North Shelby resident Marti Dillard was sworn in Tuesday to lead the Shelby County Board of Registrars.

She will fulfill the unexpired term of Willie Goldsmith, who died recently.

Dillard, the wife of Shelby County Commissioner Larry Dillard, was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley to the term which expires Sept. 30, 2003. She will then serve a four-year term as chairman, appointed by the governor as well.

The two other appointments to the board of registrars will be made by

State Auditor Beth Chapman and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.

Chapman has known Dillard for many years.

&uot;Gov. Riley made an excellent choice in choosing Marti Dillard for the Board of Registrars,&uot; Chapman said.

&uot;She has years of experience in that position and will represent the governor and the people of Shelby County well.&uot;

Dillard has served on the board of registrars for two terms, four years as a member and four years as chairman during the Fob James administration.

&uot;(At that time), our board enjoyed excellent relations with the election officials and the County Commission, working together to solve any problems,&uot; she told the governor in a letter.

She has also served at the polls as clerk and inspector.

Dillard will serve with board members Mary Ann Thompson and Linda Thompson until those two terms expire at the end of September