After losing the November 15, 2007 election by a small margin, Martha Alford won the January 15, 2008 special election to replace former Commissioner Michael Hargrove.  Upon completing Mr. Hargrove's unexpired term, she ran again in November 2008 and has completed two (2) years of her four (4) year term.

 Commissioner Alford is a native of Rich Square, NC whre she graduatied from high school after which she attended Ellizabeth City State University.  There she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She accepted a position in Maryland, and later relocated to New Jersey.  In New Jersey she continued her education while being employed and as she raised her family.  Earning a Master's Degree in Education and Principal/Supervisory certification was a goal she accomplished while attending Montclair State University, Kean University, Rutgers University and New Jersey City State University.

Commissioner Alford is a widow and the mother of two adult children and six grandchildren.

Commissioner Alford is a fire commissioner, serves as the commissioner representative for the water, sewer and street departments, chairperson for the Co-op Advertising and Internal Weldon Communication committee, chairperson for the NC STEP Program and is a member of the Halifax Intergovernmental Association.  She has attended many conferences, workshops and seminars to acquire information to improve Weldon and make her a more knowledgeable Commissioner.  Within the community she is a member of the Halifax County Arts Council, Kapstone Citizen's Advisory Board, Halifax Community College Foundation Board, former president of the Tri City Chapter of Chums, Halifax County NAACP and Halifax County Democratic Party.  She continues to be actively involved in rendering community service whenever she can.