Kevin Gaylord (Hickory City Council Ward 5, North Carolina, candidate 2025)
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Kevin Gaylord ran for election to the Hickory City Council to represent Ward 5 in North Carolina. He was on the ballot in the primary on October 7, 2025.[source]
Gaylord completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Kevin Gaylord provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 30, 2025:
- High school: Wando High School
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Presbyterian
- Profession: Consulting
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Hickory City Council Ward 5
Arnita M. Dula and David Zagaroli ran in the general election for Hickory City Council Ward 5 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Arnita M. Dula (Nonpartisan)  | |
| David Zagaroli (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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Hickory City Council Ward 5
Arnita M. Dula, Kevin Gaylord, Joshua Ledford, Taylor Newton Lelewski, and David Zagaroli ran in the primary for Hickory City Council Ward 5 on October 7, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Arnita M. Dula (Nonpartisan) | |
 | Kevin Gaylord (Nonpartisan) | |
| Joshua Ledford (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Taylor Newton Lelewski (Nonpartisan) | |
| David Zagaroli (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 did not identify endorsements for Gaylord in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kevin Gaylord completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gaylord's responses.
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I'm Kevin Gaylord—a long-time Hickory resident, father of two, and seasoned operations executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in business strategy, customer service, and community-centered growth. My wife and I chose to raise our family here because we believe in Hickory’s potential, its people, and its future.
Professionally, I’ve led organizations through complex challenges, always focusing on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability. I bring that same mindset to public service—rooted in transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a neighbor who believes we can preserve what makes Hickory special while strategically planning for the next generation. I’m running to ensure our city’s decisions reflect the needs and values of Ward 5 and to help create a safer, stronger, and more vibrant Hickory for all.- Strategic Growth Without Losing Our Roots Hickory is growing, and with the right leadership, we can guide that growth thoughtfully—preserving what makes our neighborhoods special while attracting new opportunities. I’ll advocate for development that respects our history, improves infrastructure, and supports local business—all without overextending taxpayers.
- Safer Streets, Stronger Community Public safety is foundational to quality of life. I support smart investments in policing, emergency response, and neighborhood engagement to keep our community safe. By building trust and accountability, we can foster a safer, more connected Hickory for every resident.
- Common-Sense Leadership for Everyday People As a business leader and father, I understand the value of listening, solving problems, and making decisions that actually work. I’m running to bring steady, solutions-focused leadership to City Council—because the people of Ward 5 deserve to be heard, respected, and served with integrity.
I’m passionate about public policies that drive long-term community wellbeing—especially in the areas of public safety, smart growth, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. I believe cities thrive when they prioritize safe neighborhoods, invest in roads, parks, and utilities that actually work, and foster an environment where families and small businesses can succeed.
I’m also a strong advocate for transparent local government, where residents are empowered to engage and city leaders are held accountable. As someone who’s led organizations through complex operational challenges, I know how to connect vision to results—and I want to bring that same focus to policies that make life better for everyone in Hickory.
I’m also a strong advocate for transparent local government, where residents are empowered to engage and city leaders are held accountable. As someone who’s led organizations through complex operational challenges, I know how to connect vision to results—and I want to bring that same focus to policies that make life better for everyone in Hickory.
While City Council isn’t part of the state government or legal system per se, it plays a critical, direct role in shaping the everyday quality of life for residents. This office is unique because it sits closest to the people—responsible for decisions that affect everything from public safety and infrastructure to zoning, parks, and economic development.
Unlike higher levels of government, City Council members are accessible and accountable to their neighbors, often face-to-face. That proximity makes the role both powerful and personal. It’s where policy meets reality, and where thoughtful leadership can have the most immediate and visible impact on a community’s future.
Unlike higher levels of government, City Council members are accessible and accountable to their neighbors, often face-to-face. That proximity makes the role both powerful and personal. It’s where policy meets reality, and where thoughtful leadership can have the most immediate and visible impact on a community’s future.
Although he’s a fictional character, I genuinely look up to Ted Lasso. His leadership style—rooted in optimism, humility, emotional intelligence, and genuine care for others—resonates deeply with me. He leads not by ego or fear, but by building trust, empowering people, and believing in their potential. That kind of servant leadership is something I strive to embody every day, whether I’m managing a team, raising my kids, or running for public office. Plus, he reminds us all that a little humor and humanity go a long way.
I’d recommend Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It captures a core belief of mine: that leadership is about service, trust, and creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. While it’s rooted in organizational leadership, the principles apply directly to public service—especially the idea that long-term success comes from prioritizing people over politics and results over rhetoric.
Elected officials should lead with integrity, accountability, and humility. They’re not just decision-makers—they're stewards of public trust. I believe the most effective leaders listen more than they speak, show up consistently, and make decisions based on long-term impact rather than short-term popularity.
Good governance also requires transparency and accessibility. Residents deserve to understand how and why decisions are made—and to feel that their voice matters in the process. Finally, elected officials must remain focused on service, not politics—putting the community’s wellbeing ahead of personal agendas or partisanship.
Good governance also requires transparency and accessibility. Residents deserve to understand how and why decisions are made—and to feel that their voice matters in the process. Finally, elected officials must remain focused on service, not politics—putting the community’s wellbeing ahead of personal agendas or partisanship.
I bring a combination of real-world leadership experience, practical problem-solving skills, and a deep commitment to community. I’ve spent over 20 years leading operations in complex organizations, where success depends on collaboration, accountability, and delivering results—not just talk.
I’m also a strong communicator and listener. I believe in meeting people where they are, understanding their concerns, and making decisions that reflect both data and common sense. Most importantly, I lead with integrity, empathy, and a service-first mindset—because public office isn’t about power, it’s about responsibility. I’ll show up, follow through, and always put the people of Hickory first.
I’m also a strong communicator and listener. I believe in meeting people where they are, understanding their concerns, and making decisions that reflect both data and common sense. Most importantly, I lead with integrity, empathy, and a service-first mindset—because public office isn’t about power, it’s about responsibility. I’ll show up, follow through, and always put the people of Hickory first.
The core responsibilities of a City Council member include representing the interests of their ward, making informed decisions on city policy and budgeting, and ensuring that city services and development efforts align with the community’s long-term needs. That means staying engaged with constituents, asking the right questions, and holding city departments accountable for performance and transparency.
A council member must also balance vision with practicality—helping guide strategic growth, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and economic development while being a good steward of public funds. Ultimately, the job is to serve as a bridge between the people and their local government, making sure every voice is heard and respected.
A council member must also balance vision with practicality—helping guide strategic growth, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and economic development while being a good steward of public funds. Ultimately, the job is to serve as a bridge between the people and their local government, making sure every voice is heard and respected.
I want to leave a legacy of steady, thoughtful leadership that helped move Hickory forward without losing what makes it special. If people can say I made their voices feel heard, helped their neighborhoods feel safer, and made city government a little more responsive and transparent—then I’ll consider my time in office a success.
I hope to be remembered as someone who led with heart and humility, who brought people together to solve problems, and who stayed focused on what truly matters: strengthening our community for the next generation. My goal isn’t to make a name for myself—it’s to make a difference for the people I serve.
I hope to be remembered as someone who led with heart and humility, who brought people together to solve problems, and who stayed focused on what truly matters: strengthening our community for the next generation. My goal isn’t to make a name for myself—it’s to make a difference for the people I serve.
The first major historical event I clearly remember was the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I was 11 years old, and like many kids at the time, I had watched the launch in school with excitement—especially because a teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was on board. The shock and sadness of that moment really stuck with me. Around the same time, I also remember the buzz around Halley’s Comet passing Earth, which sparked my curiosity about space and science. Though I’d heard about Reagan and the Pope being shot when I was younger, I didn’t fully grasp the significance until later.
My very first job was sweeping hair at a local barber shop in Charleston, SC—where I grew up—at just 10 years old. I’d head there after school and sweep up for a few bucks and some good conversation. A few years later, I really started learning the value of hard work and responsibility by washing dishes at a local restaurant and cashiering at the Piggly Wiggly during high school. Those early jobs taught me to show up, pitch in, and appreciate every honest day’s work—lessons that have stuck with me ever since.
It’s tough to choose just one, but two standouts for me are Watership Down by Richard Adams and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.
Watership Down has stuck with me since I first read it—it’s a story of resilience, leadership, and survival, wrapped in an unexpected tale about a group of rabbits seeking a new home. It speaks to the power of community and vision, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Indiana Jones. He’s the perfect blend of brains, bravery, and grit—solving ancient mysteries one minute and dodging danger the next. Plus, let’s be honest: the hat, the whip, the global adventures—it’s hard to beat. But what I really admire is his unwavering curiosity, his moral compass, and his ability to stay calm under pressure. If you can bring a little bit of Indy’s courage and resourcefulness to everyday life, you’re doing something right.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. It’s one of those timeless songs that just sticks with you—in the best way. Whether it’s the melody, the lyrics, or that unforgettable Say Anything boom box moment, it always seems to resurface when I least expect it. And honestly, I’m never mad about it.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been navigating periods of uncertainty—especially when making big career or life decisions that affect my family. Like many people, I’ve faced seasons where the path forward wasn’t clear, and I had to balance professional responsibilities with being a present husband and father. Those moments challenged me to stay grounded, rely on faith, and focus on what truly matters.
They also taught me that strength isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, doing the next right thing, and leading with intention even in the unknown. That mindset has shaped how I lead in business, in my community, and now in this campaign.
They also taught me that strength isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, doing the next right thing, and leading with intention even in the unknown. That mindset has shaped how I lead in business, in my community, and now in this campaign.
Yes, many people don’t realize that City Council members help shape not just big-picture decisions, but also the fine details of how a city functions day to day. This includes voting on zoning and land use decisions, which directly affect what gets built in our neighborhoods and how our community grows. Council members also approve the city budget, which sets priorities for everything from public safety to sidewalk repairs.
Another lesser-known responsibility is hiring and overseeing the city manager, who executes the council’s policy decisions and manages city departments. That means City Council plays a central role in holding leadership accountable and ensuring city services are effective, efficient, and aligned with residents’ needs.
Another lesser-known responsibility is hiring and overseeing the city manager, who executes the council’s policy decisions and manages city departments. That means City Council plays a central role in holding leadership accountable and ensuring city services are effective, efficient, and aligned with residents’ needs.
While previous experience in government can be helpful, I don’t believe it’s essential. In fact, some of the most effective public servants come from outside traditional politics—bringing fresh ideas, real-world problem-solving skills, and a deep commitment to serving their communities.
What truly matters is a candidate’s ability to listen, lead with integrity, collaborate with others, and follow through on commitments. My background in executive operations has prepared me to manage complex challenges, build consensus, and make smart, sustainable decisions—all qualities that translate directly into responsible, effective public service.
What truly matters is a candidate’s ability to listen, lead with integrity, collaborate with others, and follow through on commitments. My background in executive operations has prepared me to manage complex challenges, build consensus, and make smart, sustainable decisions—all qualities that translate directly into responsible, effective public service.
City Council members need more than good intentions—they need the skills to turn community needs into effective action. Strategic thinking, budget literacy, communication, and the ability to build consensus are all essential. This role benefits from leaders who can analyze data, ask tough questions, and make informed decisions that balance long-term planning with day-to-day realities.
Equally important are listening skills and emotional intelligence—because representing a diverse community means understanding different perspectives and responding with empathy and fairness. In short, the most helpful skills are a mix of operational know-how, common-sense leadership, and a genuine commitment to public service.
Equally important are listening skills and emotional intelligence—because representing a diverse community means understanding different perspectives and responding with empathy and fairness. In short, the most helpful skills are a mix of operational know-how, common-sense leadership, and a genuine commitment to public service.
City Council is unique in local government because it serves as the direct voice of the people. Council members are elected to represent specific wards, giving them a close connection to the neighborhoods they serve. This office holds the power to influence how resources are allocated, what projects get prioritized, and how policies are shaped to reflect the values and needs of the community.
Unlike other parts of local government that may be administrative or advisory, City Council has legislative authority—approving budgets, ordinances, and development plans. That makes it both a policy-making body and a critical check-and-balance in ensuring city operations are transparent, equitable, and aligned with residents’ interests.
Unlike other parts of local government that may be administrative or advisory, City Council has legislative authority—approving budgets, ordinances, and development plans. That makes it both a policy-making body and a critical check-and-balance in ensuring city operations are transparent, equitable, and aligned with residents’ interests.
My favorite joke is one my youngest son told on repeat when he was about three years old—over and over and over again. And honestly, it still makes me smile:
“What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet?”
“Supplies!”
I believe financial transparency and government accountability aren’t optional—they’re essential. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent and why. I support clear, accessible reporting on city budgets, projects, and performance, and I’ll advocate for policies that make that information easy to understand—not buried in red tape.
Accountability means more than checking a box. It’s about ensuring decisions are made with input, follow-through, and measurable results. In my business career, I’ve led with data, transparency, and clear metrics—and I’ll bring that same approach to city government to build trust and keep progress on track.
Accountability means more than checking a box. It’s about ensuring decisions are made with input, follow-through, and measurable results. In my business career, I’ve led with data, transparency, and clear metrics—and I’ll bring that same approach to city government to build trust and keep progress on track.
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
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Candidate Hickory City Council Ward 5 |
Footnotes
