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Mount Holly Community Development Foundation Announces First Executive
Director
The Mount
Holly Community Development Foundation announces the appointment of Karen Heroy
as its first Executive Director. After
five years of operating as a grassroots all-volunteer board, the Foundation was
ready to hire a full time administrator to coordinate its numerous programs and
lead the organization into its next phase of growth. The Foundation is at an exciting juncture, with committed board
and committee members working to help the community grow in a manner that is
economically sound and that fosters a vibrant quality of life.
Ms. Heroy, who hails from New York State’s Hudson River
Valley, brings experience in communications, fundraising, economic development
and revitalization -- with a focus on fostering collaboration among public
entities, non-profit organizations and private sector businesses. For the 10-county Hudson River Valley
Greenway, Heroy directed a regional tourism initiative, coordinating the
programs of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Her background includes providing marketing,
public relations and community outreach in a variety of settings: tourist attractions,
a health center and an architectural firm.
While the City of Newburgh, NY underwent its sustainable comprehensive
plan process, Heroy co-chaired its Culture & Heritage committee. Also as a volunteer, she served on the
city’s Arts and Culture Commission, the Preservation Association, and
represented the city in a regional co-op art program.
Ms. Heroy and singer-songwriter husband, Jamie Kay,
decided to move to North Carolina to enjoy its friendlier climate. Since relocating, they appreciate the warm
welcome they have received. Encompassing
her prior experience in the Hudson River Valley, Heroy felt this position “was
written for her”. She explains, “I’m
excited to apply my knowledge of developing a Greenway system, along with other
programs, that contributes to a larger vision of economic revitalization for
the city of Mount Holly. I’m just
changing my focus to a new city and river.”
The mission of the Mount Holly Community Development
Foundation is “to advance the health, general welfare and prosperity of the
Mount Holly Area”. Towards this end,
they have provided seed funding and promotion of the Greenways development,
which will connect to the Carolina Thread Trail; a downtown revitalization and
facade program; hosting a monthly business breakfast and an annual economic
development conference; sponsoring an annual 5K race, which is part of Spring
Fest; initiating the “Autumn on Main” harvest festival and supporting art
events throughout the year. The board
of directors is eager to have a full time executive director to implement the
many community initiatives it has spearheaded, and welcomes Heroy for her
leadership and enthusiasm. To learn
more about the Foundation or to get involved in its projects, please call
704-209-9155 or visit www.mounthollyfoundation.org.
