When James reached out to me to update his headshots for his business, but also for a new announcement for candidacy for the at-large seat of the Statesville City Council, I was happy to meet and work with him. His bubbly personality, love of community, and his cows- who he proudly showed me photos of and each their names. It was clear that he wasn't your average politician. Intrigued, throughout our session, I of course picked his brain about where he stood on a variety of things, made some shameless plugs, and overall felt that he is genuine in his efforts to better the community and city of Statesville. Now, granted, I'm not a citizen of Statesville, but even here, I can tell the city needs a face lift, a new, younger, and more updated view of what community means.

Pressly, 35 is a local business owner, Pressly Residential Group, LLC. James reorganized in 2011 his family's forty-year development and property management company operations into the company it is today which includes their residential development and management operations. The company website is http://www.presslyresidential.com/

James H. Pressly graduated with a degree in History from the University of South Carolina and holds graduate degrees in business administration (WCU) and real estate finance (UNCC). James' professional designations include Certified Property Manager (CPM) through the Institute of Real Estate Management of the National Association of Realtors. James is also a Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) through the National Association of Home Builders. Throughout his career he has served in leadership roles for local, state and national trade groups, fighting for policy that addresses housing affordability. Pressly is the leader of the Statesville Citizens Against Backyard Quarry movement, which he created to oppose the Martin Marietta rock quarry rezoning and expansion. In addition, Pressly is assistant football coach at Oakwood Middle School, Eagle Scout from New Salem Methodist Church Troop 363, ordained and installed officer at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, and active member of the Fourth Creek Rotary Club.

With exponential experience in real estate development and operation, Pressly has worked on most phases of residential housing communities includes including housing credit as well as market rent communities. He has filled roles as diversified as ground superintendent and on-site leasing at housing credit as well as market rent communities. He has successfully executed roles such as regional property management of housing credit and market rent communities which include creating and monitoring financial operations, managing on-site personnel, off-site personnel, and managing resident expectations and solving resident problems.

When asked why Pressly decided to make a run for city council, he said “I’m running because I have a story to tell, a story that every citizen of Statesville needs to hear, We have seen firsthand how those in Statesville seats of power use their influence to create public policy which benefits the few at the expense of the many. We have seen how ordinary taxpaying citizens have been demeaned, diminished, and flat-out denied access to their own city hall. This city hall is completely out of touch with the needs of our citizens. And now they’re out of time.” 

To learn more about Pressly and his candidacy follow HERE.  

Check out some of my favorites from his session below!