A proven community advocate and environmental policy professional.

Drew is focused on helping our neighbors recover and our community build back stronger, with resilience in mind.

Fighting for Buncombe County

Drew will work to strengthen our community by:

  • Helping our neighbors recover from the storm

  • Rebuilding with a focus on resilience

  • Protecting our environment

  • Addressing the rising costs of housing

  • Ensuring access to a quality education for all children

  • Supporting local businesses and our arts community

Drew Ball fights for y’all!

A Dedicated Community Advocate

Drew Ball is a professional environmental advocate, public policy expert, and community organizer with over two decades of experience. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in state and local management from American University, and a B.A. in Political Science from NC State, Drew is currently the Southeast Campaigns Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

He is the former Director of Environment North Carolina and has worked for organizations including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Sierra Club, and he has worked as a legislative assistant in the North Carolina General Assembly.

He serves as a volunteer firefighter at Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department. When Hurricane Helene struck, Drew was elevated to Chief Public Information Officer for his department and worked tirelessly helping with disaster response efforts, opening a community supply depot, and also raising money to support disaster relief.

Drew is a board member of the North Carolina Sierra Club and co-chairs its state political committee. He has worked on Democratic campaigns since 2004, including serving as the Western Regional Director for Voter Protection during the 2020 Biden/Harris campaign. He has worked with candidates up and down the ballot, including Parker Sloan, Kay Hagan, and Heath Shuler. He has served our Buncombe County Democratic Party as a vice-precinct chair and on the County Resolutions Review Committee.

Drew understands what members of our community are facing. He knows the struggles of artists and service industry workers in our community, because he has worked as a musician and service industry worker in Asheville. He attended public schools and comes from a family of educators—his mother was a special education teacher and his sister is the superintendent of one of the largest school districts in Western NC. He will bring important perspectives to the Buncombe County Commission.

As Buncombe County enters the next phase of recovery, Drew hopes to bring his policy experience and passion for service to our county commission.

In his free time, Drew enjoys cycling, trail running, hiking and maintaining trails with the Carolina Mountain Club. He is a section maintainer for a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Drew and his fiancé Meaghan are musicians who enjoy organizing events for nonprofits and the Democratic Party. He plays with local and touring bands Aunt Vicki, Sparkle Mountain, and The Riverbreaks.

Drew and Meaghan are avid hobby farmers on their small homestead in the south side of Asheville’s Oakley neighborhood. They have two rescue pups, Maybelle and Buck, as well as barnyard sheep and chickens.

What local leaders say about Drew

“I wholeheartedly recommend Drew Ball for the role of county commissioner. Drew's extensive experience as a public policy expert and environmental advocate has been instrumental in shaping meaningful policies that prioritize sustainability and community well-being. His outstanding work as an organizer and campaign staffer demonstrates his ability to lead, strategize, and bring people together for a common purpose. Drew's deep dedication to serving the people of Western North Carolina is unparalleled, and I firmly believe that his unique combination of experiences makes him exceptionally well-suited to serve our county with distinction.”

-Caleb Rudow

NC House Representative District 116, and 2024 Democratic nominee for Congress NC-11

“I'm absolutely thrilled to see Drew running for Buncombe County Commission, and I have no doubt that his thoughtful, strategic, and intelligent leadership will be a tremendous asset to our community. I had the privilege of working closely with Drew during my time in the State House, where he was a tireless advocate for clean air, water, and renewable energy. His expertise with complex policies, coupled with his exceptional ability to navigate the challenges of the North Carolina legislature, was nothing short of impressive. Together, we passed groundbreaking legislation that empowered the City of Asheville to embrace innovative clean energy solutions, making sustainability more accessible to residents. Beyond his legislative work, it’s been inspiring to see Drew’s impact right here in Asheville—both as a community organizer and as a musician deeply engaged in local life. Drew's experience, vision, and unwavering commitment to progress make him the ideal choice for the Buncombe County Commission.”

-Susan Fisher

Former NC State House Representative and Deputy Leader of the NC House Democratic Caucus

“Drew has served as a leader for our Western North Carolina Sierra Club and has provided knowledge and expertise on many state and local environmental issues. Drew has been a leader in our efforts to reduce plastic waste pollution, promote clean energy solutions, protect the French Broad River, and is always working to broaden and strengthen our movement.”

-Judy Mattox

Chair, WNC Sierra Club

“I first met Drew on a cool autumn evening in 2010 at the Buncombe Democratic HQ where he had arrived to help with Heath Shuler’s campaign for Congress. For the next several weeks, we worked 16 hour days together helping reelect Shuler and every local Democratic candidate. It was a campaign season to remember. Integrity and character are rarities in politics and Drew Ball exemplifies both.”

-Paul Choi

Regional Field Director, 2010 NC Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign & Former BCDP Third Vice Chair

As Commissioner, Drew will bring unique perspectives on our county’s most pressing issues—recovery, economic development, education, public safety, social justice, and environmental stewardship. He has cultivated statewide and national connections that will benefit us. I've known Drew for 17 years, since our time as College Democrats at ASU and N.C. State - and not at birth as many presume. Since then, I’ve watched him become a respected voice, trusted leader and effective advocate for equality, voting rights, and clean air and water. After the storm, Drew volunteered helping displaced neighbors and coordinating aid while serving as his fire department's Chief Public Information Officer. He consistently worked late into the night while also opening his home to fellow volunteers. Drew has always been there for his community when needed. He is ready to hit the ground running as our next county commissioner, especially at a time when many neighbors are struggling to put the pieces back together. As we navigate recovery, our elected officials play an outsized role in forging federal, state and private partnerships. We would be fortunate to have him serve our county at this critical moment.

-Andy Ball

Buncombe SEC Member, Buncombe Board of Adjustment Chair, former NCDP 3rd Vice Chair, former Mayor of Boone

Drew has been a valued member of our Fire Department for years. When Hurricane Helene hit, his assistance and dedication throughout was unbelievable and much appreciated. There is no way the career staff could have managed this event without his help. He worked tirelessly even though he had storm-related damages to his home as well. Hopefully we will never have to do it again, but we feel confident in knowing we have his help.

-Chief Vince Carter

Fire Department Chief , Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department

““I’m running because I love our mountains, our community, and the place we call home. As we recover from the storm, I’m committed to rebuilding stronger and more resilient, while ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we can preserve the charm we cherish while remaining a welcoming place for all.”

-Drew Ball

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