The November 21 IDS Commission meeting was a special day to honor outstanding service and welcome a new IDS Commissioner.
State Capital Defender Robert Sharpe presented the first “North Carolina Capital Defender’s Award” given under his tenure. Sharpe revived this award that began with a predecessor because he recognized the importance of honoring private capital defense attorneys who not only do outstanding work but who are also outstanding human beings. Moving forward, recipients of these awards will be selected periodically by the Capital Defender.
This first award was presented to Duane K. Bryant, a private attorney from High Point, who has spent more than three decades serving clients with integrity, fairness and compassion. He delivered a moving acceptance speech, and his family and work colleagues were in attendance to celebrate the moment.
Sharpe declared that through the remainder of the current year and throughout all of 2026, the NC Capital Defender’s Award will be given in honor of Attorney Bryant’s service.
Later, Commissioner Dorothy Hairston Mitchell administered the oath of office for the newest IDS Commissioner, Jarrod M. Lowery of Robeson County. He was appointed in August by the IDS Commission to fill the seat vacated by former Commissioner Karen Franco.
Lowery is a member of the Lumbee Tribe whose professional background is in state government. He spent the last three years as a member of the N.C. General Assembly before being called to serve as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.
He said he is looking forward to serving on the IDS Commission.