February 24, 2022 – Beth Heile has filed as a candidate for Burke County Commissioner. Since returning to her home county eleven years ago, Heile has worked tirelessly in various volunteer roles, including bringing parks and trails to Burke County. She sees being a county commissioner as an opportunity to serve the county in a new role.
Heile is the daughter of Patricia Jacumin Zimmerman and the late Glen Zimmerman. From her parents, she learned about working hard during the week to make a living, doing house and yard chores on Saturday, and spending time with aunts, uncles, and cousins following church on Sunday. They led by example helping anyone in need and always teaching that no one is better than anyone else. These lessons of hard work and helping others continue to be Heile’s core values.
After graduating from East Burke High School in 1986, Heile attended North Carolina State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. To be employed in her field at that time, Heile had to live in metropolitan areas. However, as soon as the opportunity came, she moved back to Valdese with her midwestern husband Eric to raise their son with small town values – where everybody knows everybody and looks out for each other – and the quality of life is unmatched.
Their son, Zakk is a junior at Draughn High School and enrolled in the North Carolina School of Science and Math online program and Western Piedmont Community College. Zakk being in three schools at the same time has allowed Heile to better understand the different educational opportunities in Burke County. Having always volunteered in the Burke County Public School system, Heile is currently the DHS Band Booster President.
Heile learned the inner workings of local and state governments when she founded Friends of the Valdese Rec, Inc. to assist the Town of Valdese in acquiring 300 acres on Lake Rhodhiss that is today, Valdese Lakeside Park. Over the seven years working on that project, Heile has presented at town council, commissioner, and state parks meetings; as well as at the Governor’s Mansion and understands the benefits government entities can offer the public.
Heile loves Burke County, and her hometown of Valdese, and wants to continue to make a difference. Heile says, “Beth for a Better Burke is my slogan which is in line with the Burke County motto – All About Advancing. I am committed to continuing to improve the quality of life for Burke County citizens. Over my many years of volunteer service, I have proven I can be trusted to get things done and hope you will trust me to serve as your county commissioner. To help you remember my last name, know that Beth Heile will be highly effective.”
The Heiles live in Valdese where they have their business NoteWorthy Software, Inc. Beth is an active volunteer serving as president of Friends of the Valdese Rec and Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail, member and past president Rotary Club of Valdese, and member of the NC Parks and Recreation Authority, Friends of Lake James State Park board, Burke Women’s Fund Steering Committee, First United Methodist Church Valdese, Burke County Planning Board, Valdese Main Street Committee, Valdese Recreation Commission, Duke Habitat Enhancement Program Lakes Advisory Committee, Catawba River Wildlife Commission, Great Trails State Coalition. Recent awards include – Ruby Award from Foothills Conservancy of NC, Service Above Self Community Volunteer Award from Rotary Club of Valdese, North Carolina Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award – Wildlife Volunteer of the Year.
Donate to the campaign – online or send a check written to Committee to Elect Beth Heile (5291 Mineral Springs Mountain Ave Valdese 28690)