Woody is from Cornelius, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Catawba College. He is married to Sharon Washam and has two adult children. He is a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Meet our next mayor | Cornelius Today

Woody is a senior vice president at United Bank. He has worked as a banker in the Cornelius and Lake Norman communities for nearly 50 years. 

Woody Washam Jr. (Mayor of Cornelius, North Carolina, candidate ...

Woody is the current Mayor of Cornelius. He was first elected to the position in 2017 and is serving his 3rd term. Before serving as mayor, he was an elected member of the Cornelius Town Commission from 2013 to 2017.

As mayor, maintained a fiscally responsible government and lowest taxes in the region.

As mayor, maintained a fiscally responsible government and lowest taxes in the region achieving a "AAA" Bond rating.

- As mayor, maintained a fiscally responsible government and lowest taxes in the region achieving a "AAA" Bond rating.

Economy

Plans to maintain and expand parks, greenways, and park programming.

As Major Gifts Chairman, helped raise $25 million to build The Cain Center for the Arts, which opened debt-free on January 3, 2023, to provide entertainment, arts education, and support the redevelopment of Downtown Cornelius.

As mayor, formed the Mayor’s Task Force to establish the Cornelius History Museum, which aims to preserve the history of Old Town Cornelius, Smithville, and Lake Norman.

As a town commissioner, advocated for increased park maintenance funding and completed over 80% of the Emerald Necklace Greenway.

As mayor, advocated for increased park maintenance funding and completed over 80% of the Emerald Necklace Greenway.

- Plans to maintain and expand parks, greenways, and park programming.
- As Major Gifts Chairman, helped raise $25 million to build The Cain Center for the Arts, which opened debt-free on January 3, 2023, to provide entertainment, arts education, and support the redevelopment of Downtown Cornelius.
- As mayor, formed the Mayor’s Task Force to establish the Cornelius History Museum, which aims to preserve the history of Old Town Cornelius, Smithville, and Lake Norman.
- As mayor, advocated for increased park maintenance funding and completed over 80% of the Emerald Necklace Greenway.

Public Services

As mayor, established the Mayor's Affordable Housing Committee to address workforce housing needs.

Supports the redevelopment of Smithville to provide affordable housing for local workers, including police officers, firefighters, town workers, and teachers.

- As mayor, established the Mayor's Affordable Housing Committee to address workforce housing needs.
- Supports the redevelopment of Smithville to provide affordable housing for local workers, including police officers, firefighters, town workers, and teachers.

Housing & Urban Development

Plans to ensure the successful transition of the Cornelius Fire Department to a full-time department and work with Mecklenburg County Medic Services to improve efficiency.

- Plans to ensure the successful transition of the Cornelius Fire Department to a full-time department and work with Mecklenburg County Medic Services to improve efficiency.

Public Safety

Advocates for collaboration with local governments to address traffic challenges and secure funding for infrastructure projects.

Supports addressing traffic issues in Cornelius by securing approval for 13 transportation/road projects starting in 2023.

Supports addressing traffic issues in Cornelius by securing approval for additional transportation/road projects.

- Advocates for collaboration with local governments to address traffic challenges and secure funding for infrastructure projects.
- Supports addressing traffic issues in Cornelius by securing approval for additional transportation/road projects.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of September 4, 2025, Woody Washam, Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

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Woody Washam, Jr.

Woody Washam Jr. is from Cornelius, North Carolina. He has a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and a minor in music from Catawba College. He is married to Sharon Washam and has two adult children. He is a lifetime member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Woody is a senior vice president at United Bank. He has worked as a banker in the Cornelius and Lake Norman communities for nearly 50 years.

Woody is the current Mayor of Cornelius. He was first elected to the position in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. Before serving as mayor, he was a member of the Cornelius Town Commission from 2013 to 2017.

Supports maintaining the lowest tax rate in the region.

As of September 4, 2025, Woody Washam, Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor attends and runs City Council meetings, serving as an important leader for how local laws get set. These laws affect local services, such as Police, City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation.  
- The Mayor in some circumstances may vote to break a tie in council meetings. They do not have veto power.