ABOUT TERENCE
Terence has over a decade of experience in business consulting, government affairs, project management, and economic development in various roles in local and state government.
He is an Associate Supervisor of the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Career
Terence began his career working with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. He furthered his career with Trinity Wellness Community Care Services as an Area Outreach Coordinator serving throughout the State of North Carolina. To further his knowledge of regional economic development projects and initiatives, he served on numerous community committees.
As a mental health professional and community leader, he developed a passion for government affairs and public engagement. He worked to ensure that members of the public, particularly marginalized communities, were informed and included as community projects developed. Priester has dedicated his time and efforts into dismantling homelessness, and various mental health concerns around the Triangle.
Community Involvement
Terence was a re-organizer, and has been appointed as the Regional Director for the North Central Region of the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party. He is a member of the NAACP of Durham, Friends of Durham, and numerous other organizations in Durham County and in the State of North Carolina. Terence is the North Carolina Implementation Assessment Director of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Background
Terence is a native of Philadelphia, PA but grew up in Halifax County, NC. While growing up, he assisted his grandfather with the family's Agriculture and Agribusiness operations. He has been a Durham County resident for over 10 years and is a proud Durham County homeowner. He received a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Public Administration. He has also completed graduate studies in Divinity.
In 2017, Terence was installed as Senior Pastor of Embracing Word Church of Raleigh-Durham, a non-denominational fellowship of worship. He serves as Community Outreach and Social Justice Director of the United Covenant Churches of Christ under the leadership of Bishop-Prelate G.E. Livingston.
Terence lives in Durham with his wife, Shakeema, their three children, Zion, Brianna, and Arriyl.