About
Mission
To bring the people and resources of Gaston County together to tackle big community challenges through the principles and best practices of collaboration, facilitation, promotion, and the anticipation of possibilities.
Vision
Through Gaston Together’s commitment to community leadership and collaborations, Gaston County will become a community of excellence. We will value education and healthy lifestyles. We celebrate our unique yet connected communities, our accomplishments, and our potential.
All who meet Gaston County will experience our pride and become part of our story.
Values
Engagement, Equity, Excellence
Who We Are
OFFICERS
Mr. Tad Hixson, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, Belmont Abbey College, Chair
Ms. Amia Massey, Director of Human Resources, Gaston County, Chair-elect
Mr. Scott Swindler, Director - Gas Operations, Dominion Energy NC, Vice-chair & Secretary
COUNCIL
Mr. Jason Austell, Mass Mutual Financial, Financial Planner
Dr. Melissa Balknight, Gaston County Schools
Dr. Todd Davis, MD EVP & CMO CaroMont Health
Mr. Steve D'Avria, Chief Operating Officer, Gaston Business Association
Mr. Brad Drury, Business Development, Pinnix, Inc.
Ms. Donna Elliott, Executive Director, HealthNet Gaston, Kintegra Health
Mr. David Fogarty, Gaston County Director, NC Cooperative Extension
Rev. Dr Rodney Freeman, Senior Pastor, Mt. Zion Restoration Church
Ms. Natasha Gilbert, Owner/Operator Chick-Fil-A
Captain Eric Johnson, Gaston County Police Dept.
Mr. Steven Long, President - Residential Division, GSM Services
Rev. Dr. Kimberly Moore, Senior Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church
Mr. Michael Peoples, City Manager, Gastonia
Mr. Alex Poole, Sr. Process Engineer, Firestone Fibers & Textiles
Mr. Trey Pruitt, VP Engineering, Digitrol, Inc
Mr. William Sain, Attorney , Mullen Holland & Cooper
Mr. Ken Smith, Sr. Vice President, Fidelity Bank
Ms. Jennifer Thomas, Market President- Metrolina Region, Truist
Dr. Jennifer Nichols, Dean of Educational Partnerships, Gaston College
STAFF
Leslie Lee, Executive Director
Abigail Lee, Community Engagement & Programs Manager