County Commissioners

Brownie Newman - Chairman

Brownie is a Partner and owner at Headwaters Solar, a solar energy company based in Asheville.

He grew up on a working farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a graduate of Warren Wilson College and served two terms on the Asheville City Council prior to being elected to the Buncombe County Commission in 2012. Brownie served on the boards of the Asheville Regional Airport, Economic Development Commission, Metropolitan Sewerage Authority, NC Conservation Network and NC Sustainable Energy Association. He currently serves on the board of the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. Brownie lives with his wife, Beth, and two daughters in the Montford neighborhood.

Al Whitesides - District 1

Al Whitesides is recognized throughout Asheville as a successful businessman, a community leader and a living touchstone to the city's struggle to eliminate segregation.

The long-time community activist and former banker is the first African-American to serve as a commissioner for Buncombe County.

Terri Wells - District 1

Terri Wells is the 9th generation of her family to live and farm in the beautiful farming community of Sandy Mush.

She currently serves on the Ag Advisory Board, School Capital Commission, Energy and Environment Subcommittee, Land of Sky Regional Council, Ex-Officio for BCTDA, as well as North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Agricultural Steering Committee and the Environmental Steering Committee.

Terri has a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Terri and Glenn Ratcliff, her husband, are both 1989 graduates of Clyde A. Erwin High School. Glenn teaches Chemistry at A-B Tech. They live on the family farm in Sandy Mush.

Jasmine Beach-Ferrara - District 2

Raised in North Carolina, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is a minister in the United Church of Christ and the Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, which promotes LGBTQ equality across the South. She was elected to Buncombe County Commission in 2016, representing District 1.

She currently serves on the Early Childhood Education and Development Committee, Justice Resource Advisory Council, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. She focuses on policy issues related to creating a community where every child can thrive, including early childhood education and affordable housing.

Jasmine is a graduate of Brown University and received a MFA from the Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and a MDiv from Harvard Divinity School. Jasmine and her wife, Meghann, live in the East End neighborhood with their three children.

Martin Moore - District 2

Martin began his career in public service as an attorney in Buncombe County.

He has dedicated much of his professional career and service to advocating for his neighbors both in and out of the courtroom, working with small businesses, non-profits, and often volunteers his time and legal expertise advocating for Buncombe County youth.

Martin is committed to improving policy around affordability for Buncombe residents, assuring quality education for our students, and working toward effective, inclusive public safety initiatives. He was elected to Buncombe County Commission in 2022 and believes local leadership must prioritize the health, safety, and quality of life of Buncombe residents while making sustainable choices for our community.

Martin obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Philosophy from UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Martin and his girlfriend, Kendra, live in South Asheville with their dog Lexi.

Amanda Edwards - District 3

Growing up deep in the Appalachian Mountains shaped Amanda into a lifelong advocate for people and our incomparably beautiful mountains and vital natural resources. On Commission, Amanda has led on policy to make Buncombe County more livable and affordable for locals and more resilient to climate change, pandemics, and economic downturns.

Amanda is known for bringing people together, finding common ground, and achieving meaningful results. Amanda is the Executive Director of the A-B Tech Foundation, past Executive Director of the Western NC Chapter of the American Red Cross, and past Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Buncombe County.

Amanda holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from UNC-Asheville. Amanda and her husband, a high school principal, met while attending UNC-Asheville. They are raising their son in Weaverville.

Parker Sloan - District 3

Parker and his wife live in Asheville where they are raising their two young children.

Parker believes that thoughtful, innovative leadership on climate change is necessary to ensure the prosperity and health of residents as well as the sustainability and natural beauty of Buncombe County.

On behalf of Buncombe County, Parker serves as Chair of the Climate and Environmental Stewardship Committee, on the board of the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Land of Sky Rural Planning Organization, the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission, and the Affordable Housing Committee.