Salem City Council made two key appointments at its October 23 meeting. Current Assistant City Manager Rob Light was named the city's Interim City Manager. He will begin his dual roles on November 1, 2023 following Jay Taliaferro's retirement.
Salem City Council also unanimously appointed Rachel Thompson to the Salem School Board on Monday night. The immigration and adoption attorney is the owner and managing attorney at Poarch Thompson Law in Salem.
Ms. Thompson and her husband, Brad, have four children, three of whom are currently enrolled in various grades in the city’s school division. She is a Philadelphia native who moved to Salem after graduating from Liberty University School of Law. She currently serves her alma mater as an adjunct professor teaching adoption law. Her love of diverse cultures stems from her parents and upbringing. Her mother is from South Africa and her father is Jamaican.
Ms. Thompson is one of six candidates who sought the board position from City Council and her three-year-term will begin on January 1, 2024. She will replace David Preston, who is stepping down after 15 years of service to our school children and community.