SANFORD — Central Carolina Community College has established a Lee County Advisory Committee with representatives from the community and local government. 

The role of the 12-member advisory committee is to advise and assist the college’s board of trustees in the development of programs and facilities within the county. It will also provide the public with information about the college’s programs, as well as receiving community feedback on them. The board of trustees already has advisory committees in Chatham and Harnett, the other counties the college serves.

“We serve three very individual counties,” said Bobby Powell, chairman of the board of trustees. “We felt the Chatham and Harnett advisory committees have been an excellent conduit to their communities so the board knows that the college is doing what is needed in each county. We are looking forward to the new advisory committee being the eyes and ears of the board of trustees in Lee County, giving us information so we can make better decisions.”

Lee County businessman Jerry Pedley has been elected by the committee to serve as chairman.

“Central Carolina Community College helps attract and retain business in Lee County,” said Pedley, who is division manager for Meikle Automation and co-owner of The Pedley Group. “All the committee members recognize and appreciate that. My company is an example of what the college can do for industry.”

Pedley said almost all of his employees came through the college’s Machining Technology Tool, Die and Mold Making program. At his company, the college’s Industry Services Office has provided a lot of training for the employees. 

“The college has done plenty for me and I’m very motivated to help it,” he said.

The board includes five members from community and government agencies and organizations and five appointed at-large by the trustees. Bobby Powell, chairman of the board of trustees, and Dr. Bud Marchant, CCCC president, serve as ex-officio members.

The five government and agency appointees are: John Crumpton, manager, Lee County; Doug Doris, CEO, Central Carolina Hospital; Edith Edmonds, manager, Lee County office of the N.C. Employment Security Commission/director, Lee County JobLink Career Center; Richard Hayes, chairman, Lee County Board of Commissioners; Bob Heuts, director, Lee County Economic Development Corporation; Bob Joyce, president, Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce; and Shawn Williams, member, Lee County Board of Education. 

The five at-large members are Pedley; Chet Mann, senior mortgage banker, Equity Services, Inc.; Joe McDonald, vice chairman, Sanford-Lee County Airport Authority; Margaret Murchison, director, WWGP News & Public Affairs; and J.D. Williams, owner, Williams Insurance Agency. 

“We appreciate all those who give of their time, experience, and expertise to serve on our advisory committees,” said Marchant. “We look forward to the additional input we will receive from the Lee County Advisory Committee on how we can best meet the educational and workforce training needs in the county. The college is here to serve. Having input from the committee members enables us to carry out our educational mission far more effectively.”