Alan Blevins spent 30 years with KPMG, advising the top 20 U.S. banks. His expertise lies in operational efficiency, revenue enhancement, and strategic growth. His background also includes being a realtor in Savannah Georgia for six years. Alan lives with his wife Amy in Spruce Pine, NC.
At the Mayland Small Business Center, Morgan drives entrepreneurship, small business growth, and community development across the Tri-County communities. A Mitchell County native, born and raised in the mountains she now serves, Morgan is deeply rooted in her community and committed to strengthening its future.
Lee serves as a member of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. He is the Regional Vice President at eBen Concepts and has worked in the employee benefits industry since 1995. Starting at Fortner Insurance and an original partner in Cardinal Insurance Inc., where he established their benefits department in 1999.
I am a Career Advisor at the NCWorks Career Center, where I have spent the past 19 years helping young adults prepare for successful careers through training, guidance, and workforce readiness. She is deeply involved in community life, including volunteering with youth at her church.
Kelly is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a focus on real estate, design, and storytelling. Kelly also serves as the Director of the Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority.
My husband and I have owned City Drive In for 18 years. We feel blessed to be able to carry on the historic Drive-In and to be a big part of Spruce Pine. We love serving our community, surrounding counties and enjoy meeting people from literally all over the world. We are blessed with 3 children and two grandchildren.
Born and raised in Mitchell County, Starli has served in many roles that support the citizens and community. Currently Starli serves as the Director of Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff, Part Time Case Manager of the Mitchell County Long Term Resilience Group and Chair of the AMY Wellness Foundation.
Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Business Development at Mountain Community Health Partnership. With a background in business development, capital projects, and grants, he leads major capital projects and strategic partnerships, securing millions in funding to expand rural healthcare access.
I am the Chief Financial Officer for Josh Newton, PA office and own Newtomics Consulting Inc., my construction consulting business. Our family moved to Mitchell County in 2015. I enjoy volunteering and have worked on many community projects including Lamplighters at Spruce Pine United Methodist.
As an Edward Jones financial advisor, I believe it’s important to invest my time to understand what is important to you before investing your money. It’s also important to understand the level of risk you’re comfortable accepting when investing so we can balance it with the steps necessary to reach your long-term goals.
Nikki has spent 16 years working with WKYK and WTOE in advertising sales, where she enjoyed serving her community and making lasting connections. Nikki Presnell has been happily married to her husband Brian for 34 years. They have wonderful kids and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren with one more on the way.
Steve retired from a professional career in business management, consulting, engineering, and sales in 2017. After retirement Steve opened businesses in antiques, custom picture framing, and live character performances. He currently supports non-profits and community development projects in Bakersville.
A Western NC native, relocated to Spruce Pine to be the Town Manager. My life focuses are God, Family and Work – I’m passionate about community and almost everything outdoors.
Thrilled to promote and support the growth of Mitchell county businesses as a local Real Estate professional and vacation rental/event venue owner. Facilitating diverse viewpoints and personal connections to the betterment of our community is my primary mission as a board member.
Owner Whitson Electric-Superior Installation (hvac)-Appalachian Protective Services (security) and Cross Street Commerce Center (rentals and venue)….wife Stephanie Whitson and daughter Nicole Whitson.
Staff
Marley is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a degree in Digital Marketing. Marley joined the team in 2025, serving both the Mitchell County Chamber and the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission as a Digital Marketing Specialist.
Jill began supporting the Mitchell Chamber since 2014 and has recently come on board as a staff member with the Chamber as the Member Services Director. Jill is dedicated to supporting local businesses and strengthening community connections.
Patti has served the Mitchell Chamber in many roles over 20+ years from Tourism/Marketing Director to Executive Director. With a degree in Marketing/Communications from Appalachian State University, Patti’s passion is to support and build community through creative, engaging and dynamic programs and events.
Currently the Executive Director for the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission as well as the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. Bill served for the past 10 years supporting Existing Business and Industry in North Carolina in his role at the Economic Development Partnership of NC. (EDPNC).