Councilmember Tip Nicholson is serving his first term representing Ward Five on the Statesville City Council. A lifelong Statesville resident, Nicholson brings decades of leadership experience in education, nonprofit administration, and public service to his role. After graduating from Statesville High School, he earned his degree from UNC Charlotte and a master’s degree in counseling from East Carolina University. He returned home to teach and coach at Statesville High School before moving into administrative roles with the former Statesville City Schools. In 1984, Nicholson became CEO of the YMCA of Iredell County, where he served for 25 years. He currently serves as General Manager of the Statesville ABC Board, a position he has held for more than 16 years.
Nicholson has a long history of civic involvement and service to the community. He has served on the Town Board in Troutman, the Iredell-Statesville Board of Education, and the Statesville ABC Board. His leadership extends statewide through his service on the boards of the North Carolina School Boards Association and the North Carolina Association of ABC Boards. Locally, he has served on numerous boards and committees, including Grace Baptist Church, the Chamber of Commerce, Iredell Memorial Hospital, and the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, where he is a past chairperson.
Nicholson’s decision to run for City Council is rooted in his love for his hometown and his long-standing interest in local government. His priorities for Statesville include encouraging smart, balanced growth; strengthening local schools by working collaboratively with school and community partners; and fostering a community where every resident feels secure, valued, and proud to call Statesville home. He believes that Councilmembers must work closely with City staff, rely on their expertise, and maintain open communication with residents to address concerns and advance shared goals.
As a Councilmember, Nicholson is committed to being visible, accessible, and engaged. He plans to stay connected by attending community events and making himself available to hear and discuss issues important to residents across Ward Five.
Born in Statesville in 1954 – the same year Iredell Memorial Hospital was established – Nicholson has lived and worked in Statesville for the entirety of his 71 years, aside from brief periods for college and a short time living in Troutman. Outside of public service, he enjoys supporting the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte 49ers with his wife, Nancy. He loves spending time with their two daughters, their husbands, and their six grandchildren, and also enjoys playing golf, even if not very well, as he notes with humor.
