Richard C. Blackburn

 

Richard C. Blackburn, a native of Ashe County earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Appalachian State University. He was a teacher and principal for thirty-three years. Additional work experiences include positions with the National Park Service, United States Postal Service, Appalachian State University, and Wilkes Community College.

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Blackburn is married to the former Mary Jean Walters, who is a retired elementary teacher. They have one son David. Blackburn is a member of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church where he has taught Sunday School for fifty-one years. He is a deacon and has held numerous positions of leadership and responsibility in his church.

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History of Community Service and Involvement:

Teacher and School Principal- 33 years
Alderman, Town of Jefferson- 11 years
High Country Council of Governments Board Member- 11 years; Chairman- 2 years; Executive Board Member- 3 years
Ashe County Board of Education- 4 years
Ashe County Commissioner- (2002-2010); Chairman 2 years
Hospice Volunteer- 4 years
Charter Member Ashe County Christmas Tree Association,Treasurer- 6 years; Board Member- 8 years
Ashe County Middle School-based Health Committee
Advisory Council for the Ashe County Cooperative Extension Service- 8 years
Blue Ridge Electric Community Leadership Council
Appalachian District Health Department- 8 years
Ashe County Public Library Board- 4 years
Partnership for Children Board- 8 years
Ashe County Building Inspections Board- 6 years
Student Teacher Supervisor for Appalachian State University- 7 years
Adjunct Instructor For Wilkes Community College
Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award- 2010
NC Twenty-FIrst Century Transportation Committee- 18 months
NC Code Officials Qualifications Board- 7 years
Ashe Services for Aging Board- 16 years; Currently Chairman of the Board

These experiences have provided me with an insight into how local government functions, therefore, requiring a shorter learning curve.