0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 5
2024 Impact Report
Accredited Land Trust
FCNC Employees
Conservation has the power to connect communities.
Andrew Kota, Executive Director
Tom Kenney, Land Protection Director
Ryan Sparks, Stewardship Director
Shane Prisby, Trails Program Director
Katherine Ehrlichman, Marketing and
Development Director
Brittany Watkins, Community Engagement Manager
Annette Henson, Of昀椀ce and Finance Manager
Katelyn Nelsen, Land and Stewardship Manager
Michael Gaffney, Conservation and GIS Specialist
Ian Spinelli, Marketing and Development Manager
Since 1995, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
(FCNC), a private, 501(c)(3) nonpro昀椀t land trust,
has worked tirelessly to conserve treasured natural
places for the people of Western North Carolina. Our
community of dedicated supporters shares our deep
commitment to protecting the natural spaces that
de昀椀ne this region.
Since 2010, FCNC has been proud to be part of a
network of over 470 nationally accredited land
trusts, af昀椀rming our dedication to conservation
excellence, sound 昀椀nancial management, responsible
governance, and lasting stewardship. The process of
national accreditation requires us to submit extensive
documentation to the Land Trust Accreditation
Commission and undergo a comprehensive third-
party evaluation of our policies and procedures every
昀椀ve years. The rigorous accreditation process has
strengthened our land trust and reinforced our ability
to protect vital landscapes in perpetuity.
In conjunction with other accredited land trusts, we
uphold the highest ethical standards and inspire
con昀椀dence in the communities we serve. Through
our community-focused conservation efforts, we are
committed to protecting lands and waters that bene昀椀t
everyone – for now and forever.
Board of Directors
Jeff MacKinney, Chair – Burke County
Meg Nealon, Vice-chair – Catawba County
Sallie Craig, Treasurer – Cleveland County
Jim Goldsmith, Secretary – McDowell County
Christopher Aiken – Caldwell County
Jen Billstrom – McDowell County
Nell Bovender – Rutherford County
Ann Costello – McDowell County
Allen Fullwood – Burke County
Kelly Hawkins – Burke County
Phetoudone “Pat” Nivanh – Burke County
Susan Powers – Caldwell County
Francisco Risso – Burke County
Jim Sain – McDowell County
Jerry Stensland – Rutherford County
Alisha Stamey – Alexander County
Martha Whit昀椀eld – Burke County
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