Commissioners

Josh Lail

Josh Lail lives in the Bethlehem community with his wife Mollie and his children Hannah, Haley, Lizzie, Lawson, Grant, and Bear. He is the son of Gary and Sarah Jenkins Lail.

He is a 1995 graduate of Alexander Central High School and a 1999 graduate of Gardner Webb University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also played 4 years of NCAA Golf. Josh is Owner/Real Estate Broker of RE/MAX Traditions as well as Owner/General Contractor of Josh Lail and Company, LLC.

As a member of the Alexander County Board of Education from 2004-2012, he served as Chairman in 2001 and Vice-Chairman in 2008 and 2012. He attends Bethlehem Baptist Church, is a recreational sports coach, and a past member of the Alexander County Comprehensive Planning Committee and Gardner Webb University Bulldog Club Board of Directors.

Josh previously served as an Alexander County Commissioner from 2014–2018 and was elected to serve another 4-year term on November 3, 2020.

Email Josh Lail

Jeffrey Peal

Jeffrey Peal, originally from Ohio, has lived in Alexander County since 2007 and currently resides in the Millersville area. He is happily married to his wife Renee and together they have 3 children. Baylee and Elijah are in the home while Savannah is married to Ryan Wilson. Savannah and Ryan have one child, Ivy. Jeff and his family are active members of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Hiddenite where he serves as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.

He is a graduate of River Local High School, West Liberty State College (undergrad), and Gardner-Webb University where he earned a Masters in School Administration and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Jeff retired from the State of North Carolina after a successful career including High School Teacher and Coach for 13 years, Principal and Assistant Principal for 7 years, and 9 years at the Alexander County Central Office serving as Executive Director of Human Resources, Associate Superintendent, and Interim Superintendent for 9 years. He is currently the principal at Millersville Christian Academy which opened in August 2018 and he teaches masters and doctoral level courses in school administration and leadership as an adjunct professor.

Jeff was elected to his first 4-year term on the Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2016. He was re-elected to a second term on November 3, 2020.

Email Jeffrey Peal

Marty Pennell

Marty lives in the Taylorsville area of Alexander County. He was elected as a County Commissioner on November 6, 2018.

Ronnie Reese
Vice-Chairman

Ronnie Reese and his wife Vilas reside in the Wittenburg Community. They have 3 children, son Matthew and wife Ashley, daughters Marissa and husband Mark Austin, and Mikayla and husband Dustin Wilson. Grandchildren include McCray, Makenna, and MaKensley Austin, Victoria and Anderson Reese, as well as Rhett and Reese Wilson.

Ronnie is a lifelong resident of Alexander County and has worked with Allstate Insurance Company in the Claims Department since 1987. He served 8 years on the Alexander County Board of Education which included 8 years on the Budget Committee and 2 years as Chairman. He has also served on numerous county committees. Ronnie and Vilas attend Macedonia Baptist Church where he serves as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Member.

Ronnie was elected to his first term as County Commissioner on November 4, 2014. He was re-elected to a second term on November 6, 2018 and will serve as Vice-Chairman in 2021.

Email Ronnie Reese

Larry Yoder
Chairman

Larry Yoder and his wife Hazel live in the Taylorsville community. Larry has a son, Alex (A.Y.) Yoder and wife Stephanie; a stepson, Alex Godwin and wife Emily; and a stepdaughter, Julia Vaughan and husband Brian. Grandchildren include Rachel and Michael Vaughan, Ava and Jackson Yoder, and Breckon Godwin. He is a graduate of Lincolnton High School and attended Western Carolina University, Gaston College, and Catawba Valley Community College.
Larry is a member of First Baptist Church where he has served in the past as Sunday School Director and deacon. He has served as a member of the Taylorsville Fire Department, past president of the YMCA Management Council, past president of the Taylorsville Lion’s Club, past president of the Taylorsville Jaycees, past president of the Alexander Central Cougar Club and the Alexander Central Advisory Committee. Larry is a member and past president of the Brushy Mountain Shrine Club, former chairman of the Alexander County Recreation Committee, and a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Larry previously served as an Alexander County Commissioner from 2004-2016 and was elected on November 6, 2018 to serve another 4-year term. He will serve as Chairman in 2021.

Email Larry Yoder