Kent has lived in WNC for over 30 years and was the owner of Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in downtown Sylva from 2007 to 2022. He is a long-time member of the Jackson County Greenway Advisory Board and is active on other bicycle advocacy boards.

Jennifer is a licensed recreational therapist in NC and a devoted educator with a background in behavioral healthcare focusing on nature and adventure applications. She is a professor and past Program Director for the Recreational Therapy Program at Western Carolina University, where she advocates for people of diverse abilities to have access to natural spaces. Jennifer can often be found wandering the mountains investigating nature’s small miracles.

Debby is a retired associate instructor of Parks & Recreation Management from Western Carolina University, and a certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide. She has been involved in Jackson County recreation projects since 2006, and is a passionate advocate for making outdoor recreation spaces accessible and acceptable to all populations. As an avid user of the greenways, trails, and rivers in the area, Debby is committed to building awareness to support these incredible spaces in Jackson County.

Jay has practiced law for many years in southwestern North Carolina. He is very active in community affairs in the region, having served in a leadership capacity on many boards, including the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Meridian Behavioral Health, Cullowhee Revitalization, Main Street Sylva Association, and Blue Ridge Health. Jay is an avid hiker and runner. He is a passionate advocate for the environment and the physical and spiritual importance of outdoor health and fitness activities. 

Robin currently owns and operates Robin’s Wellness Place, where she provides nutrition counseling and personal training. She has worked in public health her entire career, serving for more than ten years as the Health Promotion Coordinator for the Dekalb Board of Health. Robin brings to the board many years of experience in grant writing and management, community engagement, and program development. Robin is an outdoor enthusiast and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 1989.

Anne is a project manager at the Southwestern Commission Council of Governments, specializing in economic development. With a background in applied economics and a strong interest in data and analysis, she brings expertise and passion to her work and community. A lifelong resident of Jackson County, Anne has a deep appreciation for outdoor recreation and is committed to improving local recreation facilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring the greenway with her family, or tackling her next ambitious craft project.

Gayle is a retired high school art teacher, former Jackson County Commissioner, and current Board Member for the Jackson County Board of Education. She serves on the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature advocating for health, wellness, and enrichment opportunities for senior citizens. She brings to the board a deep appreciation for the flora and fauna of our region and most especially the people of our community who have called it home for generations.

Leigh Anne is a business owner in downtown Sylva and serves as a commissioner for the Town of Webster. She has a background in environmental education, working as a Backcountry Park Ranger in various national parks before finally coming back home to North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Having traveled broadly, Leigh Anne strongly believes that providing safe, alternative transportation options are essential to our quality of life.