Sheriff George Erwin (Retired), Board President

Retired as Henderson County Sheriff in 2006 after serving nearly 28 years with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and serving 12 years as Sheriff.

After his retirement, he was the Executive Director for the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police for 10 years. Served in the United States Air force and was honorably discharged in 1975.

Has served on or led many non-profits and organizations in Henderson County and the State of North Carolina, to include the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County, Fletcher Fire & Rescue, Henderson County Crime Stoppers, former FOCUS – Friends of Children United Services, Mainstay Domestic Violence Center, Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board and many others.

Major Steve Carter (Retired), Board Vice President.

Major Steve Carter (retired) is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and served with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office for 30 creditable years of service in various capacities.

Currently, he is the CEO of Carter Private Investigation and Protection Services, LLC where his focus remains on armed private protection and investigation. He holds a degree in Security Management and was the recipient of the Congressional Record from Congressman Mark Meadows in 2020.

When not spending time with his son, daughter and three grandkids he enjoys cycling.

Justin Blythe, Board Treasurer

Justin is an SVP of commercial banking at First Bank specializing in large & complex commercial finance. Born and raised in Henderson County, Justin believes in making a positive difference for the long term benefits of the community.

He is an active member of Henderson County Rescue Squad (16 years) serving in the positions of Captain, Asst. Team Leader, and Board Treasurer & Secretary. Justin has also served on the Henderson County Fire & Rescue Advisory Committee for 7 years and is the current Chairman.

Justin enjoys spending time with his wife Katheryn and two children (Ella & Dash) doing all things outdoors – Skiing, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Fly Fishing, Camping, and Hiking.

Bailey Chase, Board Member

Bailey was born in Chicago but moved to Florida after his parents divorced at a young age. He attended Duke University on a football scholarship and majored in Psychology. After graduation, Bailey moved to LA to pursue his acting career, which encompassed a training stint in London. Bailey’s first film break came in Adam Shankman’s Cosmo’s Tale, which screened at both Sundance and Cannes.

Bailey’s career blossomed in television starting with Buffy, the Vampire Slayer then working with Oscar-winners in Saving Grace and Damages before his own critically acclaimed performance in Longmire. Since then, Bailey has starred in various projects including Batman V Superman, Chicago PD, 24: Legacy, Twin Peaks and Queen of the South. Next up is Far Haven (2023). Bailey resides in North Carolina with his wife and three children

Jeff Donaldson, Board Member

Jeff currently serves as State Certified Residential Appraiser. A Broker/Owner with Apple Country Realty. Jeff has served on many different Boards for the community.

Doug Henderson, Board Member

Doug Henderson is a native of Henderson County who retired from Dana Fire and Rescue in 2022. Doug retired with a total of fifty years of service, thirty five years as a volunteer with the Department and fifteen years as an employee, with the rank of Lieutenant.

David Lewkowicz, Board Member

David is the Founding/Lead Pastor of The Bridge Church Hendersonville. He also serves the men and women of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department as a Chaplain since December 2018. David has a huge passion for First Responders in Henderson County and around the Country.

The Bridge Church Hendersonville has a safe space on their campus for all First Responders to go to for rest, food, drinks and a place to work on reports.

David has been married to his wife DeLaina since September 2006 and they have two boys: Zac and Lex.

Kelly Hogan, Board Member

Kelly loves her job working in the Civil Division and as the Crime Analyst at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. She has been with the agency since 2005. She strongly supports the first responders in Henderson County and was happy to be chosen as part of the board.

Born and raised in Henderson County, she graduated from East Henderson High School. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate’s degree in Cyber Crime Technology. She attends Upward Christian Fellowship and volunteers for the media team.

Kelly has been married to her high school sweetheart, Shawn, for 33+ years. They have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. In her spare time, when she can find it, she tends to her bees.