Meet Kelly Cox
Kelly Cox was born on September 16, 1983, and raised in Beaufort County, North Carolina, where he learned the values of hard work, integrity, and community service. His parents, Arthur “Artie” Kelly Cox Jr. and Janice Marie Wallace Cox, set an example of commitment and dedication that shaped him into the person he is today. His father, a 1970 graduate of Bath High School, dedicated his career to Weyerhaeuser in New Bern, ensuring their family had a good life. His mother, a 1971 graduate of Bath High School, chose to be a stay-at-home mom, providing structure and discipline that kept Kelly and his siblings on a strict but nurturing routine.
GROWING UP IN BEAUFORT COUNTY
Growing up with his older sister, Krystal Cox, and younger brother, Kyle Cox, Kelly experienced the deep-rooted values of family and community. He attended Bath Elementary School and later graduated from Northside High School with the Class of 2001. These formative years laid the foundation for his future roles as a husband, father, law enforcement officer, and engaged community member.
EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY VALUES
MEETING HIS WIFE, JORDAN
In November 2004, Kelly’s life changed when he met his wife, Jordan Edwards Cox. At the time, she was 18, and he was 21. From the beginning, he knew she was someone special. Originally from Pitt County, Jordan shared his vision of building a strong, family-centered life. Together, they decided that Beaufort County was the best place to raise their children. Jordan, known for her ambition and drive, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from East Carolina University. Despite a career that often takes her abroad, she balances her work and motherhood effortlessly.
FAMILY LIFE + PARENTING
Together, Kelly & Jordan have been blessed with two wonderful children: their daughter, Audrey (10), and their son, Logan (8). Both children attend Bath Elementary School, just as Kelly did. Audrey initially played youth basketball in Washington but has since developed a passion for weight training, often working out with her father at Fitness Unlimited. Logan is actively involved in Boy Scouts (Pack 258, Pinetown), where Kelly and Jordan volunteer, helping teach valuable leadership skills. Kelly has also had the privilege of coaching Logan’s t-ball and baseball teams, sharing his love for sports and teamwork.
SERVING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Kelly Cox’s dedication to public service led him to a career in law enforcement. After earning Associate Degrees in Arts & Science (BCCC, 2004) and Criminal Justice (PCC, 2008), he joined the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, where he advanced through the ranks to become part of the command staff as a lieutenant. In this leadership role, he was responsible for overseeing the Patrol Division, School Resource Officer (SRO) Division, and Bailiffs Division, leading and managing a team of over 45 deputies. Throughout his tenure, Kelly played a pivotal role in shaping the office by key programs such as community policing initiatives and becoming the crime stoppers coordinator working with the civilian board, further strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the public. In addition to these contributions, he took on critical responsibilities, including overseeing the Sex Offender Registry, managing Civil Process, and serving as the Training Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office. These roles provided him with vital and comprehensive experience in law enforcement operations. However, due to political turmoil and a contentious election cycle, Kelly made the difficult decision to leave the department and transition to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office. This move ultimately proved to be the right one, allowing him to further develop his leadership skills and continue serving the public in a meaningful way. Committed to personal and professional growth, Kelly also pursued higher education, successfully earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Columbia College in 2024.
SERVING CRAVEN COUNTY
Today, Kelly serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), where he was tasked with launching Craven County Crime Stoppers and assisting the Special Operations Bureau with budgeting and day-to-day operations. In addition, he serves as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at West Craven High School, where he works to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. His expertise in analyzing crime patterns, combined with his ability to apply inductive and deductive reasoning, has made him a key figure in proactive crime prevention efforts.
FAITH + COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Beyond his career, faith and community service play a central role in Kelly’s life. Since 2014, he and his family have been active members of First Church of Christ in Washington, where he serves on the security team and Jordan teaches Sunday School. Kelly believes in leading by example—not just in law enforcement, but also in community engagement. Kelly has also served on local boards like the Special Olympics, participated in youth mentorship programs, and hosted “Crime of the Week” segments on WITN-7 and social media, keeping the public informed and engaged.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Over the years, Kelly’s passion for leadership and community trust has only grown. His ultimate goal is to serve the citizens of Beaufort County as their Sheriff. Kelly is passionate about seeing competent, servanthood leadership restored to this office and the citizens to whom the office of the Sheriff serve. Fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and the people he has dedicated his life to protect and serve, Kelly sees a bright and safe future for all of Beaufort County and not just a favored few. Through education, mentorship, and service, he hopes to make a lasting impact on his community. For Kelly, service is more than just a job—it’s a calling. Whether as a husband, father, law enforcement officer, or community leader, he remains fully committed to making a difference here in Beaufort County, leading with integrity, and inspiring others.
