Hellos and Goodbyes

After two years of inspired, dedicated and thoughtful service to The Appalachian Voice publication, former Associate Editor Elizabeth (Lee) Payne left that role in August to pursue gardening and homesteading projects in Ashe County, N.C., and bring her many talents to the local library. While we miss her daily good cheer and sharp research skills, we are grateful that she remains a valued part of the Voice team as a contributing editor and volunteer distributor of the publication.



Kevin Ridder has stepped into the role of associate editor for the publication and communications associate for the organization. A Voice freelance contributor for the past two years, Kevin graduated from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville in 2016 with a degree in geology and environmental studies with a concentration in journalism. He also served as a CAC AmeriCorps member with the City of Knoxville Solid Waste Office. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our team, and look forward to hearing him play the slide trombone at our next office potluck.



Becca Bauer also joins us as our newest AmeriCorps Project Conserve member. Becca grew up outside New York City and moved to Boone, N.C., to attend Appalachian State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in sustainable development and a minor in sustainable technology. After volunteering with us for two years, she now brings her passion for the mountains and conservation to our Energy Savings team. And Katie Kienbaum is returning for a second AmeriCorps Project Conserve year with our Energy Savings team.