View this email online.

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2026

For Media Inquiries:
Wil Glenn, Community Relations Director
wglenn@orangecountync.gov
(office) 919.245.2302

Orange County has announced the retirement of Tax Administrator Nancy Freeman, effective April 1, following 29 years of dedicated service to the county. Freeman started with the county as an administrative assistant II, and after several promotions, became tax administrator in 2019. 

To ensure continuity of operations, the Board of County Commissioners appointed John Burgiss as acting tax administrator during their March 17 business meeting. Burgiss brings more than three decades of experience in property tax administration and leadership to the role.

Burgiss began his career in 1992 as an appraiser and cartographer in Alleghany County before joining Forsyth County in 1994. Over the course of his 31-year career, he advanced through multiple roles including appraiser, reappraisal coordinator, and appraisal manager, ultimately serving as Forsyth County’s tax assessor and collector beginning in 2011.

Burgiss brings a wealth of experience that will help guide Orange County’s Tax Office during this transition period. His leadership will support ongoing operations while the county conducts a search for a permanent tax administrator, allowing staff to remain focused on delivering core services to residents.

Orange County extends its appreciation to Nancy Freeman for her years of service and wishes her the very best in her retirement.