News

Ed foundation welcomes seven new board members

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 5, 2024

The Henderson County Education Foundation on Tuesday announced the appointment of seven new members to its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome such talented and enthusiastic individuals to our board,” the foundation’s executive director, Peggy Marshall, said in a news release. “They bring a wealth of knowledge, a deep passion for our community and a strong dedication to supporting education.” The addition of the new board members will further propel the mission to “invest in and respond to the whole child and the whole school to create a thriving community.”
HCEF is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students and staff by funding innovative classroom projects, providing scholarships for graduating seniors, supporting the arts, mentoring middle and high school students, promoting STEM education and literacy, and nurturing future educators. The foundation also works to bridge gaps in resources, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and experiences necessary for academic and personal growth. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the foundation aims to empower the educational community and fuel the long-term success of Henderson County students.

Incoming board members include:

• Kimbrell Arrowood: A native of Henderson County and a graduate of East Henderson High School, Arrowood earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast media from North Greenville University. For the past two years, she has been the public information officer for Henderson County schools. She and her husband, Tyler Arrowood, a county schools educator, have two children, Westlyn (HCPS Class of 2035) and Marek (HCPS Class of 2039). The daughter of an educator, Arrowood has a passion for the local school system and declares that she is proud to serve what she believes to be the best school district in North Carolina. In her free time she loves spending quality time with family.
• Brock N. Goodling: A financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual, Goodling has served on HCEF committees before joining the board. Goodling received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Anderson University. He has a diverse work background as branch manager, commercial relationship manager in business banking and financial adviser/wealth planner. Alongside his professional pursuits, Goodling actively engages in community service, serving on the WNC Source Board, AB Tech Golf Committee and the HCEF Finance and Fundraising/Marketing Committees. Additionally, he is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma Fraternity and the Henderson County and Asheville Chambers of Commerce. Goodling says he is enthusiastic about joining the foundation board to enhance the Henderson County community by ensuring that the educational system and its beneficiaries have the necessary resources to reach their full potential. He is married with three children, all of whom are either current or former students of county schools.
• Bradley C. Jones: Born in Rome, Georgia, Jones moved to Hendersonville in 1978. His parents, Don and Pat Jones, were both educators who directed Camp Kanuga from 1975-1981. A 1987 graduate of Hendersonville High School, Jones earned a bachelor of arts degree in finance in 1991 and a master’s degree in sports administration in 1993 from the University of Tennessee. He served as a student manager for the UT men’s track and field team that won the SEC and NCAA outdoor titles in 1991. Professionally, he has worked in community banking since 2000 in the Hendersonville market with several state and national banks. Areas of experience include mortgage banking, business and commercial banking, area and branch management, premier relationship banking and financial planning. Currently, he serves as vice president and premier relationship banker for First Citizens Bank and as a registered representative for First Citizens Investor Services Inc.
• Amy Laughter: A retired educator in the county schools, Laughter is a real estate agent with Flat Rock-based George Real Estate Group. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Mars Hill College and a master’s degree from Western Carolina University. She spent 31 years in education, including 16 years as a teacher, 5½ years as an instructional coach and 9½ years as a regional education facilitator. Laughter’s family is deeply connected to the school system. Her husband, BJ Laughter, is a former teacher, coach and principal and their daughter is a graduate of HHS. Dedicated to community service, Laughter is a former president of the foundation. She says she is thrilled to resume her involvement because she believes fervently that “every child deserves to have an amazing educational experience.”
• Jessica Collins McAlister: A Hendersonville native, McAlister served on the foundation’s board from 2017 to 2023 and served as president from 2021 to 2023. After a one-year hiatus, she is returning to support the students and staff of the schools. A graduate of West Henderson High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree from High Point University. Currently a physician recruiter at UNC Health Pardee, she also serves on the Appalachian State University Alumni Chapter Leadership Board. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, sewing and working with her husband on home renovations.
• Michelle Jones Mullinax: A ninth generation native of Henderson County and Edneyville High School graduate, Mullinax is the CEO of Vocational Solutions of Henderson County. Her father, Chat Jones, was a founding board member of the Education Foundation. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Asheville, she has been a CPA for more than 20 years. She has served on the foundation’s Finance Committee for the past year. She and her husband, Todd, have three children. Their son, Jay, a graduate of Hendersonville High School, is currently in law school at Campbell University. Twin daughters Laura and Lily are students in the county schools. In her free time, Jones enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
• Jimmie Lynn Whitmire: After retiring in 2018 after 46 years as a dental hygienist, Whitmire began volunteering with the Free Clinics Dental Division and in the county schools. Whitmire served six years on the foundation board, from 2016 to 2022. She is also a former first grade Sunday school teacher, PTO officer and PTO Parent Advisory Council member. The widow of the legendary basketball coach John Whitmire, Jimmie has deep roots in the school system. She currently serves on the Children and Family Resources Board of Directors. She has a son and daughter-in-law and two granddaughters. In free time, she enjoys her Yorkie, volunteering, scrapbooking and spending time with her family and friends.