Tiffany Collins' Interview With The Carolina Cornerstone

County Commissioner Candidate Tiffany Collins Interview

Conducted by

Kendal Burnette, Publisher & Editor of the Carolina Cornerstone

Tell us about yourself — background, party, ideology, education, and political career.

My name is Tiffany Collins. I am 37 years old and currently a student at HCC, pursuing several business-related programs with a 4.0 GPA. Before I returned to school last January, I spent over 15+ years working in veterinary medicine in various capacities, including assistant management and veterinary technician roles.

During that time, I had the opportunity to oversee hospital operations and accounting responsibilities, all while serving families who entrusted me to care for their pets with compassion and integrity. I also had the opportunity to work under the guidance of Nick Breedlove, Executive Director of the Jackson County TDA, where I attended board meetings, collaborated with local business owners, and marketed local businesses on social media, all while gaining insight into the tourism industry. I also work part-time as an independent contractor for Magnolia Concierge, a local business that offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of our community, all while continuing my studies and campaign efforts.

As a Republican, I have been actively engaged in our local party for many years, supporting grassroots efforts, assisting candidates, and contributing through graphic design, website management, communications, and community outreach. My husband serves as a detective with the Waynesville Police Department and is also assigned to the K-9 unit, where he works with his K-9 partner Teco. I’m the PROUD mom of a son pursuing higher-level education in wealth and investment management. I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church; however, I respect the diverse beliefs within our community.

Why are you running for Haywood County Commissioner?

I decided to run because Haywood County deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable, and prioritizes the needs of its residents. I had considered running for office for the past year or so; however, before announcing my campaign, I went directly to residents and conducted my own survey to gauge their thoughts on where our county is headed. Many residents shared that they feel unheard, frustrated, and overlooked. After hearing their concerns, I decided to step forward with the hope of earning the opportunity to serve the residents of Haywood County.  

My goal is to bring a fresh, independent voice to the board, one that listens and puts residents above politics and one that isn’t tied to the traditional “good old boy” system. I also believe it’s important to have a younger perspective represented, because our county needs leadership that reflects all generations, not just one. The challenges and issues Haywood County faces affect everyone, and having a balanced board with diverse viewpoints leads to stronger, more well-rounded decisions for our community. I’m a problem-solver by nature, and I’m committed to putting our residents first. Our county deserves a leader who works for the people, and that's why I'm running.

What are your top priorities if elected?

My top priorities are:

·  Accountability and transparency in county government

·  Smart financial stewardship

·  Open communication and community engagement

·  Community safety and clean neighborhoods

·  Sustainable growth and responsible development

Why should voters choose you over other candidates?

Voters should choose me because my focus is on serving the residents of Haywood County through responsible decision-making, fiscal discipline, and transparency. I believe county government should prioritize local needs, protect taxpayer dollars, and plan thoughtfully for long-term growth, infrastructure, and opportunity. My goal is to ensure decisions benefit residents first and strengthen trust between the county and the community.

What experiences prepare you for this role?

I bring practical experience backed by my business education. I spent over 15 years in veterinary medicine, where I handled high-pressure situations while operating with efficiency and a high level of responsibility. I also bring an application-of-theory mindset, using evidence-based approaches to evaluate problems and develop real, workable solutions. One of the most significant accomplishments in my academic career was developing a comprehensive business plan for a 24-hour emergency hospital. That plan included full pro forma financials, feasibility studies, market analysis, and organizational structure. It also required detailed budgeting, risk assessment, and strategic planning, which is the same type of evaluation county commissioners must apply to major county decisions.

My business education equips me with current, practical knowledge in financial management, including budgeting, saving, investments, and long-term financial forecasting. These courses have also prepared me to make informed, responsible decisions while navigating today's economic conditions. Next semester, my course schedule includes business law, which will further my understanding of legal processes, ethical frameworks, contracts, and constitutional law. This will help prepare me to ensure that the board's decisions are financially responsible, legally sound, and always made in the best interest of Haywood County residents.

What kind of future do you envision for Haywood County, and how would you work toward that as a Commissioner? 

I envision a future where Haywood County grows in a way that strengthens, not strains, our community. I envision a future where families can afford to live here, where good-paying jobs are available, where infrastructure keeps up with our growth, and where residents feel heard, respected, and represented. I want Haywood County to be a place where our children can build their futures here without having to leave to find decent jobs and opportunities.

I will work hard to advocate for responsible, sustainable growth that preserves our rural character, because this is important to all of us here in Haywood County.

My vision is a county that invests in its own people first and does not outsource its economic future to surrounding counties. When we outsource, we lose local control, weaken our multipliers, and break the reinvestment cycle that keeps our economy strong.

I will always apply a mindset of smart financial stewardship, where we respect every dollar because every dollar has a face behind it - a taxpayer, someone who worked hard for that money. It should be spent with due diligence, avoiding wasteful spending and redirecting funds to services and projects that benefit our residents.

I want to foster a better working relationship between the county government and our residents. I will always promote transparency and accountability, and through my surveys, people are happy to be included, having the ability to express their opinion and be heard. When people feel heard and informed, trust is rebuilt.

Above all the things I would like to do and advocate for, I will always have a community-first mindset. Every decision I make will be guided by one standard: Does this serve the residents of Haywood County? My priority is the people, and I will do everything in my power to make sure they are taken care of.