A 38-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Blackwood was sworn in as the 47th Sheriff of Orange County December 1, 2014.
He graduated from the Sheriffs’ Leadership Institute and is an active member of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association where he serves as the Secretary of the Executive Committee and also serves as a sitting member of the Legislative Committee. Appointed by former Attorney General, Roy Cooper, Charles is a Governing Board Member of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network or CJIN.
In June 2017, Governor Roy Cooper appointed the Sheriff to the Governor's Crime Commission where he continues to serve.
He is also a member of the North Carolina Justice Academy Joint In-Service Training Committee, appointed by Steve Johnson of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
He serves on the Sheriffs' Leadership Institute (SLI) Curriculum Committee responsible for developing training for newly elected North Carolina Sheriffs. Sheriff Blackwood also serves as a member of the 15B Judicial District's Racial Justice Task Force. He was awarded The Order of The Long Leaf Pine - the state's highest civilian honor - by former Governor Beverly Purdue in 2012 for dedicated service to the State of North Carolina. Sheriff Blackwood is also a graduate of North Carolina State University's prestigious Administrative Officer's Management Program or A.O.M.P. where he served as the Class Vice President.
Charles and his wife Lisa Williams Blackwood have been married for 30 years. Together they have two children. Their daughter Jordan, is a graduate of East Carolina University and is the Events Manager at Kendra Scott Jewelry of Durham. Their son Casey, is a 2016 graduate of UNC Asheville and currently seeking a career in Business Management. Lisa taught school with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools for 13-years and is currently employed with Fleet Feet Sports in their Corporate Office located in Carrboro.
He graduated from the Sheriffs’ Leadership Institute and is an active member of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association where he serves as the Secretary of the Executive Committee and also serves as a sitting member of the Legislative Committee. Appointed by former Attorney General, Roy Cooper, Charles is a Governing Board Member of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network or CJIN.
In June 2017, Governor Roy Cooper appointed the Sheriff to the Governor's Crime Commission where he continues to serve.
He is also a member of the North Carolina Justice Academy Joint In-Service Training Committee, appointed by Steve Johnson of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
He serves on the Sheriffs' Leadership Institute (SLI) Curriculum Committee responsible for developing training for newly elected North Carolina Sheriffs. Sheriff Blackwood also serves as a member of the 15B Judicial District's Racial Justice Task Force. He was awarded The Order of The Long Leaf Pine - the state's highest civilian honor - by former Governor Beverly Purdue in 2012 for dedicated service to the State of North Carolina. Sheriff Blackwood is also a graduate of North Carolina State University's prestigious Administrative Officer's Management Program or A.O.M.P. where he served as the Class Vice President.
Charles and his wife Lisa Williams Blackwood have been married for 30 years. Together they have two children. Their daughter Jordan, is a graduate of East Carolina University and is the Events Manager at Kendra Scott Jewelry of Durham. Their son Casey, is a 2016 graduate of UNC Asheville and currently seeking a career in Business Management. Lisa taught school with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools for 13-years and is currently employed with Fleet Feet Sports in their Corporate Office located in Carrboro.
"We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training"
Over 3000 Hours Continued Law Enforcement Training Approved by The North Carolina Justice Academy
Sheriff's Leadership Institute.........................................................................................................2016
Administrative Officer's Management Program............................................................................2000
Advanced Service Award................................................................................................................2009
Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.........................................................................................2000
Graduate of North Carolina State University Administrative Officer's Management Program...2000
Graduate of Basic Law Enforcement Training................................................................................1981
Graduate of Chapel Hill High School..............................................................................................1978
Sheriff Blackwood's leadership, experience and knowledge has brought about positive change and an effective working relationship with neighboring law enforcement partners as well as stakeholders within the criminal justice system. Many of his programs and philosophies have set a standard for others to follow.
Sheriff's Leadership Institute.........................................................................................................2016
Administrative Officer's Management Program............................................................................2000
Advanced Service Award................................................................................................................2009
Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.........................................................................................2000
Graduate of North Carolina State University Administrative Officer's Management Program...2000
Graduate of Basic Law Enforcement Training................................................................................1981
Graduate of Chapel Hill High School..............................................................................................1978
Sheriff Blackwood's leadership, experience and knowledge has brought about positive change and an effective working relationship with neighboring law enforcement partners as well as stakeholders within the criminal justice system. Many of his programs and philosophies have set a standard for others to follow.
"Innovative Leadership, Strengthening Community"