Jackson County Planning Director for 4 years.

Education: NC School of Government, certified in the following: County Administration, Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, Zoning Official, and Floodplain Management. From the Division of Emergency Management: Public Information Officer.

Family: Four children, three grandchildren.

We Asked:
1: How did you become interested in your profession and what brought you to your current job?
2: What do you like most about your job?
3: What do you like least about your job?
4: What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
5: What is your favorite leisure time activity?
6: What is the last book you’ve read/movie you’ve seen/music you’ve heard that inspired you?
7: Tell us about a person or organization in Jackson County whose work you admire?
8: What keeps you living in Jackson County?
9: Where is your favorite place in Jackson County?
10: What is your hope for the future of Jackson County?

1: For the past 27 years I’ve worked in the local government system. I started out as secretary to the county administrator, and later, I was appointed as clerk to the board, then budget officer, and within four years, Swain County Administrator. I became increasingly concerned about our communities and wanted to be a part of decisions and planning that would result in a positive, significant impact in Western North Carolina. Four years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to work in Jackson County as Planning Director. I wasn’t quite sure where this path was going but knew it made sense for me. I was impressed that the Jackson County Commissioners and County Manager were progressive thinkers, concerned about the future of this county and ready to make a difference.

2: I truly enjoy working with the many state, federal and local agencies and all the county departments for the common good of the county. It is a joy to be part of creating and developing plans that will make a difference in our community for future generations. Sowing seeds today to be harvested for many generations to come.

3: That’s a tough question. I can’t think of anything that I truly dislike about this job. Perhaps the most difficult process is assuring compliance of various regulations from local, state, and federal agencies on the same issue.

4: The best advice I received was from my mother when she told me to “believe in myself.” I admit that at times it was difficult to do so, but I’ve discovered that life gives you little choice to do otherwise. Believing in your self is often the only option. Throughout the years, it had helped to be surrounded by those who have supported my success.

5: Finally, a question I can have fun with. I love to dance and have belonged to square dance clubs and shag dancing clubs. I enjoy playing music with family and friends (for our own entertainment) on a weekly basis. They have endured my learning to play bass guitar and have actually encouraged me to continue. Family time with my children and grandchildren is most precious. When they were young we enjoyed many camping trips. Now I look forward to the holidays, birthdays, weddings, and the births of new family members; no matter how busy our lives are we always come together for these special occasions.

6: The last book I read was The Education of Little Tree, a short book with valuable lessons. I enjoyed watching “Happy Feet” with my young grandson Kort at his home in Florida. A song, my goodness there are so many it’s difficult to select just one. But since I must, I’ll admit the song “One Day At a Time” has helped me through many days.

7: There are so many, certainly the women featured here are mentors and all women to be admired. I have been privileged to work with many individuals, committees, clubs, boards, and organizations over the years. At present, one entity that I am especially honored to work with is the Jackson County Planning Board. They are extremely committed working many hours as volunteers for the future of Jackson County. One organization I must mention is the Southwest Planning Commission. Bill Gibson and Vicki Greene are great contributors to local governments across the seven far western counties. Their guidance throughout the years made a tremendous impact on my career.

8: Jackson County is a wonderful place to live and work. My roots are in this county. My mother was a Settlemyre, raised in the Wilmot Community. I raised my children in Swain County having worked and lived there for 30 years. One thing is for certain — I will never leave these Western North Carolina mountains.

9: I can’t say that I have a favorite place, there are many. However, my grandson Brandon and I walked the Whiteside Mountain Trail a couple of years ago. The views are awesome. The experience of the day spent together was wonderful.

10: My hope for Jackson County would be to retain the charm and character of our mountain culture. I want Jackson County to not only be the place we call home but also a place we still recognize as home, always welcoming its children with outstretched arms. I want it to be a place of abounding goodness, a place to enjoy the clean, clear waters of the rivers and streams and untarnished, amazing views. I want it to be a place our children hold dear in their own hearts, with remembrances of splashing in creeks, walking in undisturbed forests, and sitting around Grandma’s kitchen table. I would hope the mountains and valleys could be protected from undisciplined growth that destroys the beauty we hold so dear. The growth is coming — that’s a fact — but I hope that through joint efforts we can direct and guide the growth and not allow it to destroy or consume what we have worked so hard to protect.