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:

• Harry Harrison
• Larry Kernea

Appointed by the Governor of North Carolina:

• John Cooper (Chair) 
• Bill Gibson 
• Cathy Robbins

Appointed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians:

• Joyce Dugan

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

• John Hunter

Appointed by HandMade in America:

• Becky Anderson 
• Geraldine Plato