Dennis Aldridge is currently serving his fourth term as Avery County Commissioner, Vice-Chair. He previously served on the Avery Economic Development Board for 6 years and is currently serving on the the NCACC Board of Directors, HCCOG Workforce Consortium CLEO, Toe River Health Board, Freedom Life Avery Advisory Council, American Flood Coalition WNC Recovery and Resilience Partnership, Avery County Long Term Recovery Group Board, and MAY Coalition board and is chairperson of the Avery JCPC. Dennis has served as a bi-vocational pastor for 30 years and is currently pastoring at Linville Falls Community Church. Dennis has an A.S. from Lees-McRae College, a B.S. from Gardner-Webb College and a M.A. from Trinity Theological Seminary. He is also a graduate of the UNC School of Government Advanced Leadership Corps. Dennis is married to Cindy and his hobbies include restoring vehicles and building projects.

“I decided to run for commissioner not because I wanted to as much as that I felt I needed to in order to use my learned body of knowledge to benefit the people of Avery County.  After traveling and living other places, I have never been prouder to be called a native of Avery County.”

Larry Fontaine is currently serving as Mayor of the Town of Seven Devils. He has served in this capacity for the past 12 years. Larry was previously a member of the Seven Devils Planning Board. Larry has been a member of the HCCOG for 12 years as well. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. He was a small business owner serving the gas and petrochemical industry in Louisiana for 25 years. Larry and his wife, Anne, have been married for 41 years and have two children, and five grandchildren all residing in the Boone/Blowing Rock area.

“I have always enjoyed being a member of the Executive Board and I’m very proud of the work being done on behalf of the elderly and unemployed and of its expertise in obtaining grants for the betterment and enhancement of our community.  I look forward to serving with the other members of the Advisory Committee.”

Jeff Whitson has been a Yancey County Commissioner for 12 years and has served as the Board Chairman for the past 3.5 years. He has served on the HCCOG Executive Board for 2.5 years. Jeff is a lifelong resident of Yancey County and has served his community in various ways. Jeff is married to his wife Lisa of 33 years with 7 children and 5 grandchildren. He has operated the family business for 31 years and recently retired to pursue other ventures in life. Jeff is a U.S. Airforce Veteran and a very active member of Little Ivy Baptist Church in Mars Hill, NC where he serves as Trustee, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, and Bus Driver.

“I am proud and honored to be able to serve on the HCCOG Executive Board and look forward to continued service to the High Country region. My desire is to make a positive impact for the citizens we serve.”

Rocky Buchanan has served on the HCCOG Executive Board for five years and has served on the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee during his tenure. Rocky, a lifelong resident of Spruce Pine,  is currently serving as Mayor Pro Tem where he has been a member of the Town Council for the past 18 years. Throughout his time on the council, he has remained committed to strengthening the town and supporting the needs of its citizens. Rocky retired in 2019 from Baxter Healthcare after a 46½-year career. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he served the Spruce Pine Fire Department for 21 years, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to public safety and community service. He has been an active member of Berry Chapel Baptist Church for over 50 years, and has served as Sunday School Director, teacher, and Chairman of Deacons; positions he has held for 20 years. Rocky and his wife, Janet Young Buchanan, have been married for 51 years. They are blessed with three children and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby and remain closely connected to the family.

“I personally just want the best for our community and our region. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Spruce Pine as well as the entire High Country and I look forward to continuing to work alongside fellow leaders to enhance opportunities and quality of life for all.”