Apr 10, 2014
Openly-gay Business Leader Seeks Vacant N.C. Senate Seat
Bill Maddalon (Photo via Qnotes)
Charlotte, N.C. – Openly-gay Charlotte business leader Billy Maddalon has announced he will seek the N.C. Senate District 37 seat vacated by new Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter.
"With the impending departure of North Carolina's only openly-gay legislator, Billy Maddalon represents a strong LGBT voice that's desperately needed in the North Carolina General Assembly," said Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality NC. "Maddalon's background, his role as a former City Council member, and his success as an accomplished business leader make him uniquely qualified to legislate and lead on day one."
A native Charlottean, parent, and small business owner in District 37, Maddalon most recently served as a member of Charlotte City Council representing District 1, fulfilling the remainder of Patsy Kinsey’s term when she became mayor. He has also served and chaired on numerous public and not-for-profit boards.
After receiving two degrees at North Carolina State University, Maddalon returned to his hometown of Charlotte and became the managing owner of both The Morehead Inn and VanLandingham Estate, two significant historic properties located in District 37. In 1998, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce recognized Maddalon as “Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Maddalon and his spouse Brooks Shelley and their four teenage sons live in Charlotte, N.C.