D. Cole Phelps, is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude with a juris doctor degree. He was the managing editor of the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law Review, vice president of his class, and recipient of the Floyd B. McKissick leadership award. Phelps is the founder and counselor at law at The Law Office of D. Cole Phelps, PLLC in Plymouth. His expertise is in criminal law, small business start-ups, family law, traffic tickets, estate planning, and real estate.

Phelps is a native of Washington County, and he returned to his home community to serve and give back. After winning his first primary election with over 62% of the votes, he later became the youngest county commissioner at the time of his election to serve in any of North Carolina’s 100 counties. During his first term of office, he was selected by his fellow board members as vice chairman and then chairman. Currently, he is serving his second term of office as a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners representing the residents of District 1. During his public service, Phelps has established a stellar reputation for being a champion for education.

As a graduate of East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Community Services with a minor in Political Science, the East Carolina University Division of Student Affairs Office of Development recognized him with the prestigious 40 Under 40 leadership award. Dedicated to higher education, he returned to East Carolina University, where he has served on the faculty as an adjunct professor instructing courses in Family Law and Public Policy. Receiving high student reviews, Phelps sees his role in higher education as inspiring the next generation of leaders.

He was the first in his family to graduate from college. Realizing the challenges of access to higher education and the need to help first-generation college-bound students, Phelps formed the D. Cole Phelps Scholarship Foundation. Through his Foundation, Phelps has awarded annual scholarships to high school students in eastern North Carolina counties.