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Terry Lee Bell
Office history
Terry Lee Bell is the Democratic candidate for the Macon County Board of Commissioners, District 02, in the November 3, 2026 election. The Board of Commissioners serves as the governing body for Macon County, responsible for setting policy, approving the county budget, and overseeing local services and infrastructure.
A lifelong Macon County resident, Bell earned his associate degree from Southwestern Community College’s Emergency Medical Technology program, which led to work as an emergency medical technician and volunteer firefighter in the county. He built a nearly five‑decade career in education, beginning as an instructor in Haywood and Macon County schools, then serving as principal at three schools and as assistant principal at Franklin High School. He retired in 2009 as Chief Operations Officer for the Macon County School System and later returned in a consulting capacity as Director of Human Resources, a role he held until his recent retirement.
Bell also contributed to county development as a project manager overseeing the construction of new schools and renovation of existing facilities. From 1995 to 2019 he served on the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees, acting as chair for the final seven years of his tenure. In recognition of his extensive public service, Bell received North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor, on March 31 at the SCC Macon Campus【12】.
Running for the Board of Commissioners, Bell emphasizes his deep roots in western North Carolina, his decades of experience in education and local government, and his commitment to continuing service for the residents of Macon County.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Bell”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Bell”.