John F.A.V. Cecil

A native of Asheville, N.C., John “Jack” Cecil is the President and CEO of Biltmore Farms. The fourth-generation family-owned business has focused its efforts on community building through developing an extensive portfolio of real estate projects. A self-proclaimed creative dyslexic, Mr. Cecil said, “I connect the dots that most people don’t see.” He has deep roots in Western North Carolina and for decades has worked to improve the health, education and employment for all. “The real motivator for me is trying to grow the incomes of the people of Western North Carolina,” said Mr. Cecil. He has been involved with multiple boards and commissions, including the UNC Board of Governors, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Research Triangle Foundation and the Institute of Emerging Issues at N.C. State University.

Mr. Cecil is a graduate of St. Mark’s School, earned his Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Masters in International Management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird).