Jim Hefferan

Position
Mayor Pro Tem

Family
Jim Hefferan has been a Belmont resident since 2012. He was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, where his parents still reside. He has a younger sister who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Jim married his wife Nicole in 2023.

Education
Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with highest distinction from the University of Michigan. Jim received a Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Wake Forest University.

Career
Jim is currently in his second stint as an attorney at the law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP.  Jim also spent five years as a law professor in Charlotte, including two summers teaching at Vilnius University in Lithuania. Jim also serves as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University.

Volunteer Positions
Jim serves as the City Council liaison to the Belmont Main Street Program/Downtown Belmont Development Association and Belmont Trolley Inc. He is a non-voting board member of the Gaston County Economic Development Commission. Jim also serves as a reader at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church and is a member of the Belmont Historical Society. He previously served on the Belmont Planning and Zoning Board, the Belmont Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement Advisory Board.

Hobbies & Interests
Jim is a passionate fan of Wake Forest sports, especially football. Between 2000 and 2019, Jim attended 246 consecutive Wake Forest football games, home and away, and still attends as many games as possible. Jim also enjoys traveling with his wife, and has visited 42 states and over 25 European countries.