High Country Women's Fund

Ptolemy Allport, Treasurer-Finance: After careers as both an attorney and as a chemical engineer, Ptolemy chose to be a stay-at-home mom and care for her son and twin daughters.

Ptolemy's husband practices medicine in Hickory, but the couple decided to live in Blowing Rock so the children could attend Blowing Rock Elementary School, where Ptolemy has served as treasurer of the PTA.

Ptolemy learned the reporting ropes from founding mother Kim Kincaid last year and takes over the top spot on the committee this year.

Barbara Aycock, Outreach Co-Chair: After a 30-year career as a teacher in Burke County public schools, Barbara and her husband Ellis moved to Avery County where they garden organically and sell produce to local restaurants and at area farmers' markets.

Barbara became involved in the HCWF shortly after the death of her daughter Eleanor. Looking for positive ways to channel her grief, she began an initiative called Eleanor's Gift, which provides help for women with substance abuse issues.

Marion Edwards, Membership: After retiring from ASU, where she served in various capacities and on multiple committees, Marion started a new career as an esthetician and professional makeup artist.

She is co-owner of Beautiful Bride, a company that goes "on location" to do makeup and hair design. She believes in helping women realize their full potential--spirit, soul, and body. Marion is active in her church and sings gospel and jazz in various venues.

Mary Hutchens, Secretary: During a 30-year-career in Virginia's educational system, Mary was an elementary school teacher, a Title 1 supervisor training instructional assistants, and a member of the Virginia Education Association.

On retirement, Mary moved to Boone and became active at Rumple Presbyterian Church. She has been treasurer for the Presbyterian Women, co-chaired the Women's Retreat, and been involved in Circle. Mary is a YOSEF Club member and has been a member of the HCWF for several years.

Jaime Johnston, Communications: A free-lance consultant for a company that produces web-based training for industry clients, Jaime holds a BA in Journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master's in Educational Media from ASU. Jaime lives in Bethel with husband Scott, two dogs, and a pet duck.

Jaime was appointed by the AC last July to serve as Communications Chair and has managed and written the newsletter for a little over a year. She managed and participated in the development of this website, which makes it easier to update and change content.

Judy Painter, Outreach Co-Chair: Prior to starting her family, Judy had a 10-year career in the finance/mortgage business. Later with three little boys, she became extremely active in their schools and chaired the school's largest fundraiser. Judy was also president of the Booster Club.

Judy says she always knew she'd make the High Country home, and she and her husband moved to Zionville a year ago. She wanted to be active in the community and became involved in the HCWF almost immediately.

Mary Painter, Vice Chair: Mary recently moved to the High Country to take the position of Events Planner at the Meadowbrook Inn. She has a 20-year background in corporate sales, marketing, and event planning in the hospitality industry and has also served and worked with non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Hospice.

Mary's main focus on the AC will be to develop a marketing plan for the HCWF. She lives in Blowing Rock with her husband.

Becka Saunders, Allocations Chair: After a career leading or managing travel offices in both Memphis and Atlanta, Becka moved to Watauga County full-time in 1997. She holds a BA from what is now Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.

Becka has served the community in many capacities, associated primarily with the Watauga County school system. She recently completed 10 years of service for the Watauga County Education Foundation and was president for the last two of those years. Becka's passions are educating women and her farm and family. She lives in Bethel with husband Billy Kennedy and looks forward to visits from Amber, Willis, and Jessica.

Gillian Baker: Vice President of Corporate Communications for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Gillian oversees all communications, public relations, and marketing.

Gillian holds a BS in Health Promotion from ASU and a Master's of Healthcare Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. She's been involved in healthcare in Watauga County since 1996.

Gillian and her husband, Bill, live in Boone with their children, Chelsea and Daniel.

Mary Moretz: A Watauga County educator of 37 years, Mary has sponsored award-winning high school clubs. She has received Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Professional Woman awards.

Following retirement, Mary served as a Watauga County Commissioner and championed the building of the new high school, one of her proudest achievements. Mary has served on boards, committees, and organizations too numerous to mention and was inducted into the ASU Rhododendron Society in 2010.

Alice Salthouse: Director of Community Outreach for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Alice works through community agencies and the healthcare system to coordinate health care services for the uninsured, low income, and chronically ill.

Alice holds a BS in Clinical Laboratory Science from Western Carolina University and a Master's in Health Care Administration from UNC. Her experience includes CEO of a small, rural hospital, executive director of a free clinic, and director of clincial laboratory services.

Rebecca Moore: After serving on the HCWF Advisory Council for three years, Rebecca took a part-time, administrative and clerical position with our organization.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Music from the NC School of the Arts and an MA in Women's Studies from Duke. Rebecca is in the process of completing the Integrative Medicine's Health Coaching Professional Training Program at Duke. She and husband Bill are working together to set up a local practice. Rebecca enjoys visiting granddaughter Bella in Alexandria, VA.

Linda Slade: Bringing more than 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and fundraising, Linda is Executive Director of the High Country United Way, serving both Avery and Watauga counties.

As part of her role for the United Way, Linda serves in an advisory capacity for the HCWF, which is an initiative on the United Way.

Prior to coming to the High Country, Linda was Director of Resource Development and Marketing for the United Way of Gaston County, where she was responsible for a $3-million campaign.