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POLK COUNTY—Two new Polk County employees have recently been hired to enhance the operations and strengthen community communication. Kennedy Freeman has stepped into the role of Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, and Kellie Cannon has joined the Polk County team as the Public Information Officer.

Freeman will provide vital administrative support to the board in her new role. Her responsibilities will include keeping official meeting records, preparing agendas, distributing meeting materials, taking minutes, managing public notices, and ensuring compliance with legal procedures related to county governance.

A lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, she attended East Henderson High School and pursued her education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She recently graduated with a degree in communication studies, concentrating on media and technology.

Cannon, from Surf City, North Carolina, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Public Information Officer. She previously served as a field Public Information Officer for the Town of Surf City during Tropical Storm Helene. She was deployed to Buncombe County to assist the Black Mountain and Swannanoa areas and later supported Haywood County for 22 days, reinforcing her commitment to the region.

Kellie will manage communications between Polk County and its residents. This includes coordinating with the media, handling crisis management, and overseeing the county’s social media accounts. 

Residents are encouraged to follow Polk County Local Government on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed about county news and updates.