A nine-member board of directors provides oversight of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area programs and initiatives. The nine members are appointed by five different agencies named in the authorizing legislation for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Appointed by AdvantageWest Economic Development Group:

• Darin Waters
• Larry Kernea

Appointed by the Governor of North Carolina:

• Bill Gibson (Treasurer)
• Cathy Robbins (Vice-Chair)
• vacant position

Appointed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians:

• Mary Jane Ferguson

Appointed by the Education and Research Consortium of the Western Carolinas:

• Karen Paar

Appointed by HandMade in America:

• Becky Anderson (Chair)
• Gwynne Rukenbrod (Secretary)