It’s nice to meet you
Former Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton has been the Register of Deeds for Orange County since 2014. He has worked professionally in real estate -- as a realtor, affordable housing developer and attorney -- since he graduated from NCCU School of Law in 1997. This rich experience makes Mark an unusually skilled, effective and creative Register of Deeds.
From Day One of his service as Register, Mark has set a singular mission for himself and his team: the Register's office, traditionally a fairly staid, functionary place, must be and do more for its constituents -- more services, more access, more equity, more efficiency, more savings and revenue for the County's taxpayers. In 2014, Mark ran on a commitment to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which was then prohibited under a North Carolina law that was later overturned as unconstituional by the U.S. Supreme Court. Mark has built a lean, well-trained team that expanded services, launched a wholesale upgrade to the ROD website, and has provided excellent customer service every day, including through the global pandemic.
Experience & Recognitions
- Bachelor of Arts, Geography, UNC-Chapel Hill, 1993
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, NCCU School of Law, 1997
- Executive Director, affordable housing developer EmPOWERment, Inc.
- Mayor of Carrboro, 2005-2013
- Carrboro Alderman, 2003-2005
- Chapel Hill Town Council member, 1991-1997
- 2020 Chapel Hill Historical Society, Community History Award
- 2020 Herbert L. Poole award for Quaker history, Guilford College
- 2014 Honorary Chair, UU Float, NC Pride Parade
- 2009 Friends of Bolin Creek, Certificate of Appreciation
- 1997 H M "Mickey" Michaux Award for Public Service, NCCU
- 1996 Choice Champion, NARAL-NC