Governor-Elect Josh Stein Launches Rebuilding WNC Advisory Committee

Raleigh -- November 20, 2024: Governor-elect Josh Stein announced the launch of the Rebuilding Western North

Carolina Advisory Committee Tuesday, marking a major step in revitalizing and strengthening communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The committee, composed of leaders from diverse sectors, will guide recovery efforts to ensure they are comprehensive and equitable.

“Rebuilding Western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” said Governor-elect Josh Stein via a release. “I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure I know what’s needed to rebuild and recover the right way.”

Advisory Committee Members

The committee includes a distinguished array of leaders from local government, education, health, business, and community activism:

Mayor Esther Manheimer (Co-Chair)
Mayor of Asheville since 2013 and former Asheville City Council member (2009-2013).

Sen. Kevin Corbin (Co-Chair)
Republican Senator representing North Carolina's 50th district since 2021.

Dr. Jim Beeler
Executive Director of College Access Partnerships at Appalachian State University, serving 27 WNC school districts.

Mayor Preston Blakely
Mayor of Fletcher in Henderson County.

Katie Button
Renowned chef, cookbook author, and founder of Asheville-based restaurant Cúrate.

Ashley Cook
Community activist and organizer from Avery County, focusing on Appalachian values and traditions.

Jack Cecil
President of Biltmore Farms, LLC, and Chair of the Dogwood Health Trust Board.

Casey Cooper
CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

John Cooper
Owner of Mast General Store in Watauga County.

Walter Dalton
Former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina (2009-2013) and former State Senator (1997-2009).

Sharon Decker
President of Tryon Equestrian Partners and former NC Secretary of Commerce.

Brittany Duncan
Watauga Community Health Coordinator at the Western Youth Network.

Will Hoffman
Superintendent of Madison County Schools since 2018 and former Superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools.

Rep. Jake Johnson
Member of the NC House of Representatives since 2019, representing Rutherford, Polk, Henderson, and McDowell Counties.

Larry Leake
Attorney with offices in Asheville and Marshall, and a former NC District Court Judge.

Dr. Laura Leatherwood
President of Blue Ridge Community College since 2017.

Kevin Leonard
Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

Rep. Chuck McGrady
Former NC House Representative for Henderson County and a past president of the Sierra Club.

Dee Dee Perkins
Business owner and community leader in Brevard.

Van Phillips
Business leader in Spruce Pine and former board member for the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation and Mayland Community College.

Mayor Zeb Smathers
Mayor of Canton in Haywood County and practicing attorney.

Nathan Ramsey
Executive Director of the Land of Sky Regional Council and Director of the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board.

Debbie Roundtree
Certified nursing assistant and founder of the Back to School Fest non-profit organization supporting Henderson and surrounding counties.

Commissioner Charlie Wallin
Watauga County Commissioner and Director of Retail Dining at Appalachian State University.

Commissioner Al Whitesides
Buncombe County Commissioner, community activist, and former banker.

Mission and Goals

The Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee will focus on:

Supporting disaster recovery initiatives to rebuild safer, more resilient infrastructure.
Promoting economic development to revitalize local businesses and create jobs.
Strengthening educational and health resources in underserved communities.
Preserving and enhancing the region's cultural and natural heritage.

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