Leadership Asheville 22 Convenes

UNC Asheville's Leadership Asheville Program held its opening retreat September 18-19 for the 39 new members of the Leadership Asheville 22 class. The retreat kicked off the nine-month program of study, discussion, and service. The participants will explore a variety of topics, ranging from economic development and governance to education and natural resources in Buncombe County.

Founded in 1982 as one of the leadership programs at UNCA, Leadership Asheville helps members develop leadership skills such as consensus-building and collaborative problem solving. Participants also work on service projects related to the Asheville-Buncombe Vision Statement.

For the past 20 years, Leadership Asheville has worked with over 750 men and women who live, work and volunteer in Buncombe County. The programs have helped participants gain a better understanding of the history and potential of Asheville and Buncombe County and helped them to define their personal role in the community's leadership.

Leadership Asheville 22 participants are: Tony Baldwin, Reynolds High School; David Bennert, InnovaTech Services Inc.; Charlene Boettcher, Inn on Biltmore Estate; Ben Bryson, Buncombe County Board of Elections; Marilyn Carter, Meals On Wheels; Jason Chambers, RBC Centura Bank; Missy Corn, Biltmore Farms Inc.; Judy Cuellar, Beverly-Hanks & Associates; Carole Donnelly, Mission St. Joseph's Health System; Meg Dutnell, UNCA; Joan Farrell, Keller Williams Professionals; Jennifer Fuddy, Buncombe County School System; Charlene Galvin, Performance Data Corp.; Eric Grant, Enka High School; Jaime Huffman, The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa; Carla Hughson-Schmitt, consultant; Wayne Hyman, MAHEC; Amy Jackson, The Grove Park Inn Resort; Capi Key, The Grove Park Inn Resort; Bob LeClare, W. P. Hickman Company; Kathleen McNeal, Mission St. Joseph's Health System; David Mitchell, City of Asheville; Erica Muse, STEAM-Asheville; Jim Orr, City of Asheville; Rosie Palmisano, UNCA; Mary Anne Paul, community volunteer; Robin Payne, Volunteer Center of United Way; Fred Plimpton, Asheville-Buncombe VISION Inc.; Elizabeth Pou, Human Resources Consulting; Teresa Proffitt, Buncombe County Tax Department; Max Queen, A-B Technical Community College; Julie Spalla, consultant; Bradley Taylor, Bowers, Ellis & Watson Architects, PA; Bob Wagner, Community Foundation of WNC; Bob Washel, Buncombe County Schools Foundation; Fred West, Progress Energy; Jody Whitehurst, NC Outward Bound School; Junior Woody, City of Asheville; and Carolyn Worthington, Mission St. Joseph's Health System.

For further information on Leadership Asheville, Leadership Haywood, or the Leadership Program at UNCA, call 828/251-6125.

Media Contacts:

• Elise McBride, UNCA Leadership Programs, 828/251-6125
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526