Mayor Carol C. Pritchett was officially sworn into office at the Lake Lure Town Council Meeting on August 13, 2019, with her appointment becoming effective the following day. As the sole candidate in the 2019 municipal election, she was set to continue serving as the elected Mayor of Lake Lure. A dedicated leader with a commitment to community preservation and progress, Mayor Pritchett stepped into the role following the passing of former Mayor Kevin Cooley. She recognized his impactful leadership and expressed her dedication to continuing efforts to protect and enhance Lake Lure for future generations. Mayor Pritchett and her husband, Joe, relocated to Lake Lure from Houston, Texas, in 2011 to build a home where their family—two sons, their spouses, and five grandchildren—could gather.
Deeply invested in the community, she has worked to ensure a balance between preserving Lake Lure’s natural beauty and addressing critical infrastructure needs. Bringing over 17 years of executive leadership experience, Mayor Pritchett has an extensive background in business operations, strategic planning, and organizational management. Prior to her role as Mayor, she founded Coulter Consulting LLC in Asheville, North Carolina, where she has served as President since 2014. Her firm specializes in contracting with standalone healthcare facilities to oversee operations, develop strategic plans, and ensure compliance with industry certifications. Previously, she held key executive roles in healthcare management, including serving as Senior Vice President of Encore Health Care Corp. (2011–2014) and Regional Vice President of Operations with Life Care Centers of America, Inc. (2005–2011). In these roles, she managed national organizations generating over $300 million in annual revenue, overseeing more than 70 facilities across 13 states. Recognized for her results-driven and transparent leadership, Mayor Pritchett has consistently championed operational excellence, sustainability, and inclusive governance. Under her leadership, Lake Lure continues to build upon its strong foundation while preparing for future challenges and opportunities. Mayor Pritchett remains committed to ensuring the town thrives for generations to come.
