From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — U.S. Rep.-elect Chuck Edwards, R-Hendersonville, has named Chris Burns, a prominent local businessman and area philanthropist, as his district director, according to a Nov. 22 press release from Edwards’ office.

“Chris Burns is a Western North Carolina native whose roots go back in this area for at least five generations,” the release stated.

“As a former banker of many years with First Citizens Bank, he managed mortgage and mortgage originations for the Western N.C. region that covered all of NC11 (Edwards’ soon-to-be congressional district). 

“For the past 18 years, he has owned and led his own small business, a full-service marketing company based in Hendersonville.” 

Further, Edwards asserted in the release, "This appointment is a powerful illustration of my commitment to provide constituent services to the people I have been elected to serve that are second to none.

"Chris and I have worked closely together on many community boards, civic clubs, nonprofits, and committees over the past 20 years. 

“He shares my passion for serving the citizens of Western N.C. He has earned a strong reputation for having a genuine concern for the people of Western North Carolina, and he is known as a leader that can assemble a team that will roll up its sleeves to get the job done,” Edwards noted.

The release pointed out that “the district director implements the vision and goals of the member of Congress and oversees all district office operations. 

“The duties include speaking with, and listening to, groups when the congressman is unavailable. Chris will hire, train, supervise and direct all staff, and will oversee all activities of the district offices,” the release concluded.