Phyllis Portie-Ascott

Biography

Phyllis Portie-Ascott was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. As the child of share-croppers, the values of hard work, personal integrity, and service to others were instilled in her from birth. These values have been the cornerstone of Commissioner Portie-Ascott's professional life as well. As an entrepreneur, she has owned and operated multiple human services businesses that provide behavioral health and non-certified home health services to vulnerable residents across Central and Eastern North Carolina. Today, she continues this commitment as a licensed Real Estate Broker and Owner of PPA Properties where she focuses on property management and helping first-time home buyers. Since moving to Orange County nearly 20 years ago, Commissioner Portie-Ascott has held leadership roles in multiple political and community organizations. She has served as Chair of the Northern Orange Black Voters Alliance, Secretary of the Northern Orange NAACP, and in several committee chair roles within the Psi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. When her children were in elementary and middle, she served as President and Vice President of the PTSO at Central Elementary and Gravelly Hill Middle Schools, and she contributed to the inaugural Orange County Schools Equity Task Force which developed the Equity Plan adopted by the Orange County School Board in 2019. Additionally, she has been the 4th vice chair, 1st vice chair, and acting chair of the Orange County Democratic Party. Commissioner Portie-Ascott holds a Bachelor of Social Work from East Carolina University, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from New Life Bible College and Seminary, and a Master of Divinity from Shaw University. Phyllis is happily married to Frank Ascott, and they are the proud parents of two graduates of Orange County Schools. Both of their children are now pursuing post secondary education.