, Jeff served six years on the board, including a year as vice chairman. A Greensboro resident, he was elected county register of deeds in 2004 and 2008.
A native of southeastern North Carolina, Jeff played baseball for the Quakers while majoring in political science, and justice and policy studies. He worked at Guilford as an admission counselor and earned a master’s degree in public affairs from UNCG.
The book was the subject of an article in the Greensboro News & Record.
