Born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Kenneth moved to Richmond County after graduating from Newberry College with a Business Management degree. He quickly became ingrained in the community and has served as County Commissioner for 23 years, 21 of which he has been the chairman. During this period he has helped grow the community through economic development initiatives and industry recruitment.

Kenneth has been involved with many civic and community organizations in Richmond and Moore Counties. He has been a member of the Breakfast Lions Club, Chairman of Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Richmond County 2010 Index Committee, Co-Chair of Richmond County Vision 2020 and a board member of the Moore County Education Foundation. His state leadership appointments include the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Advisory Board and the North Carolina Southeast Economic Development Commission. Kenneth and his wife, Claudia, were named 2007 and 2012 Citizens of the Year by the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond Community College Foundation, respectively. Kenneth has been an active member of First Baptist Church of Rockingham and has served on and chaired the Deacon Board and Finance Committee.

Kenneth also has extensive experience in construction and development. He was intimately involved with the development of multiple grocery anchored centers and numerous built-to-suit retail establishments for Dollar General, Advance Auto Parts and others. He has been involved with residential community development at Pinehurst Plantation (now called Mid South Club), National Golf Club and McLendon Hills.

Kenneth helps C.F. Smith Property Group with his experience in all aspects of real estate development and management. In addition to Kenneth’s professional and community activities and responsibilities, he is also an accomplished and award- winning chef.