Political Party: Democrat
Term Expires: 2026
Katie "Kay" S. Cashion is a dedicated public servant, business leader, and lifelong advocate for community progress. As the only At-Large Commissioner for Guilford County, she represents over 500,000 residents across the Piedmont Triad, working to ensure responsible governance, public safety, and economic growth. Since first joining the Guilford County Board of Commissioners in 2004, she has championed key initiatives that have shaped the county’s approach to justice reform, public safety, and community engagement.
Throughout her tenure, Kay has been a tireless advocate for justice and public safety. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Guilford County Family Justice Center, which provides comprehensive support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse. Additionally, she initiated and chaired the Guilford County Substance Abuse & Drug Treatment Committee, leading to the development of Juvenile Drug Courts in Greensboro and High Point, ensuring young people struggling with addiction receive treatment and rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
Kay’s impact extends beyond Guilford County. She has earned national recognition as a Board Member of the National Association of Counties (NACo), where she serves as Vice Chair of the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee and Vice Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission. She is also a leader within the Women of NACo Leadership Group, where she has helped elevate the role of women in local government. Her commitment to public service was honored in 2019 when she received the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions at the local, state, and national levels.
At the state level, she serves on the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Board of Directors and has been appointed to multiple statewide committees focused on criminal justice reform and intergovernmental relations. She was also appointed by former Governor Bev Perdue to serve on the North Carolina Treasurer’s Local Government Retirement System Board of Trustees, a role she held for two consecutive terms, advising on financial policies affecting public employees.
In addition to her public service, Kay is a respected business leader. For over 50 years, she has owned and operated Cashion’s Furniture & Decorating, bringing a deep understanding of economic development, small business growth, and community investment to her work as Commissioner. Her experience as an entrepreneur provides her with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, and she remains committed to fostering a strong and sustainable local economy.
Kay has also been a steadfast supporter of the arts and culture, recognizing their role in economic development and community identity. In 2019, she was honored with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award by Americans for the Arts and NACo for her unwavering advocacy and support of arts initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
Kay’s decades of leadership and dedication to Guilford County have earned her widespread recognition. She has received numerous awards, including the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce National ATHENA Leadership Award for Outstanding Businesswoman & Community Service, the NC Council of Community Programs’ County Commissioner Leadership Award, and Bennett College’s "Phenomenal Woman" Award.
In October 2024, Guilford County honored her lifelong commitment to public service by naming the government building at 201 South Greene Street in downtown Greensboro the "Guilford County Katie S. Cashion Center."
A lifelong resident of Greensboro, Kay is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an active member of First Baptist Church. She is the proud mother of four children and grandmother to seven.
Kay remains steadfast in her commitment to collaboration, transparency, and responsive governance. She believes in working alongside community members, business leaders, and fellow policymakers to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Guilford County. She welcomes input from constituents and continues to be a champion for the people she serves.