In this episode of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Ed sits down with Mike Morgan, the Chief Communications Officer for Henderson County, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes when a county is keeping 120,000+ residents informed, especially during major events like Hurricane Helene.
Mike shares his unique path to county government, including a long run in local media as a former WLOS sports anchor, years in radio, and time in banking and mortgages before landing what he calls his “perfect fit” role with Henderson County. With decades of broadcasting experience, Mike brings a storyteller’s approach to public communication, focusing on sharing clear information and highlighting the positive work happening across the county.
Ed and Mike dig into how Henderson County communicates with residents today, including a growing three-person communications team that manages county updates, social media strategy, public information, and livestreamed board meetings. Mike talks about how the county’s social reach exploded during Helene, hitting millions, and how that visibility helped fuel community support and supply efforts when it mattered most. He also explains how disaster communication forced the county to go old-school at times, printing updates and physically delivering them to fire stations when power and service were down.
One of the biggest takeaways: Henderson County is actively reviewing what worked during Helene and what needs improvement. Mike highlights new efforts to better reach non-English speaking communities through a program connected to UNC Chapel Hill, along with expanded social channels for departments like Parks & Rec, the Health Department, EMS, the Library, and Emergency Management.
The episode also covers some exciting local development, including the future of the Ecusta Trail and the next phase with a highly anticipated bridge that’s expected to become a picture-perfect landmark. Mike also shares details on a major new sports project at Berkeley Park, featuring four full-size FIFA soccer fields, plus tennis courts, a softball field, and updates to the stadium space that supports local schools and events. The goal is to bring in bigger tournaments, boost tourism, and support local businesses through increased visitor traffic.
Keeping it light, Ed throws Mike into the show’s “Finish the Lyrics” segment, and Mike delivers, nailing classic rock favorites and proving he’s still got that radio energy.
If you want a clearer picture of what Henderson County is doing, what’s changing since Helene, and what big projects are coming next, this episode is packed with local insight and community updates. To find county resources or contact Mike, search Henderson County NC online and visit the county communications team page.
