Richard L. Lasher was recently named executive director of UNC Asheville’s new Family Business Forum. He replaces interim director R. James Henderson.

Lasher held a variety of positions with Rheem Manufacturing Co. and Beacon Manufacturing Co. He served as general manager of Revco/Lindberg’s Laboratory Products Group until retiring in September 1995. Since that time, he has been involved with the WNC Nature Center and in community projects in north Buncombe county. He currently serves on Western Carolina University’s School of Business Advisory Board and frequently lectures to business classes at WCU and Mars Hill College.

UNCA’s Family Business Forum, the first program of its kind in the region, was developed to enhance the continued viability of family-owned businesses in the Asheville area. Membership in the forum is open to firms that have a family member with controlling interest in the business and at least one family member currently employed in the business. In addition to seminars and workshops, members will receive current research and articles on family business issues, a quarterly newsletter, and the opportunity to network with other family-owned business members who face similar challenges of perpetuating a family business.

For more information about membership, call Lasher at 828/251-6797, voice box 8003.