Jerry Andrews Smith JR

Jerry Andrews Smith Jr. is the former Mayor Pro Tem and a 14‑year veteran of the Hendersonville City Council who is running for mayor of the City of Hendersonville in the November 3, 2026 election. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the city, presiding over council meetings, appointing department heads, and overseeing the delivery of municipal services such as public safety, water and sewer, and parks and recreation. Smith’s campaign emphasizes continued investment in greenways, parks, and public amenities to enhance quality of life for residents [17].

Smith moved to Henderson County in 2000 with his wife, Dr. Anne Smith, and has raised three children in Hendersonville. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1990), a Master of Education from George Mason University (2000), and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law (1993), gaining admission to the North Carolina Bar in 1994 [12].

For 23 years Smith taught World History, Civics, and several Advanced Placement courses at Hendersonville High School, and spent a year teaching English at East Henderson High School. He also coached multiple sports, led mock trial and Key Club programs, and earned National Board Certification in 2007. After retiring from the Henderson County Public Schools in July 2024, he served a year as Executive Director of the North Carolina Mock Trial Program before returning to legal practice with the Derek Jones Law Office in June 2025. He currently teaches as an adjunct instructor in the Public Safety Department at Blue Ridge Community College [12].

Smith’s public service began with his election to the Hendersonville City Council in December 2009. He was re‑elected three times, serving continuously until his resignation in May 2026 to focus on family responsibilities. During his tenure he was Mayor Pro Tem from 2019‑2021 and chaired the Apple Country Greenway Commission, where he helped develop over 2.6 miles of greenway trails. Council resolutions credit him with major projects including the Oklawaha Greenway Phase II and III, the construction of Fire Station #2, downtown streetscape improvements, the new police station on Ashe Street, and the implementation of an automated water‑metering system [20]. He also played a key role in the Five‑Party Agreement that created a health‑sciences facility on Sixth Avenue West.

Beyond elected office, Smith has been active in numerous community organizations: missionary work in Cuba, leadership in the First United Methodist Church, board service with Hands On!, volunteer work with Henderson County Teen Court, and coaching roles with Boy Scout Troop 601 and various youth sports teams. He holds the rank of Eagle Scout (1986) and has been recognized for his contributions to education and civic life throughout the region [12].

In 2026, with Mayor Barbara Volk retiring and former council member Jennifer Hensley entering the race, Smith announced his candidacy for mayor, positioning himself as a seasoned public servant who will continue to prioritize green spaces, transparent government, and high‑quality municipal services for Hendersonville’s 80,000 water‑sewer customers and broader community [17].

Sources

• [12] Meet Jerry | Jerry Smith
• [13] Jerry Smith for Mayor - City of Hendersonville
• [17] FORMER HENDERSONVILLE CITY COUNCILMAN ANNOUNCES FOR MAYOR - WHKP 1450 Hendersonville, NC
• [19] Jerry Smith resigns from Hendersonville City Council - Hendersonville Lightning
• [20] Council thanks Smith for city achievements during his service on council - Hendersonville Lightning