My name is Eddie Shuford and I represent the Pleasant Gardens District on the McDowell Board of Education. My wife Rebecca and I have lived in the Pleasant Gardens Community for almost 30 years. We have four adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Our children all attended Pleasant Gardens Elementary and I am honored to be able to serve the students of not only our school but all McDowell County students, parents and citizens as well. I graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. The first 26 years of my career were spent in industrial management with responsibilities ranging from a shift supervisor to corporate level Quality Assurance. I have been in the community college system of NC for almost 16 years. I was an HRD instructor at Mayland Community College for almost 5 years and the past 11 years at McDowell Technical Community College. I am currently Director of Industry Engagement and work with all McDowell Industries.  Education is not only critical for career attainment but also helps create better futures for students and their families. I am blessed to have this opportunity to give back to this county that I love and have lived in most of my life.