Meet the Town Council

Mayor’s Office: 828-879-2125
[email protected]

Hello! I’m Keith Huffman, current Mayor of Valdese. Allow me to share a little about myself.

Burke County has always been home for me. No matter where I was in the world, I could always count on my memories of living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to warm my heart. I spent my youth having wonderful adventures with my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and 45 first cousins. Most of my relatives still live in this area.

After graduating from Freedom High School in 1979, I joined the U.S. Air Force serving stateside and abroad. I made time to earn my college degree in Organizational Management. After 20 years in the USAF, I retired and started a civilian career within the federal government and retired with 22 years of federal service. Serving my country in different roles has been my honor and a privilege.

In 2018, my wife Terri and I moved back to NC and chose Valdese as our new and forever home. It did not take long to discover why Valdese was the place to live. There’s a deep sense of pride and passion that makes this town special. We enjoy its rich Waldensian history, quaint downtown area, places to eat, indoor and outdoor events throughout the year, vibrant parks and recreation, shopping and a place to worship.

As mayor, I want to see Valdese grow while building a connected community with infrastructure improvements that benefits us all. With a shared sense of commitment and clear communication, we can create a future where everyone is proud to call Valdese home.

Term 11/24/25 - 12/3/29

Ward 1
828-827-0662
[email protected]

Shannon and her family chose Valdese as their home in 2017. Her family had a 20-year commitment to the US Military prior to moving to Valdese. Shannon and her husband served as a dual military family early on in their careers. Before moving to Valdese her family moved cross country from state to state as their naval careers advanced. Following her military service Shannon continued a successful career in the dental field. Shannon worked full time while earning her Associates of Science Degree in Interior Design from Florida State Community College.

After graduating Shannon continued her career in the dental field as well as opening their family businesses and raising their young family.

Shannon and her husband Justin have 3 beautiful children that all attend schools in Valdese. Shannon has a passion to stay committed to our youth. Ensuring they have a path to success. She feels the decisions we make today will have the biggest impact on our future leaders of tomorrow.

Term 11/24/25 - 12/3/29

Ward 2
828-827-0661
[email protected]

I was born and raised in Valdese, attending Valdese Primary (later Elementary), and Valdese Junior High schools, before graduating from East Burke High School. Knowing my blood was “Carolina Blue”, I attended UNC-Chapel Hill, receiving a B.S. degree from the School of Pharmacy and dedicating the majority of my working career to the state of North Carolina as a pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy at Broughton Hospital. I married another Valdese native and Waldensian and we proudly made Valdese our home, raising our two sons in Valdese area schools and community.

I encourage friends and the Valdese community to become an active member of our town, participating in community events at the Recreation Center or Parks, attending shows and activities at the Old Rock School, enjoying fellowship and music on summer Family Friday nights, learning about our town’s history at the Waldensian museum…in other words, be ACTIVE and ENGAGED in town events! You’ll make friends and memories that will last a lifetime!

Term 11/24/25 - 12/3/29

Ward 3
828-432-7049
[email protected]

I have lived most of my life in Valdese. I was educated in the Valdese schools and returned to this town to begin my career as an educator. I love the small town atmosphere. As part of my day, I enjoy walking from my house through town each morning. This walk reinforces the things that I love about Valdese. I go by the Valdese Recreation Center and see the women and men in the pool enjoying exercise or lap swimming. I see people returning books at the Valdese Library and folks running into the post office before work. I get to smell the aroma of fresh bread being baked at the bakery. How lucky am I to live in a small town like Valdese!

As a town council member, I want to work with all citizens to make Valdese an attractive and exciting place to live. The town needs to work with economic development entities to attract new industry. In addition, the development of new housing further supports the town. The Valdese Lakeside Park will shape our future. Replacing and improving water lines and upgrading infrastructure should be a priority.

Term 11/24/25 - 12/3/29

Ward 4
828-874-3624
[email protected]

I was born and raised in the Town of Valdese where I have lived for over 30 years. I attended all the public schools here where I have many wonderful memories of our small town and the many services provided for our residents through the years. I am retired from Burke County Public Schools after 30 years of service. I find myself going to Valdese restaurants frequently and appreciate the chance to talk and meet with fellow residents. I enjoy attending Old Colony Players productions, Friday night concerts and summer festivals that give our people the opportunity to socialize, bond and celebrate each other.

As I begin serving on the Town Council, I’m reminded of all the past Town Council Members and Mayors who have led us over the years. In the current council chamber, there are pictures of past mayors, many men of respect and integrity. I hope I can serve as they have and always remember who we represent, ALL the citizens of Valdese. This is “the greatest small town in North Carolina.”

Term Expires 12/6/27

Ward 5
828-390-9541
[email protected]

I've called Valdese home for over two decades, having moved here when my father took on the role of pastor at the River of Life Church, which was formerly known as the Valdese Church of God. Over the years, I've lived in various places across North Carolina, but Valdese has truly become my home.

The sense of community spirit in Valdese is unparalleled. It's a place where neighbors genuinely watch out for one another, creating a safe haven in which I'm proud to raise my two boys. I met my husband here, and together we've woven the fabric of our family within the tight-knit bonds of this community.

Actively involved in our church, my husband and I serve as youth ministers, channeling our passion for outreach and community service. We're also the proud directors of Jethro's, a local community outreach and discipleship center that caters to all ages. Jethro's embodies our commitment to being a beacon of light in the darkness, mirroring the town's settlers' motto, "Lux Lucet in Tenebris" (A Light Shining in the Darkness).

Being a light in the darkness has been a guiding principle in both my personal life and our service to Valdese. It's a town with a rich history of resilience and community, and I'm honored to contribute to its legacy by continuing to be a source of positivity and support. Valdese isn't just a place on the map for me; it's a home where my family and I are dedicated to shining brightly for years to come.

Term Expires 12/6/27