Vonda Sessoms, clerk to the Durham County commissioners, is retiring Aug. 31 after 17 years with the county government.

"Vonda's strong leadership in steering a competent and professional staff will remain with us," board Chairman Michael Page said in a prepared statement.

Sessoms had been deputy board clerk for several years before being promoted to the top job in 2005.

The board clerk prepares agendas, maintains meeting minutes and keeps a historical record of county government.

A select list of next week’s public meetings of councils, boards, committees and commissions in Durham County, as published by the City of Durham, Durham County and the Durham Public Schools. Links to agendas will be posted as available at blogs.newsobserver.com/bullseye/home.