Suzanne Gavenus

for

NC House of Representatives District 85

Rooted here, working to build strong mountain communities with lasting solutions.

Hi, I’m Suzanne Gavenus. My husband Gary and I have lived in Burnsville for more than 23 years, where we raised our three children and before that, we lived, worked, and met in Avery County. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and currently serve as Director of Counseling and Wellness at NCSSM in Morganton.

I’ve spent my career listening to families, students, and educators when systems aren’t working—and helping them find real solutions. I’m running for the North Carolina House because District 85 deserves a representative who shows up, listens, and fights for our mountain communities.

I believe everyone should have access to affordable healthcare and mental health services, our educators deserve respect and fair pay, working families need affordable housing, childcare and living wages, and disaster recovery should focus on long-term resilience so our communities can rebuild stronger.

I bring leadership that is grounded in service, focused on working families, and committed to long-term solutions and economic stability for Avery, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties—and to make sure our voices are heard in Raleigh.

“Our communities deserve leadership that listens and fights for them.”

Why are you running for office?

I’m running because this community raised my family, and I want to give back in a way that creates real, lasting impact. As a social worker and educator, I’ve seen how policy decisions affect people’s daily lives—especially in rural areas. District 85 deserves leadership that understands those challenges firsthand and is willing to advocate for our communities, not just vote and disappear.

What are your top priorities?

My priorities are expanding access to affordable healthcare and mental health services, strengthening public education and increasing educator pay, supporting working families through affordable housing, childcare and living wages, and ensuring disaster recovery policies focus on long-term resilience and sustainability. I also strongly support substance abuse treatment and recovery programs and commonsense policies that help keep communities safe.

How does your background prepare you for this role?

I’ve spent my career working in complex systems—healthcare, education, and public institutions—where collaboration, accountability, and problem-solving matter. As a licensed clinical social worker and administrator, I understand how to listen, evaluate needs, and build solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.

How will you represent a largely rural district in Raleigh?

By showing up, staying accessible, and advocating consistently. Rural communities are often overlooked, especially mountain communities. I will be present in the district, listen to constituents across party lines, and make sure decisions made in Raleigh reflect the realities of Avery, McDowell Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.

Are you focused on party politics or people?

People. I’m a Democrat, but my approach to leadership is grounded in service, not partisanship. I believe good ideas and strong communities don’t belong to one party, and effective representation starts with listening and working together.