Michael Peter Henley

Current office and 2026 campaign

Michael Peter Henley, known as Mike Henley, is the Sheriff of Avery County, North Carolina. He was first sworn in as interim Sheriff in June 2022 after the death of the previous sheriff, then won the November 2022 general election unopposed to complete the term. He is seeking re-election in 2026.

Background and education

Henley has resided in Avery County for approximately 25 years. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and pursued undergraduate studies in Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University, a Certified North Carolina General Instructor, and a graduate of the FBI LEEDA leadership development program. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate.

Career

Henley has 34 years of law enforcement experience. He served with the Asheville Police Department from 1988 to 1994, working in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and Emergency Response Team. He received the department's Medal of Valor. He then served with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol from 1994 until his retirement in 2017, where he was promoted to Sergeant. He received the Presidential Medal of Valor — the highest public safety honor in the United States — for risking his life to save another person during a catastrophic automobile accident. He subsequently served with the Banner Elk Police Department from 2017 to 2020 before becoming Avery County's interim and then elected Sheriff.

Family

Henley is married to Vanessa and they have two daughters.

Sources