Meet
Kevin Howell
Kevin will appear on the November 2026 ballot for one of two open seats on the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners.
Read below for more details and background on Kevin Howell.
My Background
I am a lifelong resident of Transylvania County, and at 55 years old, I’ve built my life and career here in the community I’ve always called home. I’m married to my wife, Mellissa, who dedicated 30 years to Transylvania County Schools and now works part-time at Bright Owl Insurance. Together, we raised two sons, both of whom graduated from Brevard High School.
I’m also a graduate of Brevard High School. Afterward, I went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Technology, along with a minor in Geography and Community Planning. I later completed postgraduate coursework in engineering at North Carolina State University.
I began my professional career teaching Drafting and Design at North Henderson High School from 1993 to 1996. During that time, I also worked as a design-build consultant with Rich Mountain Construction from 1995 to 1998, which helped me expand my practical experience beyond the classroom.
In 1998, I became the owner of Davidson River Outfitters, a business I continue to operate today. From 2006 to 2019, I was also a part owner and managing partner of Andes Drifters, where I helped grow the company to over $1 million in sales before we sold it to SET Fly Fishing in 2019.
Fly fishing has been a major part of my life, both professionally and personally. I’ve been fortunate to earn national and international recognition in the sport, including winning the 2006 Fly Fishing Masters World Championship and being inducted into two Hall of Fames.
I’ve always believed in giving back to my community. Over the years, I’ve served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, and I’ve also been involved with the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority and the Transylvania County Economic Alliance from 2023 to 2026.
In 2016, I was appointed by former State Senator Tom Apodaca as a founding director of the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Council and Trust Fund—now known as the North Carolina Outdoor Youth Engagement Commission—where I continue to serve. I also work as a signature designer for Montana Fly Company.
Overall, I bring a background rooted in international and local business ownership, community leadership, education, and a lifelong perspective shaped by growing up right here in Transylvania County.
My Priorities
The biggest issues facing the County Commissioners in the future really come down to a few key areas: infrastructure, preservation, staffing, and economic development—and all of them are closely connected.
First, infrastructure is a major challenge. We’re behind in high-speed internet, which affects everything from education to business growth and remote work opportunities. Water and sewer systems also need to be expanded and improved to support housing and future development. On top of that, the landfill is reaching capacity at a faster rate than projected, so we’ll have to make some important decisions about how to handle solid waste moving forward.
At the same time, we have to focus on preservation. Growth is important, but so is maintaining the character of Transylvania County—our mountain traditions, natural resources, and sense of community. There’s also the issue of service demand. Neighboring counties like Buncombe County and Henderson County benefit from the same resources, but Transylvania County often provides the emergency response and rescue services, which puts added strain on our resources.
Staffing and retention is another big concern. There’s a statewide shortage of teachers, and other counties can often offer better pay and incentives, making it harder for us to attract and keep quality educators. The same goes for law enforcement. We’re going to have to find ways to stay competitive and support the people who are already serving our community.
Finally, economic development will be critical. We need to plan for growth in a smart way and make sure we have the space and infrastructure to support it. Just as importantly, we have to diversify our job base. We’ve seen what happens when we rely too heavily on one industry like tourism—when it slows down, it affects the entire community. Building a more balanced and resilient economy will be key to long-term success.
Addressing these issues thoughtfully will be essential to protecting what makes this county special while preparing for the future.
My Qualifications
I believe I’m well qualified to serve as a County Commissioner because of my experience, my involvement in the community, and the perspective I’ve gained from living my entire life in Transylvania County. I’ve seen first hand how our county has grown and changed—both the good and the challenges—and I understand how important it is to protect our small-town feel while still creating opportunities for the people who live here.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve worked with state legislators through my involvement with the NC Youth Outdoor Advisory Council. That experience has given me a solid understanding of how government works and how decisions at the state level affect us locally.
I’ve also spent nearly 30 years running a local outfitting and retail business, along with over a decade running a business internationally. During that time, I’ve led through recessions, wars, and even major natural disasters, all while keeping the businesses running and supporting my employees. Those experiences have taught me how to stay steady under pressure, make tough decisions, and think long-term while remaining flexible and fluid.
Through my work with the Transylvania County Economic Alliance, I’ve also gained a strong understanding of what it takes to grow our economy while supporting the businesses and jobs we already have.
At the end of the day, I care deeply about this community. I want to see us grow in a thoughtful way—one that keeps what makes Transylvania County special, while making sure future generations have the opportunity to live and work here.