Meet the Candidate

Cody Lewis was born and raised in the Little Savannah community of Jackson County by his parents Tim & Margie Lewis. He attended Rosie Reeser’s ABC School, Fairview Elementary, and Smoky Mountain High before enrolling at Florida State University. Following graduation with an undergraduate degree in Real Estate and Management, Cody completed an internship in the State Legislature with Democratic Representative Adam Fetterman. Cody then began a career in community banking while completing his MBA in Finance at Florida State University and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Focusing the bulk of his career in commercial banking, Cody is proud to have helped hundreds of small and family-owned businesses and non-profit organizations begin and grow their operations while serving as Vice President of Commercial Lending. Following his banking career, Cody served as the Chief Financial Officer of a pharmaceutical consulting company before moving back to Sylva. In 2014 he opened TopCat Mobil on US 441 in partnership with his brother, continuing four generations of service station operation by the Lewis family in Jackson County. The brothers most recently held a grand opening of TC’s Pro Hardware just down the road at TopCat Exxon, with more projects underway. Cody has served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Jackson County since 2021 and sits on the Board of the Florida State University College of Business. He will strive to work hard for the citizens of Jackson County and attempt to live up to the public service standards set by his grandfather, the late TC Lewis, former Mayor of Sylva and Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Cody is married to his wife Melissa of more than twelve years, who serves as the Executive Director of the newly formed Jackson County Public Schools Foundation and Vice President of the Fairview School PTA in addition to working in the family business. They enjoy spending time with their two children Carter and Tessa traveling, riding horses, playing basketball, and attending dance competitions.