News

Wyatt supporters announce campaign committee

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 13, 2025

Supporters of Steve Wyatt, the former Henderson County manager who is running for a seat on the Board of Commissioners in next year's election, have announced the formation of a campaign committee.

Co-Chairs Doris Hawkins, retired Sheriff George Erwin and School Board member Amy Lynn Holt announced their support for Wyatt on Wednesday.

"Grady (long time county commissioner and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Grady Hawkins) and I have long encouraged Steve to offer his candidacy as there is simply no one with his unmatched combination of experience , expertise and qualifications," Hawkins said. "We are very pleased and frankly thankful, that he has committed once again to step up and serve our community at a time when we face so many challenges."

Wyatt served as county manager from March 2006 to June 2021, retiring from full-time public service with more than 38 years of local government management experience. Since leaving that post he has served as a consultant and adviser to county and city governments in North Carolina. He is currently serving a second term as the North Carolina Senate appointee to the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees, where he recently completed a three-year term as chair of the University Audit Committee.

"Steve Wyatt is fully prepared to provide proven  leadership and problem solving ability on Day One," Erwin said. "He will absolutely hit the ground running. As a fellow public servant I have come to know Steve as a friend and trusted colleague. Over the years his work as a true partner to improve our law enforcement,emergency services and public safety capabilities has made a difference in the lives of each and everyone of us. Henderson County has a solid foundation and a promising future with Steve Wyatt on the Board of Commissioners."

Holt praised Wyatt for his support of safety and security in public schools and capital construction.

"Mr.Wyatt's door was always open to me as we worked together to address the needs of our schools," she said. "He developed and implemented the system of 'Cost effective School Construction' which resulted in the construction of Mills River, Hillandale and Edneyville Elementary Schools as well as the Innovative High School at BRCC, all of which were on time and on budget, as well as the combined construction and renovation of Hendersonville High, which actually finished early and under budget.

"On a more personal note ,during my time as School Board Chair,  I went to Steve with my concerns regarding the safety and security of our students , his response was clear and concise — 'All right, let's get to work.' That short response and his unwavering commitment to our children led to us having a School Resource Officer in every school and funding for security improvements throughout the school system."

Wyatt and the committee will be hosting a series of events throughout the county beginning this month at a date, time and location to be announced.