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Board of Directors

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:

  • Dr. Connie M. Haire (Past Board Chair)
    Community Leader

Appointed by the Governor of North Carolina:

  • Cathy Robbins (Board Secretary)
    Tweetsie Railroad
  • Grayson Barnette
    Community Leader
  • Jesse Pope (Board Vice Chair)
    Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Appointed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians:

  • Bobby Raines
    Cherokee Preservation Foundation 

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

  • Karen Paar (Past Board Chair)
    Mars Hill University

Appointed by HandMade in America:

  • Becky Anderson (Board Treasurer)
    Community Leader

Appointed by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Board representing arts and culture:

  • Barbara Halsey (Board Chair)
    Community Leader

Appointed by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Board representing economic development and culture:

  • Shana Bushyhead Condill
    Museum of the Cherokee People