Heather Murphy, CFRE
Executive Director
heather@healthywilkes.org
Having lived in Wilkes County her entire adult life, Heather feels quite at home in the rural south despite her Yankee (bless her heart) upbringing. She is a credentialed Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with a passion for helping people discover their own joy in giving. She and her husband, Tim, are rediscovering life as a couple now that their three children are grown. One of their favorite pastimes is hiking with their dogs. Heather is a self-described eternal optimist who believes that when the going gets tough, the tough should eat chocolate (dark, and in moderation).
Executive Director
heather@healthywilkes.org
Having lived in Wilkes County her entire adult life, Heather feels quite at home in the rural south despite her Yankee (bless her heart) upbringing. She is a credentialed Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with a passion for helping people discover their own joy in giving. She and her husband, Tim, are rediscovering life as a couple now that their three children are grown. One of their favorite pastimes is hiking with their dogs. Heather is a self-described eternal optimist who believes that when the going gets tough, the tough should eat chocolate (dark, and in moderation).
Chris Smith
Director, Finance and Property
chris@healthywilkes.org
Director, Finance and Property
chris@healthywilkes.org
Jenn Wages, MSW
Assistant Director
jenn@healthywilkes.org
Jenn may be a transplant to Wilkes County, but this Midwesterner sure feels at home in the foothills of the mountains. Jenn holds a Master’s in Social Work and has worked with at risk children and families, then became interested in program evaluation and program management. She finds peace in nature and enjoys the outdoors (especially boating) with her husband Mark, son Easton, and two German Shepherds, Abby and Kobe. When Jenn’s not with her family, you can find her at a local yoga studio (or the office) getting her Zen on.
Assistant Director
jenn@healthywilkes.org
Jenn may be a transplant to Wilkes County, but this Midwesterner sure feels at home in the foothills of the mountains. Jenn holds a Master’s in Social Work and has worked with at risk children and families, then became interested in program evaluation and program management. She finds peace in nature and enjoys the outdoors (especially boating) with her husband Mark, son Easton, and two German Shepherds, Abby and Kobe. When Jenn’s not with her family, you can find her at a local yoga studio (or the office) getting her Zen on.
Holly Bishop
Development Coordinator
holly@healthywilkes.org
Holly was born and raised in Wilkes County and returned quickly after a 4-year stint in the Midwest. She has a degree in Classical Civilization from Oberlin College, which makes for a great ice breaker at conferences, and a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Duke University, which is slightly more relevant. She enjoys reading, baking, and podcasts.
Development Coordinator
holly@healthywilkes.org
Holly was born and raised in Wilkes County and returned quickly after a 4-year stint in the Midwest. She has a degree in Classical Civilization from Oberlin College, which makes for a great ice breaker at conferences, and a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Duke University, which is slightly more relevant. She enjoys reading, baking, and podcasts.
Kirstin Roberts
Program Manager
kirstin@healthywilkes.org
Originally from Long Island but Wilkes County at heart. Kirstin completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medicine at Western Carolina while working 24 hour shifts as a Paramedic. She transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2017, where she found her true passion. Kirstin hopes to make Wilkes a more resilient community and loves raising her 2 children here with her husband, Kehly. When she’s not working, you’ll find her listening to a podcast (and cleaning), going to the gym or playing outside with her family.
Program Manager
kirstin@healthywilkes.org
Originally from Long Island but Wilkes County at heart. Kirstin completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medicine at Western Carolina while working 24 hour shifts as a Paramedic. She transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2017, where she found her true passion. Kirstin hopes to make Wilkes a more resilient community and loves raising her 2 children here with her husband, Kehly. When she’s not working, you’ll find her listening to a podcast (and cleaning), going to the gym or playing outside with her family.