Cowan, Coltrain promoted in Williamston

Williamston Appoints Cowan, Coltrain

By John Foley

It’s official. Williamston’s town board unanimously approved the hiring of Williamston Police Chief Travis Cowan as the next Town Administrator and Williamston Police Captain Beth Coltrain as the next Chief of Police.

The final vote was held Wednesday night at a special meeting of the town board.

The town received two applications for town administrator and one application for police chief.

Current Town Administrator Eric Pearson notified the board of his decision to retire earlier in the month and submitted his resignation, effective Oct. 7.

Cowan also resigned earlier this month as Williamston’s police chief, citing his 30-year tenure as the “perfect time to step away” from his law enforcement duties and desk.

Both positions were advertised in media outlets with an application submission deadline of Sept. 17. Three applications for the two positions were received.

Both Cowan and Coltrtain began their careers in Williamston as uniformed patrol officers.

Cowan obtained a Master Degree in Public Administration from ECU in 2012.

“I considered moving from the law enforcement side to the administrator/manager role back then but there was not an opening at the time and honestly, I love the town and didn’t want to leave to pursue that option somewhere else. Shortly after graduating with my masters I was appointed to the full time Chief position so I focused on that,” said Cowan.

Coltrain’s appointment is a milestone for the town. Williamston is the first town in Martin County to hire a female chief. In 2012 Coltrain received her Master of Justice Administration degree. Prior to that she attended Mount Olive College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Criminal Justice.

Both Cowan and Coltrain are excited about the potential opportunities and withheld comment until the positions were finalized.