Executive DirectorMaria Wise is a native of Western North Carolina and a graduate of North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Biological Science. She has a Master’s degree in Sustainability Studies from Lenoir Rhyne University. Maria worked in biotech in Chicago and in water quality protection in Florida where she also worked to protect manatees and mangrove habitats.
In recent years Maria helped protect farmland in Buncombe County with the Soil and Water Conservation District. There were over 1000 acres of farm and forest land protected with conservation easements under Maria’s guidance. She is passionate about working with farmers and landowners to enhance their properties while also protecting streams and rivers from erosion and runoff. In her spare time, she likes hiking and camping with her family and enjoying the local food scene of Western North Carolina. |
Outreach and Education associateSophie grew up in Winchester, Virginia, where she fell in love with the nature of the Shenandoah Valley. She recently received her Bachelor's from James Madison University with a double major in Technical Writing and Anthropology. During her time at school, she volunteered with state parks, which fueled her passion to pursue a career in conservation and sustainability.
Sophie completed an AmeriCorps position with the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps at Sky Meadows State Park. With the park service, she developed educational programming and projects that helped conserve the park's natural resources. Sophie is now taking her journey to Western North Carolina, where she will learn about and protect the Mills River Watershed. |
Mills River Partnership Board of Directors
Jimmy Cowan | Vice ChairFarm Bureau Federation of Henderson County
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Kieran Roe | Past-chairConserving Carolina Executive Director
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Marc Hunt |MemberCity of Asheville
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Jeff Miller | MemberCity of Hendersonville
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Mark Williams | MemberHenderson County Agricultural Advisory Board
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Christine Wittmeier| MemberHenderson County Board of Commissioners
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Greg Hoyt | MemberHenderson County Soil and Water Conservation District
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Gray Jernigan | MemberSouthern Regional Director of MountainTrue
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Wayne Carland | MemberTown of Mills River
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James Cantrell | TreasurerTown of Mills River Agriculture Committee
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Jay Hawthorne | MemberTrout Unlimited
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Bert Lemkes | Board ChairMember at large
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Stan Cooper | MemberMember at large
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Jeff Chandler | SecretaryMember at large
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