BRPF announces new officers with Patrick County ties
Two of the newly appointed officers are tied to Patrick County.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation recently appointed new board officers and members to the organization’s Board of Trustees and Council of Advisors. Two of the newly appointed officers are tied to Patrick County.
The group will provide leadership for the nonprofit organization, which partners with the National Park Service to preserve and enhance the country’s most-visited national park unit.
Combat food insecurity in our community! Plenty! Farm and Food Bank provides fresh produce and pantry staples to those in need.
Learn more at www.plentyfoodpantry.org.
The Board of Trustees elected the following officers:
- Former Vice Chair Sam Johnson of Dahlonega, Georgia, was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. He is a partner with Nautilus Strategy Group.
- Former Secretary James Houchins of Stuart was named Vice Chair. He is the Director of Tourism and Marketing for Patrick County.
- Roberts Bass of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Meadows of Dan was selected to be Treasurer. He serves as a fractional CFO.
- Marsha Ralls Hershman of Asheville was selected to be Secretary. She is the Founder and CEO of The Phoenix Wellness Retreat.
(Left) James Houchins of Stuart and (right) Roberts Bass of Meadows of Dan. Photos and logo submitted
The Board of Trustees also includes Deanna Ballard, Whitney Brown (also of Meadows of Dan), Tommy Cabe, Charles Hauser, Ben Hill, David Huff, Bronwyn Lance, Tim Maloney, Robby Ray, and Ken McFadyen.
“It’s an honor working hand-in-hand with the Foundation’s staff, Board of Trustees, Council of Advisors, National Park Service, and our many community stewards to help preserve the Blue Ridge Parkway for future generations,” Johnson said. “Our mission is simple: increase awareness of the national park’s rich culture and history, protect natural resources, enhance visitor enjoyment, and create fulfilling and memorable Parkway experiences.”
The Council of Advisors most recently welcomed Melissa Booth, Katy Clune, Rob Griffin, Daniel Key, Omari Simmons, and Zoe van Buren. The council also includes Alfred Adams, Becky Anderson, Jack Betts, Louis Bissette, Jr., Philip Blumenthal, Paul Bonesteel, Vivianette Ortiz Caraballo, Hobie Cawood, Harvey Durham, Broaddus Fitzpatrick, Donald Gest, Peter Givens, Brian Gulden, Charles Higgins, Sean Higgins, Michael Hobbs, Raymond Hornak, Jim McDowell, John Mitchell, Phil Noblitt, Rebecca Reeve, Bob Shepherd, Elizabeth Skinner, Jerry Starnes, Gary Stewart, Bob Stout, Cynthia Evans Tessien, Anne Mitchell Whisnant, Brad Wilson, and Jennifer Zuckerman.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the fundraising partner for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since 1997, the nonprofit has provided more than $26 million in support for the country’s most visited national park unit.
To learn more, visit www.BRPFoundation.org.
