The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (NCSTHL) elected Gaston County resident Gayla Woody as Speaker for the 2025–2027 term. Gayla is a resident of Covenant Village.

Newly elected Speaker Woody unveiled plans for stronger legislative advocacy, improved member training, and deeper collaboration with aging organizations.

Woody, a dedicated advocate for older adults and a seasoned leader in aging services, was appointed as the Delegate from Gaston County in 2022 and has served as Secretary since 2023. Her election as Speaker is a testament to her decades-long commitment to improving the lives of North Carolina’s seniors.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Woody began her service in 1981 at the Gaston County Office on Aging. She later joined the Centralina Area Agency on Aging as an Aging Specialist, supporting counties in developing strategic plans and ensuring compliance with state policies. In 2000, she became the agency’s director, overseeing vital programs such as the Home and Community Care Block Grant Services, Ombudsman, and Senior Community Service Employment Program.

She has served as president of the North Carolina Area Agency on Aging Association (NC4A), on the board of the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A), and as a board member and treasurer of the national association USAging.

Her expertise and vision have shaped aging policies and services across the nation, state, and region. She is also a recipient of the esteemed North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine.   

NCSTHL: The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature was created by the passage of Senate Bill 479 in July of 1993. Its purpose is to identify issues facing older adults across the state and propose legislation to the NC General Assembly that will improve the quality of life. The NCSTHL consists of representatives from all 100 counties.