Ben McDonald was born in Jackson, MS and got to Knightdale as quickly as he could. Ben attended and graduated from Wake County Public Schools, and he values the role that a high quality school system plays in a succesful community. From an early age Ben understood the importance of public service. He decided to pursue a career in education by first attending Campbell University and then earning his Masters in Education at North Carolina State University. Ben met his wife Lori in high school; after college the couple married and started a family in Knightdale, North Carolina.

 

Ben has been a Wake County Public School System middle school teacher for fourteen years and currently teaches

Social Studies at Martin Middle School. Ben was elected to the Knightdale Town Council in 2019 and has served since. While serving on Town Council Ben's areas of focus have included building a sustainable and inclusive community, investing in Public Safety, supporting local public education, and planning for a future where no one needs to own a car.

 

Ben has served Knightdale in many capacities including:

CAMPO Board Alternate

Chairman - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Chairman - Land Use Review Board

Knightdale Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee

Knightdale Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

Churchill Neighborhood HOA Board

Knightdale Elementary School PTA

 

When he isn’t teaching or giving back to his community, Ben can be found with his family exploring the many greenways and parks near Knightdale or playing at the beach!