Angela Dreher

The Gaston Business Association Questionnaire

Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements.

I am a proud native of Gastonia, NC, a devoted mother of four adult children, and an adoring grandmother to one. I love God, myself, my family, and the community that has shaped me. I have been a community servant for most of my life, working as a government employee, a champion for the homeless, and quality childcare and education. I have served on various nonprofit boards in the past and have been serving as a commissioner on the Gastonia Housing Authority Board for the past 6 years. I am an active member of Mt. Zion Restoration Church, Gastonia, NC.

What inspired you to run for city/town council, and what specific qualities or experiences make you well-suited for this role?

I am running for Gastonia City Council because I love this city, every neighborhood, every resident, every part of it. As a proud native, I am honored to call Gastonia my home. I am ready to serve the residents of Ward 4 and the City of Gastonia with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to creating positive, lasting change. I believe I can be a strong, thoughtful voice for our community, one that champions growth and opportunity for all. I am proud of the progress Gastonia has made, and I am committed to building on that momentum to ensure every neighborhood thrives.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Minor in Business Computer Science from Belmont Abbey College and worked as an Internal Revenue Agent and Supervisory Revenue Agent for the Department of Treasury for 10 years.

I have a Master of Social Work from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work with the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center. I also have an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Gaston College and worked for many years in childcare and for the Partnership for Children of Lincoln and Gaston County.

As the Founder and Executive Director of As One Ministries, Inc., I have had the privilege of serving over 6,000 individuals—unhoused men, women, children, and others in need, by providing food, clothing, furniture, and housing assistance. I also led efforts to operate a day shelter and a winter overflow shelter for our unhoused neighbors in Gastonia from 2003 – 2016.

In addition, I facilitated the Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln Continuum of CARE and chaired the Gastonia Mayor’s Taskforce on Homelessness; I am an experienced grant writer and served as the Chief Operating Officer for Supportive Housing Communities, Charlotte, NC.

Community Recognition and Awards

My community work has been recognized locally and beyond. Some of the honors I have received include:

The Mecklenburg Times Most Influential Women (2017)

Public Health Hero, U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services (2016)

Proclamation for Service, City of Gastonia (2016)

Omega Citizen of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (2015)

MLK Jr. Unity Award, Gaston County (2014)

Key to the City of Gastonia (2011)

All-American City Representative (2010)

First Female Cover, Belmont Abbey College Crossroads Magazine (2006)

Gastonia Citizen of the Year (2004)

Gaston County Woman of the Year (2003)

Chamber of Commerce Leadership Gaston (2003) Graduate

Gaston County Businesswoman of the Year Nominee (2003)

Coordinator, Gaston Lincoln Cleveland Continuum of Care (2003-2005)

Chairperson, Gastonia Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness (2002-2005)

What are your top priorities for your city/town (specifically pertaining to the business community), and how do you plan to address them if elected?

Homelessness & Lack of Affordable Housing – I would encourage collaboration between the City of Gastonia, Gaston County, Businesses, Hospital, Places of Worship, etc. to develop various housing/shelter options.

Commercial/Economic Development – Support soliciting business growth in downtown Gastonia and Gaston County to increase our sales revenue and to make Gastonia more attractive to tourist and new residents, especially young adults, and families.

Public Safety – early recruitment much like CNA certifications while in high school. Scholarships/loans for education with work promise for forgiveness. Incentives for Retention and Whistleblower Protection.

Promote transparency and accountability in local government.

Please select one of the following local issues, and provide a brief description of your stance on the topic: Economic Development, Public Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure, or Education.

I would like to see more Economic Development in Gastonia in the form of the continued revitalization of downtown by offering incentives to attract new small businesses. I would like to see Gastonia become a tourist destination like Greenville, NC and Asheville, NC. For Gastonia to continue working with private development partners in the Franklin Urban Sports & Entertainment (FUSE) District to complete construction at Dillinger/Hangar Building, Franklin Yards, and The Foundry projects. Commercial industries and development such as Apple Creek Corporate Center and Gateway 85 with industries such as US Postal, Newell Brands, and Amazon.