BIOGRAPHY
I am a NC native and have lived in Transylvania County since 1998. After graduating from East Carolina University with a BS in Natural Resources Management, I worked for Edgecombe and Buncombe Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) as a Soil Conservationist for a combined total of 7 years. I started as the Education Coordinator for Transylvania SWCD in 2009 and received a Master of Public Administration from Arkansas State University in 2019. I have been the District Director since 2026.
Q & A
Q: What are your job duties for Transylvania County?
My role here is to oversee all the activities of the office including our Agriculture Cost Share Programs that assist landowners technically, as well as financially, with installation of Best Management Practices that improve water quality, enhances other natural resources, and improves the farmer’s overall agricultural operation. I coordinate the removal of debris jams from the French Broad River to allow safe navigation by paddlers and to reduce erosion of valuable soil along the French Broad River. I am also responsible for administering federal and state grants that aid in the repair of eroded areas caused by storms such as Tropical Storm Fred and Hurricane Helene. In addition, I oversee the rental of equipment to assist with agricultural sustainability here in the county. The office also provides quality environmental education programs for citizens of all ages.
Q: What makes Transylvania County so special to you?
Transylvania County is special to me because it is where I call home and where I am raising my family. Both sides of my husband’s family have deep roots in the county- having been here since the 1700’s. Many of his extended family members still call the upper end of the county home, and it is truly a blessing to live in such a tight-knit community. Of course, there is the natural beauty of the county but, to me, what truly makes this area special are the local people and their culture.
Q: In which ways do you hope to improve Transylvania County?
I hope to improve Transylvania County by helping continue its long history of productive agriculture through conservation assistance that improves water and soil quality.