Doug Matheson is currently Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Blowing Rock and has served for 15 years. He has served on the HCCOG board for 6 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 2 great grandchildren.

“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 second 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 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.”