Executive Committee
Eddie Gouge, Chair
Eddie graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a B.A. in political science and a minor in music in 1976. He went on to serve on the staff of members of Congress and became the Assistant Vice President for Food and Agriculture at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities before retiring in 2021.
Eddie lives in Spruce Pine and serves on the board of The Beacon Center of Spruce Pine and is a member of the Spruce Pine Kiwanis.
Sarah Melotte, First Vice Chair
Sarah is a data journalist at the Daily Yonder, an independent newspaper about rural America. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a master of arts in applied geography and geospatial science in 2022. Sarah also serves on the board of SEARCH, a local healthcare advocacy organization. She lives in Bakersville with her partner Hannah-Marie.
Noah Worley, Second Vice Chair
Noah is a Mitchell County native. He studied political science with a minor in community engagement at Mars Hill University. He’s passionate about his community and advocating for his neighbors.
Johnathan Campos, Secretary
Jonathan Campos was born and raised in Mitchell County. He is a dual-enrollment graduate, and will be continuing his education at a four-year university to study Politcal Science with a minor in economics. Johnathan is dedicated to youth advocacy and advancing communities.
Karen Fetter, Treasurer
Karen is a relative newcomer to Mitchell County, having moved to the area in 2019. She is a retired paralegal, and currently serves as Program Administrator for a North Carolina nonprofit based in Raleigh. She lives in Bakersville with her husband Rick and their golden retriever, Murphy.
Jan Hamilton, Grassy Creek Precinct Chair
Jan graduated from Mars Hill College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Most of her career was spent working as a supervisor of Children's Protective Services. Jan is running for commissioner because she believes that all residents of Mitchell County should be treated fairly and without prejudice regardless of political party or religious beliefs. She believes that county commissioners, who are elected by the people and for the people, owe total transparency to their constituents. She will serve all people and listen to your issues. Jan asks for your vote on March 5, 2024.