Since our designation as a National Heritage Area in 2019, our organization has grown from a small staff of three to a strong team of seven. Our Management Plan was approved in August 2023, providing direction for the future. Now, we are preparing for another big change. Our longtime leader, Phyllis Baxter, will step down in 2024, and Logan Smith will step up to become our new Executive Director.
Phyllis has been involved with the Appalachian National Heritage Area (AFNHA) since the beginning. For over 20 years, she has helped achieve all our important milestones. She has provided excellent vision and leadership at every step. She was there for the initial stakeholder meetings that helped establish the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area (AFHA) as a non-profit organization. Phyllis was instrumental in starting our long-running AmeriCorps program and advocating for the congressional legislation that established our National Heritage Area, creating AFNHA.
Logan has been involved since 2008 and, as Deputy Director, has supported much of the day-to-day operations of our organization. Now he will take on a larger role of leadership in managing and planning our programs.
To assist with the long-term development of our organization we have also brought on Larry Jent as Fiscal Sustainability Director. Larry brings deep connections to Appalachian culture and a wealth of experience in nonprofit management. He will help us begin our next chapter as we plan for our future.
Help us recognize these accomplishments and welcome this new era at our upcoming celebration: Friday, January 26, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center (101 Railroad Ave, Elkins). Come and go as you please.
Presentation at 5:30.
Light refreshments will be served.
Virtual attendance will be available 5:30 - 6:30: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89433093280
