Wayne County, North Carolina — Veterans For America First (VFAF) today announced its endorsement of Jennifer Smith Strickland for Wayne County Commissioner At-Large.
The endorsement is announced by Stacey Davis, VFAF National Ambassador and North Carolina VFAF State Chapter Director, Educational Projects.
Press Release: https://yournews.com/2026/01/22/6243590/vfaf-endorses-jennifer-smith-strickland-for-wayne-county-commissioner-at-large/
Jennifer Smith Strickland is a lifelong Wayne County resident, a conservative Christian, and a seventh-generation farmer in the Rosewood community, with her children representing the eighth generation on the family farm. Raised on her family’s farm, she learned early lessons in work ethic and stewardship through hands-on agricultural experience—values that continue to shape her family life, community service, and approach to leadership.
A 1993 graduate of Rosewood High School, Strickland served as student body president and played varsity tennis. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University and later completed a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska–Omaha. Her professional experience includes municipal recreation, retail, hospitality, and commercial real estate ownership and management.
Strickland has a longstanding record of public service and community leadership in Wayne County. She was elected to the Wayne County Board of Education in 2014 and 2018, serving as Vice Chair and chairing multiple committees. She has also served as President of the Rosewood Elementary PTO, helped revive the school’s Halloween Carnival, and volunteered for Jump Rope for Heart.
For nearly two decades, Strickland has been active in the Wayne County Republican Party, including serving as County Party Chair before stepping down to run for Wayne County Commissioner At-Large. Her leadership roles have included Chair of the Wayne County Republican Women’s Club and service as a delegate to multiple NC GOP conventions.
In addition to her civic involvement, Strickland serves on the Wayne County Crime Stoppers Board, helped found the Crime Stoppers Caper Chase Road Race, and supports community organizations including the Wayne Pregnancy Center, Cry Freedom, and the Kitty Askins Hospice. She is a wife, mother of four, tennis coach, and an advocate for Wayne County’s future.
VFAF noted that Strickland’s platform aligns with priorities important to working families and community stability across Wayne County, including:
Making Wayne County Affordable Again through disciplined spending and broad reductions in home property taxes so families, seniors, and small businesses can remain rooted in the community.
Supporting Our Schools and Students by proactive planning for growth, collaboration with the Board of Education on capacity needs, strengthening school safety, and advocating for competitive pay for key school support staff and bus drivers.
Transparency in County Government to ensure residents have clear, accessible information about budgeting, planning, and decision-making.
Efficiency and Eliminating Waste through regular reviews of county programs and expenditures to reduce redundancy and protect taxpayers.
A County Our Children Want to Come Home To by fostering smart growth, affordability, safety, and pride of place for the next generation.
