Mr. Bill McBrayer

Bill McBrayer was born and raised in Forest City, NC.  He holds degrees from Isothermal Community College, in Forest City and Lenoir-Rhyne University, in Hickory. For more than 35 years, he has worked in the state’s furniture manufacturing industry in Hickory, including the past 30 years with Lexington Home Brands. He was instrumental in the creation of the Catawba Valley Furniture Academy at Catawba Valley Community College. The industry-driven training program prepares students for the technical skill demands of North Carolina’s modern furniture manufacturing industry. The academy serves as a model for other organizations in workforce development across the state. Mr. McBrayer has served on numerous boards and commissions in Catawba County and the City of Hickory.  He currently serves as Chair of the Hickory Regional Planning Commission. In 2022, Mr. McBrayer received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He is married to his wife, Laura.  They have two married sons, Will (Abbey) and Thomas (Robin).