A native of Western North Carolina, Bailey has more than 25 years of experience working to protect, equip and empower vulnerable citizens across the Carolinas. Her first day as executive director of the foundation will be Sept. 1. 

“I’m excited to join the community of nonprofits in Western North Carolina doing incredible work to improve the health and well-being of residents across our six-county region and the Qualla Boundary,” she said. “I’m looking forward to partnering with them to further their impact and mobilize our mountain communities to address the root cause of issues creating health disparities in the region I consider home. Together, I’m confident our investment in improving lives will create effective change for generations to come.”

Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of North Carolina, Asheville and has worked for 12 years in various public and not-for-profit roles.

Visit www.nantahalahealthfoundation.org to read biographies for each of the current board members.