Todd McNeill currently serves as chairman of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners. He began his tenure as commissioner in January 2018, being appointed to fill a vacancy, then was elected for his first 4 year term the following November. He has served as chairman of the Ashe County Board since December 2018.  Todd, a small business owner and entrepreneur, and his wife Maggie live in the Grassy Creek community of Ashe County. They have 5 children; Henry, Libby Jean, Sarah Lane, Beau, and Will. Todd grew up in Ashe County, attending Ashe Central High School and later graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in public relations.

“The collaboration of local governments throughout the High Country region continues to make our corner of North Carolina an even better place to live and work. Serving Ashe County and the High Country is one of the greatest honors of my life!”

Doug Matheson is currently Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Blowing Rock and has served for 11 years. He has served on the HCCOG board for 3 years. Doug is a native of Watauga county where he retired from the State after 38 years (16 with Appalachian State University). He is also a retired Fire Chief of Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, having served the department for 30 years. Doug and his wife Barbara have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

“I’m very honored to be a part of HCCOG and looking forward to working with all members for the continued success of the region.”

Dennis Aldridge is currently serving his first term as an Avery county commissioner. He previously served on the Avery Economic Development Board for 6 years and is currently serving on the 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. 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 10 years. Larry was previously a member of the Seven Devils Planning Board. Larry has been a member of the HCCOG for 10 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.”