Adrian Eckenrod (Oak Ridge Town Council, North Carolina, candidate 2025)
From Ballotpedia
 |
School boards • Municipal • All local elections by county • How to run for office |
 |
Adrian Eckenrod is running for election to the Oak Ridge Town Council in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Eckenrod completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Adrian Eckenrod provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on August 4, 2025:
- High school: Page High School
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Anglican
- Profession: Technology Executive
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Tradition Meets Tomorrow — Honoring the past while embracing the future
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Instagram
- Campaign Twitter
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
General election for Oak Ridge Town Council (2 seats)
Lindsey Clark, Adrian Eckenrod, Jim Kinneman, Ty Lindsay, and Ann Schneider are running in the general election for Oak Ridge Town Council on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Lindsey Clark (Nonpartisan)  | |
 | Adrian Eckenrod (Nonpartisan) | |
 | Jim Kinneman (Nonpartisan) | |
| Ty Lindsay (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Ann Schneider (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Adrian Eckenrod completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Eckenrod's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
I’m Adrian Eckenrod, a lifelong Guilford County resident, technology executive, and community leader running for Oak Ridge Town Council. I grew up in Greensboro, NC, and chose Oak Ridge to raise my family — my wife and our two children — four years ago because of its small-town values, rich traditions, and strong community spirit.
Professionally, I serve as Chief Technology Officer, specializing in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and innovative security solutions, including advanced drone applications that support public safety. I’ve led national investigative and security technology firms and serve as an advisor for public safety drone training.
My campaign reflects a commitment to smart growth, transparent leadership, and preserving Oak Ridge’s character while planning for its future. I actively support law enforcement and first responders, shaped by strong family ties to public safety and military service.
Locally, I co-chair the Oak Ridge Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and support trail development, youth programs, and community connectivity. My volunteer work includes Kids’ Chance of NC, United Way, church leadership, and serving as HOA president.
At my core, I am a family man, a problem solver, and a passionate advocate for our community. My experiences have shaped my belief in the power of collaboration, integrity, and service to create a brighter future for Oak Ridge.- Preserving Oak Ridge’s Character While Planning for the Future I’m committed to protecting the small-town values that make Oak Ridge special — while guiding smart, intentional growth that respects our history and prepares us for tomorrow. As a lifelong Guilford County resident and technology leader, I bring a balanced perspective that blends tradition with innovation. I’ll work to ensure development aligns with our community’s vision, not outside interests, and that residents have a voice in shaping our future.
- Strengthening Community Connectivity Through Parks, Trails, and Engagement I believe in building a more connected Oak Ridge — physically and socially. As co-chair of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and a supporter of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, I’ve led efforts to expand trails, youth programs, and family-friendly spaces. I’ll continue advocating for investments that bring neighbors together, support active lifestyles, and preserve our natural beauty. Community engagement isn’t a buzzword — it’s how I lead.
- Supporting Public Safety and Responsive Local Government With deep respect for law enforcement and first responders, I’ll prioritize public safety and ensure our town remains secure and well-served. My background in cybersecurity and technology leadership equips me to bring innovative solutions to local challenges. I’ll champion transparency, accountability, and collaboration — making sure Oak Ridge’s government works for its residents, not the other way around.
I’m passionate about public policy that strengthens community trust, protects public safety, and promotes smart, values-driven growth. I care deeply about supporting law enforcement and first responders, expanding parks and trail systems to connect residents, and ensuring that development reflects Oak Ridge’s character. I also believe in transparent, responsive local government and using technology to improve services and security. My goal is to preserve what makes Oak Ridge special while preparing it for the future.
While I’m new to elected office, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how local government — especially a Town Council — serves as the closest and most responsive layer of public leadership. It’s where policy meets people. Council members help shape land use, community programs, public safety priorities, and fiscal decisions that directly affect residents’ daily lives. In a town like Oak Ridge, that means balancing tradition with smart growth, protecting community assets, and ensuring transparency in every decision. Local government may not always make headlines, but it’s where trust is built — and where good governance starts.
“The Conservative Heart” by Arthur C. Brooks
This book speaks to my belief that conservative principles — when rooted in compassion, community, and opportunity — can uplift people and strengthen society. Brooks emphasizes dignity, earned success, and the importance of local leadership, which aligns with my approach to public service: protect what works, improve what doesn’t, and always put people first.
This book speaks to my belief that conservative principles — when rooted in compassion, community, and opportunity — can uplift people and strengthen society. Brooks emphasizes dignity, earned success, and the importance of local leadership, which aligns with my approach to public service: protect what works, improve what doesn’t, and always put people first.
Integrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. Elected officials must listen before leading, act with empathy, and serve with a deep respect for the community they represent. I believe in collaborative leadership — building consensus without compromising core values. It’s also critical to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring decisions honor the past while preparing for the future. Public service should be rooted in trust, not politics, and guided by a commitment to doing what’s right, not what’s easy.
A Town Council member must serve as a steward of the community — protecting its character, managing growth responsibly, and ensuring public resources are used wisely. Core responsibilities include listening to residents, making transparent decisions, supporting public safety, and fostering community connectivity through parks, trails, and engagement. Council members must also plan for the future, balancing infrastructure needs with long-term vision. Above all, they must lead with integrity and put the town’s best interests first.
I want to leave a legacy that makes my children proud — proud of me as a father who supported them, guided them, and believed in their dreams. But also proud of the way I tried to make the world a little better for them and for others. Whether through community service, leadership, or simply showing up when it mattered, I hope my actions reflect the kind of values I want to pass on: integrity, compassion, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
The first historical event I remember from my lifetime is the Challenger disaster. I was seven years old, sitting in the school library with my classmates, watching it unfold live. That moment is etched in my memory — not just because of the tragedy, but because it was one of the first times I truly grasped the impact of national events and how they could touch lives everywhere.
My very first job was in our family business, where I learned the value of hard work and responsibility from an early age. That experience helped shape the strong work ethic I carry with me today. My first job outside the family business was as a veterinary technician, which I held for two years. I've always had dogs in my life, and that role deepened my respect for the bond between humans and animals. There's something profoundly loyal and loving about a dog’s companionship — it’s a connection I’ve cherished throughout my life.
One of the lesser-known but important responsibilities of the Town Council is its role in shaping long-term planning and land use decisions. These choices may not seem urgent day-to-day, but they determine how our town grows, what kind of development is allowed, and how we preserve green space and community character. Council members also help guide funding priorities — from parks and trails to public safety — and serve as a bridge between residents and regional or state-level initiatives. It’s not just about passing ordinances; it’s about listening, anticipating future needs, and making sure Oak Ridge stays true to its values as it evolves.
Experience can be helpful, but it’s not the only measure of readiness. What matters most is a deep understanding of the community, a commitment to public service, and the ability to listen, lead, and make thoughtful decisions. My background in executive leadership, strategic planning, and civic engagement — from serving on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to supporting public safety initiatives — has prepared me to contribute meaningfully, even as a newcomer to elected office. Sometimes, fresh perspectives and real-world experience are exactly what local government needs to stay responsive and innovative.
Town Council members should bring a mix of strategic thinking, community awareness, and collaborative leadership. Skills in budgeting, planning, and project management are essential — but so is the ability to listen, build consensus, and communicate clearly with residents. In today’s world, technology and data literacy are increasingly important for making informed decisions and improving transparency. Most of all, council members need a strong sense of stewardship: the ability to balance tradition with innovation and make choices that reflect both current needs and long-term vision.
The Oak Ridge Town Council is uniquely positioned to preserve the character of our community while guiding its future. Unlike larger municipalities, our council operates close to the people — decisions are made with direct input from residents, and the impact is felt immediately. This office blends legislative responsibility with community stewardship, overseeing land use, parks, public safety partnerships, and smart growth initiatives. It’s not just about governance — it’s about protecting what makes Oak Ridge special, while ensuring it remains a vibrant, connected place for generations to come.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and leaders have a duty to ensure every dollar serves the public good. In Oak Ridge, that means clear budgets, open communication, and decisions that reflect our community’s priorities — not hidden agendas or unchecked spending. I support regular financial reporting, public access to town records, and performance metrics that show whether we’re meeting our goals. Accountability isn’t just about oversight — it’s about earning and keeping the trust of the people we serve.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
