Meet the Sheriff

Sheriff Chip Hughes

Chip Hughes has served as the Sheriff of Craven County, North Carolina since 2018. His promise of serving the community he lives in with enthusiasm, integrity, professionalism, and transparency continues to drive him every single day. 

Chip Hughes started his public service career with the United States Air Force. He then joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he became a Sergeant and served for 14 years. His work in law enforcement continued as an executive for a public safety technology company. With over 36years experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Chip Hughes has every intention of continuing to serve this wonderful county with the skills and wisdom he has acquired over the years. 

Chip Hughes has served the state of North Carolina and Craven County in many ways. A few of the ways he has served have been as Chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission. He is currently the Chairman of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Legislative Committee as well as the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Representative on the State DWI Task Force. He is a member of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, and the Constitutional Sheriff’s Association.

Boards, Commissions, Memberships, & Associations:

• United States Air Force, 3 years 9 months
• NC State Highway Patrol, 14 years
• Board of Trustees, Craven County Community College (current)
• Chairman, Gov. Pat McRory's Task Force on Safer Schools (2013-2017)
• Gov. Pat McRory's Crime Commission (2013-2017)
• Twin Rivers YMCA Board of Directors (2012-2016)
• Board of Directors, Craven Community College Foundation (2011-2017)
• Vice Chairman, Craven County ABC Board of Directors (2013-2013)
• Board Member, Highway 17 Association (2009-2013)
• Commissioner, Town of Trent Woods (2009-2013)
• Board of Directors, Coastal Carolina Reginal Airport Authority (2010-2012)
• Elected Sheriff in 2018
• Member, National Sheriff's Association
• Member, Constitutional Sheriff's Association
• Member, North Carolina Sheriff's Association
• Member, National Criminal Interdiction Association
• Member, North Carolina Sheriff's Association Education & Training Standards Commission
• Chairman, North Carolina Sheriff's Association Legislative Committee
• Representative, North Carolina Sheriff's Association State DWI Task Force
• Sheriff's Fellow, Claremont Institute
• Over 37 years of law enforcement experience
• NC Sheriff's Association, 3rd Vice President