I'm Connie Molland — a Madison County, NC small business owner, community volunteer, and your candidate for Board of Commissioners. For nearly two decades I've watched our county make decisions that affect real people's lives, and I've shown up and paid attention along the way. Now I'm ready to do more than attend the meetings — I'm ready to be a part of them.

WHY I'M RUNNING

Growing up with a father who served as a state representative for 18 years in rural Illinois, I watched him work tirelessly on behalf of the people throughout his district. Our evenings, weekends, and even family vacations were spent listening to constituents and turning their needs into action. That example never left me.

Since moving to Madison County roughly 18 years ago, I've regularly attended the monthly Board of Commissioners meetings — agreeing sometimes, disagreeing other times — because I believe good decisions come from listening first. When Hurricane Helene devastated our region while I was serving as Rotary District Governor for Western North Carolina, I felt called to step up and lead our community's recovery efforts. That experience made one thing clear: Madison County deserves Commissioners who show up, do the work, and can be counted on.

MY ROOTS IN MADISON COUNTY

My love of the mountains of Western North Carolina began on a family vacation in 1977, passing through Asheville on the way to the South Carolina coast. I never forgot it. My husband Rick and I purchased land in the Grapevine community in 2000, and in 2008 we made Madison County our permanent home. I've been “all in” ever since.

I was born and raised in rural Northern Illinois and lived for 25 years in central Indiana before finding my way here for good. I've been married to Rick for over 30 years and am a proud stepmother to Katie and Jon.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

From the day I arrived, I got to work.

• United Way of Madison County Board Member (2009 - 2012)

• Madison County Arts Council, Board Member and Treasurer (2012 - 2022)

• Downtown Marshall Association, founding Director, Board Member, President, and Treasurer (2009 - present)

• Rotary Club of Madison County, member and president (2008 - present)

• Rotary District 7670 (WNC) District Governor (2024-25)

• Madison County Economic Development Board, Board Member and Clerk (2012 - 2023)

• Madison County Chamber of Commerce, at large member and Board member (2009 - present)

• Madison County Visitors Center Volunteer (2010 - 2013)

• Joint EPA/Town of Marshall Disaster Recovery & Resilience Project Team Member (2026)

• Lead Role in Marshall Business Recovery Gatherings (2024-2025)

• Active Volunteer in Community Events:

  • Hot Doggett 100, countywide (2009 - present)

  • Fiddlin’ 5K Walk / Run for the Arts, Mars Hill (2016 - 2024)

  • Art on the Island, Blannahassett Island

  • Madison Heritage Arts Festival, Mars Hill

  • USA Cycling Collegiate Championships (2016 & 2017), countywide

  • Manufacturing Art Park, Duck Trail Mars Hill (2018 - 2024)

  • Cycle NC Weekend Mountain Ride (2023), countywide

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

My career has prepared me to serve Madison County in a way few candidates can offer:

• Banking & Finance — 10 years, including CFO of a $16M statewide non-profit human services agency

• Corporate Community Relations — 10 years, leading community involvement for a Fortune 500 company across multiple states

• Madison County Small Business Owner — 16 years, connecting WNC artistic makers with local and visiting retail buyers

• Founding Director, Downtown Marshall Association

In 2009, I was hired to help create the Downtown Marshall Association and remain active today as Treasurer. In 2010, I co-founded Flow Gallery alongside seven other local women artists — and I'm proud to say I'm the last original owner still running the business.

EDUCATION

• BS in Business Administration - University of Indianapolis, 1992

• Associates Degree in Science of Banking - University of Indianapolis, 1988