Board Chair

Current Profession or Career Title:
Independent Attorney

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”My interest in working with OpenDoors stems from the intensive, focused approach the non-profit takes toward helping young people combat their socio-economic struggles holistically by addressing the underlying causes of the educational and financial difficulties these young adults face.”

Board Secretary

Current Profession or Career Title:
Community Volunteer

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”When my own son was diagnosed with dyslexia he was able to get the support he needed to unlock his true academic potential, and I want to help other children have this same access to best-fit education. Supporting our students and their families with a whole child approach through educational access, enrichment opportunities, and advocacy ensures they have the tools to succeed. I am inspired by their resilience and am honored to be a part of the OpenDoors community.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Head of School at Odyssey Community School

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”As a Career Social Worker and Educator who has served in the Asheville community for over 20 years in different capacities, from education to the criminal justice system, I am so happy to be back with the OpenDoors Asheville board. I look forward to the amazing work that we do.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Accounting & Finance Professional and Accounting Manager

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”OpenDoors Asheville is helping students in our local community that are living in poverty to change their lives. They help to provide so many things to these students, but the most important thing that OpenDoors provides is hope.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Corporate Benefits and Payroll Consultant

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”As a former educator and a strong ambassador for inclusivity, I chose OpenDoors because of the organization's strategic values that align to the needs of underrepresented groups in the community of Asheville. Greatest is only determined by services. And if we are going to be great, then we need to learn how to serve others. OpenDoors reintroduces this notion back into my life. And for that I am grateful!”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Community Volunteer

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”At this point in my life I want to be able to help causes that mean something to me and are special in my heart. OpenDoors allows the perfect opportunity to serve in that way.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Venture Capitalist

Why did you choose OpenDoors?:
”As a former educator, I have seen firsthand that a child's success is influenced by opportunities they can access, both inside and outside of the classroom. This is why I am passionate about supporting OpenDoors Asheville, whose whole family whole child approach recognizes the importance of providing academic and extracurricular support to children and their families. As a board member, I want to help students and their families thrive by expanding access to all the resources Asheville has to offer.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Artist

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
”As a former educator, I believe all children should have access to the resources and disciplines education offers. As a practicing artist, I value creative thinking as a portal to open eyes and minds to a world of imagination, materials, and processes. OpenDoors of Asheville is a bridge connecting children and families to educational and cultural resources.”

Board Member

Current Profession or Career Title:
Retired Eaton Corporation Vice President

Why did you choose OpenDoors?
"Carol and I have sponsored, each year, two 4 year need-based minority college scholarships. We discovered that it is very difficult to administer a need-based scholarship unless one knows the whole background and family of the student. OpenDoors’ whole family approach was a perfect fit for these scholarships and OpenDoors had a need as their students were just ready for college. We now have confidence that these scholarships are very professionally administered and meet our original goal of encouraging others to participate."