CCDP Leadership Team
Melissa Napier
Chair
Bob Post
1st Vice Chair
Aubrey Gregory
2nd Vice Chair
Rebecca Alt
3rd Vice Chair
Kevin Hawley
Secretary
Helene Cote
Treasurer & Communications Deputy
Ariel Frawley
Deputy to the
1st Vice Chair
Officer Biographies
Melissa Napier, Chair
Melissa Napier has called Catawba County home for more than two decades and is committed to strengthening the Democratic Party through grassroots organizing, community engagement, and practical leadership. A licensed general contractor and small business owner, she brings problem solving skills, a collaborative approach, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build strong local organizations and lasting community connections.
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Melissa earned her degree in Environmental Physics from Appalachian State University. She has previously served as a precinct chair and most recently as Deputy First Vice Chair under Kimberly Turk. Melissa is honored to serve as interim County Chair and looks forward to bringing people together and strengthening Catawba County.
Bob Post, 1st Vice Chair
Bob Post likes to be on the move. He is more comfortable knocking on doors and meeting new people than he is navigating social media. Once an avid trail runner in Western NY and more recently a road runner, he still seeks out time in the woods, hiking with his wife, Alison, and their Standard Poodles. Bob feels that we are better when we know each other through in-person interaction. An electrical engineer by degree, a manager by career, his proudest accomplishments were building successful teams of talented individuals – “Everyone has something to bring to the table, let’s maximize and celebrate what each person can offer.”
Aubrey Gregory, 2nd Vice Chair
​Aubrey Gregory is new to being involved with CCDP but she is not new to jumping in and making things happen – she has spearheaded numerous outreach activities and always adds elements to help people get involved while having fun. She came to CCDP’s attention with her community outreach to counter the, shall we say, book-banning proclivities of the Catawba County School Board. She is a natural organizer and adept at bringing people together for service activities and fun.
Rebecca Alt, 3rd Vice Chair
​Rebecca Alt previously served as the CCDP secretary and is truly a team player. She has contributed in numerous areas to help the party, notably using her communications experience and expertise. A professor of Communication Studies at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Alt is originally from rural Pennsylvania and cites her grandmother as her role model for Democratic Party activism.
Kevin Hawley, Secretary
Kevin Hawley is a lifelong resident of Catawba County and a proud Democrat whose faith drives his politics. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University with an M.A. in Higher Education and MBA. While at AppState, Kevin was a founding member and marketing director for Executive Impact Club and a dialogue moderator for Sustained Dialogue. Kevin has also completed the Leadership Catawba program through the Chamber of Catawba County and served on the promotions committee as webmaster for the Hickory Downtown Development Association. He currently works with special needs clients, serves as secretary for the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Catawba County, and is creating music with his alter ego, Kevo RetroBeat.
Helene Cote, Treasurer & Communications Deputy
Helene Cote is new to working with CCDP however she has been a life-long democrat that believes in equity for all. Originally from Massachusetts, she moved to NC via FL in 2006 and has raised her family in the St. Stephens area. Helene served on the boards of the parent teacher organizations and held many roles during her tenure including treasurer. She has been a real estate agent since 2020 and is an active member of the local, state, and national Realtor Associations. Helene is an alumna of Appalachian State University with a BS in Communications/Advertising and is using her talents to also serve as the Communications Deputy for CCDP.
Ariel Frawley, Deputy to the 1st Vice Chair
Ariel Frawley's bio to come.
