President and CEO

EXECUTIVE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Position: President and CEO

Address:       
YMCA of Western North Carolina Association Office
40 N Merrimon Ave., Suite 309
Asheville, NC 28804

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer
committed to being a respectful and welcoming organization where all people can thrive.

The Opportunity - Building a Better Us

Since 1889, the YMCA of Western North Carolina has strengthened the foundations of the communities we serve. We do this by nurturing children, promoting well-being, and giving back to our neighbors in need. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility guide everything we do.

Our association is home to seven fitness centers, an overnight camp, dozens of mobile food markets, youth sports and many other programs. We’re also the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare.

The President and CEO of the YMCA of Western North Carolina will be a thoughtful, mission-driven leader who brings both vision and heart to their work. This individual will guide the organization with clarity and care, building on a strong foundation while helping shape a vibrant future for the Y and the communities it serves.

The new CEO will be a collaborative and inclusive leader who listens deeply, with an openness to all perspectives, and fosters trust across all levels of the organization. With a steady hand and a forward-looking mindset, they will lead strategic initiatives, champion capital development, and cultivate meaningful partnerships that strengthen the Y’s role as a cornerstone of community life.

This leader will understand the unique character of western North Carolina and will be committed to engaging with its people, places, and possibilities. They will be visible and approachable, building relationships that reflect the Y’s commitment to belonging and service.

With experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and operational excellence, the ideal candidate will bring both the skills, and the spirit needed to lead with integrity, inspire confidence, and support a culture of collaboration and continuous growth.

Above all, this person will be a unifier – someone who honors the past, embraces the present, and leads with purpose into the future.

Our Mission

The YMCA of Western North Carolina's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

As a nonprofit, we offer income-based rates to ensure access for the entire community. Donor support funds financial assistance, which is based on need and available resources.

Our Cause

The Y is a powerful association of people of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. 

Belonging Statement

Our commitment to building a better us: The YMCA of Western North Carolina welcomes all. We are made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together, we work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility guide everything we do.

Position Description

The YMCA of Western North Carolina Board of Directors seeks a skilled and experienced individual to build on the past, promote a culture of excellence within the YMCA, and continue to enhance the image of the YMCA in the communities it serves. 

The CEO is responsible for the development, implementation, and articulation of the mission, vision, and goals of the YMCA. This involves building a culture that supports and retains outstanding staff and an active, diverse volunteer Board of Directors and its respective committees. The CEO is expected to be visible in the community and active in the development of meaningful community collaborations with other community organizations, public sector entities, and businesses. The CEO should position the YMCA to be viewed in the community as a highly respected charitable partner with a strong stake in solving community issues. The CEO is responsible for all areas of fundraising, capital plans, strategic planning, budget development, organizational development, program development, marketing, and the overall image of the YMCA in partnership with the board. Other key areas of responsibility include program, membership, volunteer, and staff development. 
 
The complexity of this position necessitates a person who can lead an independent Y, embark on major construction projects, and who has a proven track record that defines the ability to raise contributed support through annual, capital, and planned giving campaigns. Additionally, this leader will serve alongside a YMCA board that focuses on strategic issues, successfully promoting the YMCA’s services and activities to the community, developing and managing staff, and demonstrating solid program development and innovation. These items are critical areas for the new CEO and to the YMCA’s success.

Minimum Criteria for Candidates
•    Accredited four-year college degree or equivalent experience
•    Must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills and personal values consistent with the YMCA mission
•    Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior management role with a YMCA or related experience at a comparable organization with direct supervision of multiple levels of staff and employees
•    Must be able to develop and strengthen community relationships
•    Have the ability to develop innovative programs, review and enhance programs being offered or considered for both economy and the effectiveness in broadening engagement in the communities we serve
•    Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and the securing of grants
•    Fiscally sound business management approach
•    A proven record of accomplishment of progressive budgetary leadership and advanced fiscal management practices
•    YMCA Organizational Leader Certification or ability to achieve within three years

Preferred Criteria for Candidates
1.    A proven track record of budgetary and fiscal management in excess of $20MM annually
2.    Strategic planning and fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and the securing of grants

Key Skills and Abilities

Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan: Work effectively with volunteers, community leaders, and key staff to create and develop a strategic plan that addresses the needs of the communities served by the Y and includes defined organizational strategies, a clear implementation plan with deliverables, and measurable goals. Key competencies: Change Leadership, Communication & Influence, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Program/Project Management

Maintenance and Development of Facilities (Capital Development): Lead the YMCA through stages of a current or future capital development project, whether it’s initial planning, research and viability; architectural and schematic design phases; construction management; or the operational start-up of your new, renovated, or expanded facility. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Program/Project Management, Change Leadership, Critical Thinking & Decision Making.

Organizational Risk: Effective Transition. Building on current culture. Effectively manage the transition from a very successful CEO to new leadership, working closely with staff and the board to build upon existing organizational strengths and to institute new initiatives where desired. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Communication & Influence, Change Leadership.

Steward Fundraising Efforts: Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that will establish the YMCA as a leading nonprofit organization within the community through the engagement of members, volunteers, staff, and donors. Identify the need for successful capital fundraising, while taking the organization to a new level of effectiveness and impact in annual giving and endowment. Key competencies: Philanthropy, Engaging Community, Communication & Influence.

Cause-Driven Leadership: Inspire and mobilize staff, volunteers, members, community members and community partners to strengthen communities for all. Bring together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations to ensure access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. Creates a welcoming, equitable, affirming, genuine, hopeful, and nurturing environment dedicated to making the communities served stronger. Key competencies: Developing Self & Others, Inclusion, Communication & Influence

Fiscal Management: Use high-level financial analysis to forecast financial trends, growth, and stability, while consistently leading an organization to balance or surplus operations by growing earned revenue and contributions and controlling costs. Empower and guide staff leaders to lead their departments to successful financial operation. Develop and implement stewardship strategies. Key competencies: Fiscal Management, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

Position Details

Salary Range: $290,000-$320,000 per year

Benefits
•    12% of salary paid into the Y Retirement Fund for eligible employees
•    Retirement savings options include the 401(a) retirement plan plus a 403(b) savings plan and Roth IRA
•    Ten paid holidays and generous PTO for vacation and sick leave
•    Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and voluntary benefits such as pet insurance available 
•    New employees eligible to use medical benefits on day one of employment
•    Flexible spending account (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA) for medical expenses
•    YMCA Household membership and 50% discount on Y programs
•    Employee Assistance Network

Residency Expectation
The CEO is expected to be highly engaged in our community. Living in the YMCA’s service area is required, preferably in Buncombe County.

Target Dates for the Search Process
•    Resumes accepted through: Aug. 7, 2025    
•    Preliminary interviews scheduled: Sept. 22, 2025    
•    Final interviews: Oct. 6-7, 2025
                
To Apply

Candidates will apply online at: 

https://tinyurl.com/YMCA-WNC-CEO

Application, References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification: 
•    Candidates must upload a PDF of their cover letter and resume with their online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
•    Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification.
•    Successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA’s Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date as the CEO.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Shaneé Jenkins
Sr. Director, Executive Leadership/CEO Search
YMCA of the USA
[email protected] 
(312) 416-0852

Bruce Griffin
Sr. Consultant
North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs
[email protected]
(919) 223-3400  

ABOUT THE YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

History
1889-1899
Asheville was a little more than a village in 1889, with a population of about 10,000, no paved streets, no parks or playgrounds, and not much for young men growing up in the city to do that might not eventually land them into trouble.
A group of upstanding young men – led by one R.U. Garrett – had been meeting regularly to talk and pray about the situation. As attendance at their meetings increased, they urged the formation of a local Young Men’s Christian Association. That fall, at a small but enthusiastic gathering in the Central Methodist Church that was attended by members of the entire city’s denominations, our YMCA was born.

Mr. H.T. Collins was the first president, and rooms were rented in the Harkins Building on Patton Avenue. Mr. H.P. Anderson was selected as the first General Secretary (the forerunner of today’s Executive Director) and arrived in Asheville in October 1889. He set about enlisting the support of the churches, citizens, and the press, all of whom gave the new enterprise their hearty support. The Women’s Auxiliary was perhaps the most significant group in the early history of the Y. This group raised funds, furnished the rooms, and provided music and refreshments for meetings.

1900-1950s
By the turn of the century membership was up to 350, and the Board of Directors decided it was time the Association should own its own building. In 1901, under the leadership of the new General Secretary Mr. O.B. Van Horn, the YMCA did what had been considered impossible. It purchased a building on Haywood Street. By 1909, membership had

increased to 658. The Y remained at that location until 1920, when it sold the building to the Citizen Company.
In 1920 the Y purchased a new building on the corner of Woodfin and Broadway, the former home of wealthy landowner Nicholas Woodfin. Built in 1840 and enlarged to twice its original size in 1922, the magnificent Woodfin mansion served as the home of the Asheville and Buncombe County YMCA for nearly 50 years.

The Y hosted countless programs and personalities and entertained thousands of servicemen during World War II. After the war, Y clubs were formed for local schoolchildren. The Good Life Club, directed by Seth Parkinson, survived the Depression and touched the lives of many youngsters. Mr. H.S. Chapman presided over the building of an athletic field and tennis courts, and the Market Street branch actively served the African-American community.

1960s-1990s
The facility the Asheville YMCA now occupies, just a few yards from the old site, didn’t come easily. The rejuvenation was the dream of Henry Burts, who became the director in 1962. Under his leadership, and with help of people such as Met Poston, Jim Glenn, Foster Aldridge, and many more, the dream was realized in 1970 with the construction of the new facility at a cost of $1 million.

The YMCA expanded its community outreach in 1973 when it was gifted an 8-acre farm on Beaverdam Road in north Asheville, now known as YMCA Youth Services at Beaverdam. The farmhouse was converted into a youth center, housing administrative staff and offering childcare for school-age children and leadership development opportunities. Soccer fields, a playground, a ropes course, and a climbing wall filled the outdoor space. 
In 1986 the Asheville YMCA added a second indoor pool. It renovated the wellness center and added the Buddy Patton Youth Wing in 1997.

When Paul Vest joined the Asheville YMCA as president and CEO in 1996, he worked with volunteers and staff to expand services beyond the Asheville and Beaverdam facilities. With a desire to be more regionally inclusive, the Board of Directors voted to change the association’s name to the YMCA of Western North Carolina in 1998. The organization then began to build relationships outside Buncombe County.

2000s
In the early 2000s, the Y finalized discussions with Biltmore Farms to construct a new facility in south Buncombe County. The Reuter Family YMCA was made possible by the Janirve Foundation’s lead $2 million gift and a successful $6 million capital campaign. The facility was named after Jeannette and Irving Reuter, who started the Janirve Foundation.
During this same time, the Y developed the Corpening Memorial YMCA in McDowell County with major support from the Maxwell M. Corpening Foundation and a $1.5 million capital campaign. The Corpening and Reuter YMCAs opened in March and April 2003, respectively. The YMCA took on the operations of providing school-age childcare in all 16 Buncombe County elementary schools in fall 2006. This program opened the door to serving more than 800 families and close to 1,200 children during the school year.

In 2004, we became one of the first YMCAs in North Carolina to extend the benefits of a family membership to unrelated adults living in the same household.

The YMCA of Western North Carolina took steps to address growing obesity concerns among youth and adults in 2008 by opening the Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin (now the Woodfin YMCA). This facility was designed to serve a growing population that was seeking healthier lifestyles, relationships, and wellness. This work was driven by the YMCA’s national involvement with Activate America and Pioneering Healthier Communities.

2010-2019
The beginning of the decade brought major changes to the YMCA in the United States, when a national rebranding initiative was unveiled. The YMCA of Western North Carolina was an early adopter of the initiative, which updated the Y logo and provided clear, consistent messaging. We also developed and began to implement a 2020 strategic vision with local guiding principles and strategic priorities to support key initiatives in the Y’s focus areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The association began many new initiatives in 2011, including a feasibility study for an overnight summer camp in Swain County, partnerships with Asheville’s Shiloh community and ABIPA to serve African American residents, and LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA to support local cancer patients and survivors. In 2012 the Henderson County YMCA joined the YMCA of Western North Carolina and became the Hendersonville Family YMCA.

The Y’s population health work expanded to nutrition outreach in 2013 and now operates more than 20 monthly mobile food markets to distribute healthy produce at no charge. Throughout the decade the Y also made major headway in serving older adults and those with chronic diseases. Today we offer a variety of in-person and online classes for diabetes prevention, falls prevention, cancer support, Parkinson’s, and more.

In 2014 the YMCA opened a new fitness facility in Fletcher, on the Buncombe-Henderson line. Similar in scale to the Woodfin Y, this center eventually became known as the YMCA at Mission Pardee Health Campus. 

The dream of a summer camp for local children came true in 2016 when YMCA Camp Watia opened near Bryson City. The Y raised close to $5 million in capital development for the project, with leading support from Ken and Nancy Glass and the Glass Foundation. Watia is the country’s 333rd YMCA camp, and one of the first in years to be created from scratch by an association with no existing overnight camp programs.

The association focused on expansion and facility development in 2017. A $1 million lead gift from Jack and Carolyn Ferguson led to the opening of the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler. The Asheville YMCA expanded that year by more than 2,000 square feet, increasing workout space and housing a new hub for nutrition outreach. The association also purchased the Woodfin YMCA building and moved its administrative offices to that site.

In 2018 the Y purchased the Cheshire Fitness Club in Black Mountain and reopened it as the Black Mountain YMCA. The facility is situated near YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, between the downtown Asheville YMCA and the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion. 

The same year, the Hendersonville Family YMCA took on the management of Patton Park and Pool in partnership with the City of Hendersonville. The Y also entered into an agreement to lease the UNC Asheville Kellogg Center for youth services and wellness programming. 

In 2019 Buncombe County Schools chose the YMCA as their management partner for their new Aquatics Center at T.C. Roberson High School.

The association’s annual fundraising campaign surpassed $1 million for the first time in 2019. We provided more than $4.8 million in charitable services to the community that year.

2020-present
The YMCA of WNC entered 2020 at its peak, with annual operating revenue topping $28 million. Membership and program participation were at an all-time high. There was talk of a virus in China and Europe, but we could not foresee what was to come.

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the United States, we soon realized that it was a crisis like no other. We took precautionary measures, such as cleaning more frequently and posting hand washing reminders, but that was not enough. By March 13, we had made the difficult decision to cease operations. Two days later, the state came to the same conclusion, closing schools as well as fitness facilities. The economy seemed to come to a halt overnight.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, the Y stayed true to its mission. As the state’s largest provider of licensed afterschool childcare, we had the infrastructure and know-how needed to step in to prevent learning loss and serve working families. We opened for essential workers on March 16 and went on to operate six remote learning hubs for Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, Henderson County Public Schools, and McDowell County Schools. Throughout the pandemic we adapted our virtual learning program to meet the changing needs of schools and families. We served an average of 450 K-8 students a day throughout the 2020-21 school year.

We quickly pivoted to serve community needs in new ways, such as delivering unprecedented amounts of food to the community through our meal programs and mobile food markets; offering live exercise classes on social media to the public at no charge; making regular check-in calls to our vulnerable members; and presenting community health programs online.

The state allowed us to reopen our indoor pools in June 2020, and we took our group exercise classes outdoors to serve our members in all weather. That practice continued well beyond September 2020, when we reopened our fitness centers under strict safety protocols, including social distancing, improved air filtration, masking, frequent cleaning, and class reservations.

Throughout the pandemic our leadership team and volunteer board worked tirelessly to preserve the Y’s financial stability. Federal funds and private grants, along with generous donor support and members who stayed with us, helped us stay afloat.

However, the financial strain took a heavy toll. We were forced to eliminate many positions and end several programs. In April 2021, we made the difficult decision to close the YMCA at Mission Pardee Health Campus in Fletcher. We also ended our lease agreement at the UNC Asheville Kellogg Center later that year.

Since those dark days, our Y has entered a period of recovery. Membership and program participation are rebounding. Despite ongoing staff shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the fluctuating economy, our Y continues to serve as a beacon of hope for people seeking health and well-being. 

Our Board of Directors approved a three-year Strategic Plan in 2022, focused on greater impact as well as healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. The plan was created with input from a wide cross-section of the community to ensure alignment with the Y’s mission and local needs.

In 2023 we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion and the Reuter Family YMCA in south Asheville. 

The YMCA of Western North Carolina announced a partnership with First Baptist Church of Asheville in February 2023 to work together to meet community needs in downtown Asheville. These efforts are ongoing, and the Y continues to explore options for improvements to the Asheville YMCA. As part of our commitment to greater impact, the Y is also dedicated to upgrading the Hendersonville Family YMCA. Both of these capital projects are essential to the Y’s ability to serve in new, innovative ways that are relevant to the communities we serve.

To that end, we tripled the size of our nutrition outreach hub in late 2023 when we moved operations to a warehouse on Riverside Drive. The new site greatly enhances our capacity to accept, store, and sort food donations, prepare for mobile food markets, and pack Healthy Opportunity Pilot meal boxes for delivery.

Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This unprecedented event took more than 100 lives, including those of several YMCA members. Power and water were out for weeks, and the area’s largest food bank was destroyed. Despite hardships of our own – the Black Mountain YMCA was severely damaged by mud and water, and all operations were curtailed – our Y immediately jumped in to do what we do best. Our staff teams worked around the clock to deliver food to the community and distribute essential supplies. The Corpening Memorial YMCA served as an emergency shelter for the American Red Cross, and we set up mobile power charging and WiFi stations at several locations. We also opened the Reuter Family YMCA to the public for more than 12,000 hot showers. 

Due to the hurricane’s lasting effects, the Board of Directors voted to extend the Y’s current strategic plan through 2026. As our region rebuilds and recovers, it can count on the Y as a steadfast partner. We are here for good, for all.

Current Key Strategic Plan Priorities 

Youth Development: Strengthen and expand programs that address mental health, socialization, academic performance, and workforce readiness FOR ALL youth and teens in WNC.
Healthy Living: Empower individuals and communities across WNC through health-focused programs and partnerships.
Social Responsibility: Embody YMCA values and culture through purposeful actions that foster belonging and strengthen community through love.
Greater Impact: Secure our long-term sustainability through philanthropy, advocacy, and investments in our infrastructure and program development.

Membership
•    Total number of members = 48,776
•    Total number of membership units = 25,798
      o    3% Youth
      o    38% Adults 
      o    25% Household
      o    34% Senior (21.5% of senior units on third-party insurance plans)
•    Member demographics by age:
      o    25% ages 0-17
      o    54% ages 18-64
      o    21% age 65+

Staff
FT = 156
PT = 819

CEO Direct Reports
•    Chief Operating Officer
•    Chief Administrative Officer
•    VP of Development
•    Executive Assistant

Board of Directors 
•    Number of Directors – 24
•    Committees – 6
      o    Executive Committee
      o    Finance Committee
      o    Financial Development Committee
      o    Governance Committee
      o    Facilities Visioning Committee
      o    Community Relationships and Engagement Committee

Financial Snapshot
•    Current annual budget = $29,794,500 ($34.76MM including Intra Y transfer)
      o    15% Contributions and grants
      o    52% Membership revenue
      o    33% Childcare and program revenue
•    Current debt = $12,132,000
•    Current reserves = $14,972,000
•    Current endowment = $3,805,000
•    Prior 3-year increase in net assets per audited statements
      o    2024 = $2,317,253
      o    2023 = $4,990,695
      o    2022 = $1,610,155

Facility Branch Information

Asheville YMCA
30 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC

Corpening Memorial YMCA
348 Grace Corpening Drive
Marion, NC

Black Mountain YMCA
25 Jane Jacobs Road
Black Mountain, NC

Ferguson Family YMCA
31 Westridge Market Place
Candler, NC

Hendersonville Family YMCA
810 6th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC

Reuter Family YMCA
3 Town Square Boulevard
Asheville, NC

Woodfin YMCA
40 N. Merrimon Avenue, Suite 101
Asheville, NC

Resident Camp

YMCA Camp Watia
5030 Watia Road
Bryson City, NC

Youth Services Center

YMCA Youth Services Center at Beaverdam
200 Beaverdam Road
Asheville, NC

Programs (vary by location)

•    Health and Fitness: Chronic condition support, group exercise, healthy aging, personal training, sports, CrossFit,              YMCA360
•    Children and Teens: Afterschool programs, drop-off childcare, youth mental health resources, teen leadership, youth        sports
•    Aquatics: Swim lessons, swim team, lifeguard certification, drowning prevention (Safety Around Water, Buncombe          County Schools Aquatic Center
•    Camps: Half-day camps, resident camp, school’s out camps, summer day camps
•    Community: Financial assistance, food programs, volunteer opportunities

Financial Development

•    Annual Campaign
•    Prior year’s total = $1,368,864 annual campaign
•    Current year’s goal = $1,500,000 annual campaign
•    Current year’s amount raised as of 6/30/2025 = $1,162,000 annual campaign + $598,000 in emergency response          for a total raised of $1,760,000
•    Previous Year’s Campaign Impact
•    Total amount awarded in financial assistance to individuals = $4,033,118 
•    Total community benefit = $6,496,043

AREA POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS

Buncombe County

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Buncombe County is a region of rolling ridges, creative energy, and vibrant community life. Home to nearly 280,000 residents as of 2024, the county blends natural beauty with a forward-thinking spirit. Its population reflects a rich tapestry—predominantly White, but with growing Latino, Black, and multiracial communities adding to its cultural depth.

The beating heart of the county is Asheville, a city known for its arts, breweries, historic charm, and progressive vibe. Beyond the city, Buncombe's towns and rural areas hum with stories of family farms, Appalachian heritage, and close-knit neighborhoods.

Economically, the county leans on pillars like healthcare, retail, and hospitality, with many locals employed in service and care-driven industries. The typical household earns around $70,000 per year. Education is another key thread in the county’s fabric. Over 92% of adults have finished high school, and nearly half hold a college degree. 

Buncombe County is where mountain landscapes meet open minds—an evolving crossroads of tradition, innovation, and resilience. Whether drawn by its natural charm or its welcoming spirit, many who arrive end up calling it home.

Henderson County

Cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Henderson County is a place where scenic beauty meets a steadily growing and evolving community. As of 2024, the county is home to just over 120,000 residents, many of whom are drawn to its mild climate, mountain vistas, and small-town charm.

The population here skews older, with a median age of 48.1 years, and more than 27% of residents are over the age of 65. This makes Henderson one of the more retirement-friendly counties in the state, offering a peaceful pace of life and a strong sense of community. But it’s not just retirees. Families and young professionals are increasingly calling the area home, contributing to a diverse and multigenerational population.

Economically, Henderson County is stable and service-oriented. The median household income is around $61,974, and the poverty rate sits at 10.4%, slightly below state and national averages. The local economy is anchored by healthcare, retail, tourism, and agriculture, with a strong tradition of apple farming that still shapes the region’s identity.

Housing remains relatively affordable compared to nearby urban centers. The median home value is about $317,800, and 74% of homes are owner-occupied. Most residents commute to work, often driving through winding mountain roads or along the I-26 corridor.

Education and connectivity are strong suits. Over 91% of adults have completed high school, and 35% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

In many ways, Henderson County is a blend of tradition and transition, a place where Appalachian heritage meets modern aspirations. Whether you're strolling through the historic streets of Hendersonville, hiking in DuPont State Forest, or enjoying a crisp apple cider at a fall festival, the county offers a lifestyle rooted in nature, neighborliness, and quiet resilience.

McDowell County

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, McDowell County is a place where Appalachian roots run deep, and community ties are strong. With a population of just over 45,000 as of 2024, it’s a county that balances small-town charm with the quiet hum of steady growth. The median age is 44.3 years, reflecting a population that leans slightly older than the state and national averages. About 22% of residents are over 65, while nearly one in five are under 18—a blend of generations that gives the county both wisdom and youthful energy.

Economically, McDowell is modest but resilient. The median household income sits at around $55,500. The county’s workforce is grounded in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. The labor force participation rate is just over 53%, and many residents commute to work in Asheville, Black Mountain, and other neighboring communities.

Housing in McDowell is relatively affordable compared to urban areas. The median home value is about $168,300, and 74% of homes are owner-occupied. Education levels reflect a working-class community: 86.1% of adults have completed high school, while 17.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

McDowell County may not make national headlines, but its story is one of quiet perseverance, natural beauty, and a community that values its past while steadily shaping its future.

Western North Carolina Amenities and Attractions 

•    Biltmore Estate: Tour America’s largest privately-owned home, with gardens, a winery, and fine dining.
•    Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and overlooks like Craven Gap and Mount Pisgah.
•    The North Carolina Arboretum: Explore botanical gardens and forest trails nestled in Pisgah National Forest.
•    Nantahala Outdoor Center: Experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting or tubing on rivers in four states.
•    Arts and Culture: Creativity is in the air, with fine artists, mountain crafters, folk artists, musicians, and numerous        art galleries and performing arts venues.
•    Food Scene: The region boasts a nationally recognized food culture, with farm-to-table restaurants and a focus on local agriculture.
•    Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages stay active with scenic hiking, biking, ziplining, kayaking, waterfalls, horseback riding, and trail running.

Additional Information

-    YMCA of Western North Carolina: ymcawnc.org
-    Asheville: exploreasheville.com
-    Buncombe County: Buncombe County, NC | Official Website
-    Henderson County: hendersoncountync.gov 
-    McDowell County: mcdowellgov.com