Andy Lynn
Robbinsville – The Graham County Republican Party acted swiftly to fill the void left by Debra “Hank” Dinschel’s sudden resignation from the board of education, publicly announcing a nominee for the seat Saturday.
Andy Lynn will appear before the school board at 2 p.m., Tuesday as the local GOP’s pick to finish out Dinschel’s term, after the latter abruptly submitted her letter of resignation March 27 – a mere 17 months into her first term.
Per North Carolina General Statute 163.114, the resignation of any elected official from a county-level position will be filled by appointment of the political party in which the vacancy occurs.
The entire Graham County Board of Education is Republican; Dinschel beat out Democratic nominee Maria Shook in November 2022, following a finish that underwent several recounts by the local board of elections to affirm the outcome.
The seat will next be up for grabs as part of the 2026 election cycle.
Graham County GOP Chairman Blair Stewart told The Graham Star that the scramble to begin the selection process ended up being an efficient “team/group effort” with the party’s executive committee.
In a letter formally presented to school board chair Rodney Nelson, the party decreed Lynn as the nominee – following a Saturday meeting at the county courthouse.
“We feel with his military and public service experience, as well as his commitment to training our youth, Andy brings an ability to quickly evaluate, assess and make a sound judgment decision on matters appearing before the board,” reads a portion of the letter. “Along with his Christian faith, we believe he will bring genuine care and concern to this position.
“His servant’s heart and willingness to accept this role in short order speak volumes about his character and love for Graham County.”
A certified flight paramedic, Lynn has worked for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Graham County Emergency Management Services and has been employed by Erlanger Life Force Aeromedical Services since September 2022.
He holds an Associate’s of Applied Science – with a concentration in Emergency Medical Science – from Tri-County Community College.
Born in Bryson City, Lynn is a lifelong resident of Graham County. He served in the North Carolina Army National Guard from 1991-2005, with the 210th Military Police Company in the Murphy detachment. While in service, he worked disasters such as floods, hurricanes and actively assisted during the famed “Blizzard of ’93.”
Additionally, Lynn was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq to serve as a military policeman from February 2003 – June 2004. Lynn and his wife Cheri have two sons, Justin and Ryan; the couple has also collaboratively coached the Robbinsville Shooting Team since 2014. Lynn is a NRA-certified pistol instructor; N.C. Wildlife Hunters Safety Course instructor; and a N.C. Department of Justice Concealed Carry Handgun instructor.
Lynn unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the county’s board of commissioners in 2022, losing by just one vote in the primary to Natasha Williams. The latter went on to be elected into office and currently serves as the board’s vice chair.
Dinschel cited health concerns as the factor behind her resignation from the board of education.