Councilmember James Pressly is serving his first term as an At-Large member of the Statesville City Council. A fourth-generation Statesville native, Pressly brings a strong mix of business experience, public service, and community engagement to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of South Carolina, an MBA from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from UNC Charlotte. He is a local business owner, a certified property manager, and a licensed general contractor.
Pressly has long been active in service to the community. He is an Eagle Scout and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Boys & Girls Club, and Purple Heart Homes. He has been involved in the Forest Park Neighborhood Watch Group and has served with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. His broad involvement with civic and service organizations reflects his commitment to strengthening neighborhoods, supporting families, and building community partnerships.
Pressly was inspired to run for public office through the encouragement of his wife, Jessie, whose dedication to community service motivates his own. As a new father, he is also driven by a desire to help shape a strong, prosperous future for the next generation of Statesville residents. His priorities include supporting public safety initiatives - such as advancing Fire Station 5 and continuing efforts to reduce crime - enhancing fiscal responsibility, and promoting smart, balanced growth that supports a stronger local economy.
As an At-Large Councilmember, Pressly is committed to representing all residents across Statesville. He views collaboration between Council, staff, and citizens as essential to effective local government and believes that strong communication helps create policies that reflect the community’s needs and values. He plans to remain engaged through grassroots involvement, continuing his work with neighborhood groups, and encouraging partnerships between residents and public safety agencies.
Pressly has lived in Statesville his entire life except for his years in school. He values the small-town charm, strong sense of community, and quality of life that define his hometown. Outside of public service, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their young son, camping and hiking in the mountains, snow skiing, reading, traveling, and working on hands-on projects. He also enjoys time outdoors with their bird dog and appreciates the peace and joy that come from being active in nature.
