Meet Cathy
Committees & Community Involvement
Appointed Member, North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission
Co-Creator, Gaston County Domestic Violence Prevention Council (1995–2017)
Former Member, Gaston County Health Care Commission
Member, Rotary Club of Gastonia
Sustainer, Junior League of Gaston County
Member, North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Board Member of Gaston County Museum of Art & History
Board Member of Gaston County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Member of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Member of the Major William Chronicle DAR Chapter, Gastonia
Vice-Chair Gaston County Board of County Commissioners December 2024-December 2025
Honors & Awards
Cathy’s work and leadership have been recognized at both the local and state levels, including:
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, State of North Carolina (2018)
Harley B. Gaston Jr. Public Service Award, Montcross Chamber of Commerce (2018)
The Shelter of Gaston County renamed the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center by the Gaston County Board of County Commissioners (2018)
Gaston County Person of the Year, Gaston Gazette (2011)
Featured in Gaston Woman’s Magazine (2009)
Gaston County Woman of the Year (2008)
Gaston County Employee of the Year (2007)
Outstanding Advocate for Children, Interagency Child Abuse Council (2006)
Finalist, Gaston Business Association of the Year (2002)
Recognized for Exceptional Leadership and Dedication (1998)
Gaston County Outstanding Employee of the Year (1996, as Cathy Barrett)
My name is Cathy Cloninger, and I was elected as your Gaston County Commissioner in 2022, representing Dallas Township and the people of Gaston County.
I am a lifelong resident of Gaston County and have dedicated more than three decades of public service to the community I proudly call home. I was born and raised in Cherryville, graduated from Cherryville High School, and attended Mars Hill College.
I have been married to my husband, Retired Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger, for 27 years, and together we have raised two children. Today, we are also proud grandparents to two grandchildren.
I am a lifelong conservative Republican, guided by my faith in God, and I am a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Dallas.
I devoted my 34-year career to serving the people of Gaston County, beginning in 1983 as a part-time social worker and working throughout my career to support victims of domestic violence. After retiring in 2017, I was honored when The Shelter of Gaston County was renamed The Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center – A Domestic Violence Shelter in recognition of that work.
As your commissioner, I bring practical experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to listen, ask the hard questions, and work toward the best outcomes for our citizens. To better serve Gaston County, I have visited more than 60 county departments to understand county operations and build strong relationships with those who serve our community every day.
Thank you for your support and for your continued investment in Gaston County — a place we are proud to call home.
“I am running for Gaston County Commissioner because
I have a deep love for Gaston County and the people who call it home. My knowledge of the community, its history, and its long standing relationships, combined with my experience working with the county, allows me to understand how local decisions affect our citizens. I want to use that experience to make thoughtful, responsible decisions that strengthen our communities and serve Gaston County well.
County Commissioner Cathy Cloninger is a visionary who does her homework and is not afraid to ask the hard questions to bring about the best results for the future of Gaston County. Cathy is a product of Gaston County values, values that focus on faith, family and community. Values that honor hard work and honest living. Values that uphold the Golden Rule - doing unto others as you would do unto yourself.
“Serving as your Gaston County Commissioner is such an honor. Since being elected to this position in 2022, I have had the privilege of meeting wonderful citizens, working alongside dedicated community partners and focusing on the issues that matter the most to our county. There is still important work ahead, and with this in mind, I have officially filed to continue serving our community. I will continue to ask the hard questions because the answers to these questions lead to better answers for Gaston County. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for walking alongside me as we continue building a strong, safe and thriving county for all. My commitment stays the same.”
“It has been my pleasure to work with Cathy Cloninger on her health and wellness journey, and from day one she has shown unwavering determination, discipline, and focus. Cathy sets goals—and then she goes to work achieving them. That same work ethic doesn’t stop at the gym; it’s the foundation of how she serves our community.
Cathy is the kind of leader who truly shows up. She takes the time to meet with small business owners like myself, not just to listen, but to be genuinely invested in our success and the programs that strengthen our local economy. Her leadership is grounded in integrity, accountability, and compassion, paired with a willingness to listen, learn, and put in the hard work required to make meaningful change.
She leads by example, with purpose and heart, and consistently demonstrates the values our community deserves. Cathy Cloninger is fit for duty and ready to do amazing things for Gaston County. Our county will be stronger, healthier, and more connected with her leadership as County Commissioner.”
-Jacob Hoyle- Owner FITVIEW Wellness LLC