OAK ISLAND — Kerri McCullough, retired financial and risk manager for multinational corporations, is running a campaign to secure one of two seats open on Oak Island’s town council.
Though the council race is nonpartisan, McCullough is with the Republican Party and will face off against Chasey Bynum (R), Chip Frazier (R), Reece Simmons (R), Scott Stephenson (U), and Tommy Brown (U).
It’s McCullough’s first time running for elected office.
“I’m running for towncouncil now as I believe in involvement and community service and have a passion for leaving things better than I found them,” she said. “I will work to represent every voice, protect what matters most, and shape a future we can all be proud of. I have been a property owner for 25 years and have lived here full time for nearly 10 years so I am invested in Oak Island’s future. Our community faces critical issues and challenges at this time that will require Councilors who have the education, business experience and who are equipped act decisively. Strong leadership requires more than good intentions. I am the candidate who brings the needed experience and knowledge for this moment.
A few things to consider this election season:
- A valid ID is required to cast ballot in North Carolina
- Election Day is Nov. 4, 2025, with voters required to go to their assigned precinct locations
- Early voting opens Oct. 16 and closes Nov. 1, and voters can cast a ballot at the Cooperative Extension Training Room, 25 Referendum Drive, Building N, Bolivia. See the hours here.
Anyone who wants to register to vote can do so here through Oct. 10 or register and vote in one stop during early voting.
Port City Daily asked all candidates a slate of questions about topics that are tracking high with voters and residents of Southport currently. McCollough’s answers have been edited below for clarity; candidate opinions and statements are not a reflection of Port City Daily. The paywall has been dropped on candidate profiles to help voters make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Port City Daily: Why run for town council now? What makes you qualified for a seat and sets you apart from other candidates?
Kerri McCollough: I have deep business experience and related advanced business education and bring skills in financial management, strategic planning and accountability. I have shown commitment to Oak Island in volunteer roles. I have served on multiple Advisory Boards, including the Planning Board and recently was part of the Steering Committee for the update of our Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
I’ve served on the Environmental Advisory Board. I attended the Citizens Academy to understand and appreciate town operations. In these roles, I have developed relationships and mutual respect with town staff and shown myself to be objective and committed to service to my Community. As well I have proven myself focused on our future and willingness to work hard on important issues such as continued improvements in our Unified Development Ordinance.
Personally, ethics and honesty are extremely important in how I conduct myself. I would represent all citizens fairly and equally and always with the best interests of our Community in mind.
PCD: Oak Island is navigating a balance between growth and maintaining its character. What is your vision for the town’s future, and what specific steps would you take to ensure that new development aligns with the community’s values and does not strain existing public services?
KM: As one councilor, “I” would not take any specific actions, but instead would work as a team with the rest of our governing body and town staff on strategies and plans for balancing growth with our quality of life. These efforts should ensure that Growth is managed suitably, proportional and sustainably. Our existing tax base is largely residential and so expanding our tax base with more commercial mix will be critical to allow us to maintain our tax rates – which by the way we have been able to hold steady for more than five years. Our updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) includes some plans for expansion in our commercial districts that over the long term will bring new investment and businesses. I also believe that there could be potential for some suitable light industrial off island/mainland. Our local Jetport is a significant driver of the local economy and we should capitalize on that partnership for mutual benefit. As well, there is an ongoing project which will create an Economic Development Strategic plan for a long term view of how we expand our tax base, again — suitably and sustainably. The visions from the CLUP, the town’s new, existing three-year strategic plan and the outcome of the economic development plan will guide us.
PCD: Given the significant costs associated with long-term projects like beach nourishment, what is your philosophy on fiscal responsibility, and how will you ensure the town’s financial sustainability without placing an undue burden on taxpayers?
KM: As Oak Island Town Councilor, to address these complex and expensive issues, I will take a transparent and disciplined approach to our budget — focusing first on essential services like safety, infrastructure and key services. But any decisions regarding adjustments to ad valorem taxes should be fully explained and transparent to our Community and my commitment is that I will be responsible, transparent, and always put our Community first. I will work with stakeholders to cut waste, find efficiencies, and explore new funding options without overburdening taxpayers. I commit to long term financial planning to ensure Oak Island’s future remains strong and sustainable.
PCD: The town is working on projects to address stormwater management and street flooding. What is your top infrastructure priority for the town, and what is your plan to fund and manage these improvements?
KM: Oak Island is focused on stormwater management. Clearly, we are at sea level so extraordinary volumes of rain will create local flooding. There is more work to do, but Mitigation is underway as we form and plan for a stormwater master plan. Additionally several dune infiltration projects are already underway along our beach drive that were largely supported by grant funds sought out by our staff. I support continuing efforts to mitigate flooding, and we will need to continue to seek options for funding, including grants or anything else. We should consider funding to address this very important concern for residents as an ongoing infrastructure priority in every budget cycle.
PCD: The town council recently passed an ordinance to address a safety issue related to holes being dug on the beach. What is your position on this ordinance, and how will you balance public safety with residents’ and visitors’ ability to enjoy the beach?
KM: I support public safety in any context, including on our beach. The new ordinance to prevent deep holes on the beach is intended to prevent injury to everyone — and should not compromise anyone’s ability to enjoy the beach. We have strong law enforcement, beach services and emergency services in Oak Island and I support their efforts to enforce our laws and ordinances which are designed to keep everyone safe — whether resident or visitor. We want everyone to simply follow our ordinances while they enjoy the beach.
PCD: What is one other issue not discussed above that you have a plan to address if elected and how would you do so?
KM: The town is working on Street Safety by considering traffic-calming measures, crosswalks and other actions that can make our town more pedestrian and biking friendly, along with routing popular LSV’s safely. I would be in support of these new forthcoming plans as part of maintaining our quality of life and making our town safer.
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