Shaun McMillan was first elected to serve District 8 on the Fayetteville City Council in December 2025.
Councilmember Shaun McMillan, representing District 8, is a Fayetteville native, educator, community organizer, and retired U.S. Army Officer. Born into a family of military service, he is the son of a retired U.S. Navy Noncommissioned Officer and the grandson of two retired U.S. Army noncommissioned officers. McMillan grew up in a family where service, integrity, and responsibility to others were core values. These principles continue to guide his leadership and his commitment to protecting and uplifting all residents of Fayetteville.
McMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Elizabeth City State University, where he also received his ROTC commission. He is a three-time combat veteran whose Fort Bragg assignments included the 82nd Airborne Division, the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, and the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School. His service sharpened his abilities in strategic planning, crisis response, and building partnerships across diverse teams and agencies. These experiences shaped his belief that leadership requires humility, courage, a steadfast dedication to the people you serve, and an unwavering commitment to systems of transparency and accountability.
Following his military retirement, McMillan remained determined to invest directly in local families and communities here in Fayetteville. As a proud father of Daija, Shaunie, Aria, and Jahrell, his commitment to youth is deeply personal. His dedication is demonstrated through his service as a High School educator in Cumberland County, where he has focused on enhancing students' academic achievement and critical thinking skills. His work in education only reinforced his conviction that economic justice and equitable access to public resources are essential to ensuring youth and working-class families thrive.
As a community organizer, McMillan became one of Fayetteville’s leading advocates for transparent governance, humane response to mental health crises, independent oversight, and the protection of marginalized residents. Following the homicides of Joshua Oxendine (September 2019) and Jason Walker (January 2022) by the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), McMillan became a key voice in the community's demand for transparency and equal justice. The subsequent FPD homicides of Jada Johnson (July 2022) and Justin Livesay (September 2022) further motivated McMillan to push for systemic and structural reforms. He joined hundreds of fellow community members in advocating for the establishment and development of the city's Office of Community Safety (OCS). His years of grassroots engagement helped elevate community input on community-driven approaches to public safety. McMillan’s coalition-building approach established him as a trusted partner among residents, local organizations, and civic leaders.
On the City Council, Councilmember McMillan continues to champion policies focused on economic mobility, working-class opportunity, and community-centered public safety. He advocates for equitable budgeting practices, housing justice, workers' rights, and investments in infrastructure and public spaces that strengthen the quality of life for all Fayetteville residents. He remains a strong supporter of initiatives that uplift long-term economic and social support systems.
Councilmember McMillan is committed to open communication and active public engagement. Through District-wide meetings, participatory budgeting, and collaborative dialogues with community organizations, he ensures that residents have meaningful opportunities to shape city decisions. His work is driven by the principle of "All of Us or None," as he strives to build a Fayetteville where every individual—regardless of their background, income, or identity—enjoys safety, dignity, opportunity, and a genuine sense of belonging.
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