Karl Ellis Gillespie is a Republican representing North Carolina House District 120, which includes Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and Macon counties. Born on September 6, 1962, in Franklin, NC, he is a fifth-generation resident of Macon County and serves as House Majority Whip . A communications contractor and farmer, he owns National Communications, Inc. , specializing in low-voltage systems, and operates a registered black Angus cattle operation with 150 cows. He is married to Janet with one child, Logan.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Franklin High School.
• Political Experience:
  • Representative, NC House District 120 .
  • House Majority Whip / Deputy Majority Whip .
  • Macon County Commissioner .
• Notable Positions and Achievements:
  • Chair, Environment Committee; Chair, Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources.
  • Vice Chair, Agriculture Committee; Appropriations Committee; Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs Committee; Wildlife Resources Committee.
  • Co-Chair, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources.
  • President/Board Member, Macon County Farm Bureau ; Vice President, NC Cattlemen's Association .
  • Past Trustee, Southwestern Community College ; Chair, Macon County Planning Board .