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NC Auditor honors Hensley for transparency, Helene leadership

Hendersonville Mayor pro tem Jennifer Hensley poses with state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, Mayor Barbara Volk and NC Auditor Dave Boliek.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 7, 2026

State Auditor Dave Boliek honored Hendersonville Mayor pro tem Jennifer Hensley recently with his office’s Cardinal Award, praising her for her influence in conservative budgeting and stalwart volunteer work after Hurricane Helene.

The Cardinal Award is issued by the State Auditor’s Office to North Carolinians who advance government transparency, improve efficiency and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

“The Cardinal is known as a bird that is diligent in keeping a clean and well-managed nest,” Boliek said during a presentation at City Hall. “Upon taking the office of the State Auditor, my staff and I created the Cardinal Award to recognize people who demonstrate excellence in the management of public dollars. It is my privilege today to recognize Hendersonville’s very own mayor pro tem Jennifer Hensley as a recipient of the Cardinal Award.”

As a member of the city council, Hensley has been an unwavering advocate for fiscal responsibility and strong stewardship of taxpayer dollars,  Boliek said. Hensley helped lead Hendersonville through the worst natural disaster in modern history — Hurricane Helene — and personally assisted citizens on the ground by volunteering at the city’s emergency operations center at Fire Station 1.

“I would be remiss while talking about transparency or any type of conservative budget if I did not mention our staff,” Hensley said. “Year after year, they come to us with a very transparent and very conservative budget, and we all look good because of them. Thank you very much.”

While Hensley consistently advocates for maximizing taxpayer resources and their positive impact on the citizens of Hendersonville, she is also a successful businesswoman in the community, having owned and operated her chiropractic clinic for more than 20 years.

Mayor Barbara Volk and state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom were also in attendance.

“I know how much Mayor pro tem Hensley cares about our community — I see it daily,” Balkcom said. “Even when there was a time of need, I got to see her protecting her community and serving like a leader. She always thinks about the other person.”