The Foundation is an autonomous body organized in 1984 by an initiative of the Haywood County Board of Education. Board members are Haywood County residents whose commitment to education is reflected in their personal service and dedication to Haywood County Schools.
Executive Director of Haywood County Schools Foundation
Jenny Wood
The Executive Director of the Haywood County Schools Foundation since August 2011, Jenny Wood previously taught first and second grade at Jonathan Valley Elementary School for 14 years. She is a passionate advocate for public education, believing all children deserve a free, quality education.
Jenny serves on the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the SECU Advisory board and is a member of the Haywood Rotary Club. She holds an associate degree in applied science from Haywood Community College, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Western Carolina University, and a second master’s degree in executive leadership from Gardner-Webb University.
Hylah Birenbaum
Hylah has been Executive Director of College Advancement at Haywood Community College since 2001. Previously, she was editor in chief for two regional magazines. She wants to help provide scholarships to kids in need and teachers with projects that the state is unable to fund. Haywood County Schools does so much good for our community, and I want everyone to see that.
Hylah serves on the REACH board. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from American University in Washington DC.
Greg Boothroyd
Greg has been Advertising Director / Co-Owner at Smoky Mountain News since 1999.
He is married to his wife of 29 years with 2 children ages 17 and 22.
Greg has served on several boards in the region over the last 25 years. Currently he serves on the Haywood Chamber or Commerce Executive Committee and on the Champion Credit Union Board of Directors as Nominating Chairman. He has a BS in Business Administration (Marketing) with a concentration in Management from WCU class of 95.
Lisa Brown
The Western Region Manager for the Canopy Realtor® Association since January 2020, Lisa Brown was previously the Association Executive of the Haywood Realtor® Association for 20 years. She believes that public education affords every child the opportunity to make their own way in the world.
Lisa currently serves on the Haywood County Schools Foundation board of directors and has served on the board of directors of Haywood Habitat for Humanity, Altrusa and was a past President of the Haywood Rotary Club. She holds an associate degree in Horticulture Technology from Haywood Community College, and a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration / Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University.
Clint Conner
Clint is the principal of Pisgah High School, a National Board-certified teacher, and a recipient of NCPAPA’s Distinguished Leader in Practice award. He holds a Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor’s in Health and Physical Education from Gardner-Webb University, where he also played quarterback on a full athletic scholarship. He has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Asheville High, Owen Middle, Pisgah High, Bethel Middle, Bethel Elementary, and Clyde Elementary. Raised in Enka, NC, Clint is passionate about Pisgah High’s family atmosphere and is dedicated to fostering a positive school culture that empowers students to excel. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family—Dr. Mindy Conner and daughter, Katy—exercising, golfing, and supporting college football.
Brittainy Crawford
Brittainy Crawford has been a member of the Haywood County Schools Foundation board since 2021. She is the daughter of a retired Haywood County Schools educator and graduated from Pisgah High School in 2002. Brittainy plays an active role in her daughter’s education and is passionate about all students receiving a quality education.
Brittainy is a CPA and the Chief Financial Officer at Champion Credit Union. She is involved with various other organizations throughout the community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and Master of Accounting degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Rufus Dale
As a board member of the HCSF since August 1998, and Chairman of the Finance Committee for the past 5 years, Rufus, coming from a family of Educators and being trained as a shop teacher, has been very involved in the HCSF’s endeavor to secure additional donors, mentors and partners for the Career and Technical Education portion of the Haywood County Schools activities. He has also played a role in the management and approvals of the Foundations Scholarship program.
Rufus is active in his church, serving as a teacher, deacon and on a variety of church related committees. He has served as vice president of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and a former vice president of the North Carolina Walking Horse Association. He is a lifetime member of TWHEBA and the Walking Horse Owners Association. In addition to his long time hobby of horse ownership, he is also an avid wood turner and is a member of the Carolina Mountain Woodturners Association and the AAW. He is a graduate of Canton High School and holds a teaching degree from Appalachian State University. Rufus is now retired from a 47 year working career that includes military service, teaching, manufacturing management and sales. He is married to his wife June and is the proud father of four children and 12 grandchildren. He and his family have lived in the Canton area beginning in 1962.
Sharon Erwin-Smart
Sharon Erwin-Smart has served as President of Haywood County Retired School Personnel since 2022. Prior to retiring from Haywood County Schools in 2018, Sharon worked as a school library media coordinator at Beaverdam, Hazelwood, Bethel, and Central elementary schools, Bethel Junior High School, and Tuscola High school for forty-five years.
Sharon is a member of the American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, North Carolina School Library Media Association, National Education Association, North Carolina Association of Educators, and North Carolina Retired School Personnel.
Sharon Erwin-Smart earned a bachelor’s degree in educational media from Western Carolina University after receiving a Prospective Teachers Scholarship Loan from North Carolina. Sharon earned a master’s degree in educational media from Appalachian State University with the help of a Graduate Summer Scholarship awarded by Haywood County Schools.
Chuck Francis
Chuck Francis is Chairman of the Haywood County Schools Board of Education. He is employed by Coastal AgroBusiness, an agricultural supplies company based in Greenville, NC. Chuck is married to Vicki Francis and they have three grown children and two grandchildren.
Leanna Moody
Leanna Mooday is the Finance Director for Haywood County Schools, where she has served since 2008 in a variety of roles, including administrative assistant, high school teacher, and positions in human resources and finance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Mars Hill University.
Leanna has been married for 36 years and is the proud mother of two sons and grandmother to four. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, with a particular love for beach destinations.
Vicki Hyatt
Vicki Hyatt is the former editor of The Mountaineer and now works as a part-time reporter covering a variety of topics. She is a University of Montana graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She and her husband, Rich, live on a 110-year old family farm where they raise cattle. Sons Cole and Shay, both Pisgah High School and Western Carolina University graduates and their families live nearby. Their twin grandchildren attend Bethel Elementary School, their granddaughter attends Pisgah High School and 2-year old Nolan spends Thursdays on the farm with his grandparents, enlightening their week.
Dann Jesse
Dann has served on the board of the Haywood County Schools Foundation for over 10 years. He retired from PactivEvergreen in December 2023. In his role with the Canton, NC paper manufacturing facility he held a number of engineering positions of increasing responsibility over his 42 and a half year professional career. He is married to Mary, who is a retired Haywood County School system elementary education teacher. His daughter, Heather, graduated from Pisgah High School in 2012.
Dann attended Miami (Ohio) University, graduating in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (Pulp and Paper Technology). He currently serves as an alderman for the Town of Clyde. He attends Our Savior Lutheran Church where he has served in a number of leadership positions. Some of his other interests and accomplishments include playing golf, is a licensed private pilot and officiated high school basketball for 40 years.
Bruce Johnson
Bruce has been Owner/President of Champion Janitorial Supply since 2002. Prior to that he was the Head of Casino Operations for Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. Bruce has been married to Mary Margaret Marvin Johnson since 1996 and they have three children Olivia, 24, Emma, 22, and Charlie, 19. He enjoys traveling with his family, hiking, golfing, and enjoying vistas on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bruce joined the board of Haywood County Schools Foundation in 2004. In addition he is currently on the Smart Start Grants Review Board for the seven western counties and the Cherokee Boundary, serving as chair for the last 25 years. He has just ended his service on the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Board which included stints as Chair of the Board and Treasurer. He has also served on the Leadership Team at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. He also served as Chair of the Board of Cherokee Center for Family Services which included Child Care Centers, the Children’s Home, Youth Drug Prevention and Domestic Abuse Prevention.
Bruce has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University, graduating in 1987 as well as an MBA from UCLA, graduating in 1992.
Chad McMahon
Chad McMahon has been serving on the Haywood County Schools Foundation Board since 2016 Chad is currently an agent with State Farm Insurance since 2010 and has an office in Waynesville, NC. He is a passionate advocate for the children of Haywood County and is also a product of the Haywood County School System himself along with both his children.
In addition to the HCSF, Chad serves on the United Way of Haywood County Board, Junaluska Sanitary District Board, and is a member of the Waynesville Rotary Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina State University and also a Masters in Business Administration from Western Carolina University.
Lynn Milner
Lynn has been on the Foundation Board for more than 15 years. She is a retired Haywood County educator. She served as a teacher, coach, and principal. After retiring, she served on the Board of Education. She is now the Chair of Haywood Community College’s Board of Trustees. As a lifelong resident of Haywood County, she wants to ensure that students have every educational opportunity possible.
Tom Posey
Tom Posey is a charter member of the Haywood County Schools Foundation (HCSF). As President of the HCS Presidents Association, he was invited to serve on the HCSF board. A native of Asheville, Posey graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1964 and from Western Carolina University in 1968. He was a member of the National Teachers Corps and earned his Master’s degree in 1970.
Posey served as a principal in Haywood County from 1971 to 1993. He then joined the Central Office as the Community Schools Director and curriculum supervisor. Throughout his educational career in Haywood County, he received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Bob Scott and was an active member of the Waynesville Rotary Club, as well as a charter member of The Haywood Rotary Club.
Mr.Posey is a strong advocate for public education, believing that “Every child has the right to a well-funded public education provided by well-paid, dedicated teachers.”
Judy Russell
Judy Russell has represented Haywood County Retired School Personnel on the Haywood County Schools Foundation for the past several years. She retired from the Haywood County School System in 2010, after working 30 years in various positions at Tuscola High School, Waynesville Middle School, and Clyde Elementary. She is a strong advocate for children reading books, mainly because she feels that reading opens the door to a multitude of opportunities for young people.
She participates in two scholarships the Foundation awards: the Haywood County Retired School Personnel scholarship for a student wishing to go into the field of education, and the Democratic Women’s scholarship for two young women wishing to attain a higher education. She is a 1979 graduate of Western Carolina University with degrees in English and French education.
Merritt Tongen
Merritt has been a Haywood County Schools Foundation Board Member since October 2019. She is a fourth-generation owner of LN Davis Insurance Agency and a proud graduate of our local public school system. Merritt loves education and child advocacy and firmly believes in the leadership our teachers provide to students daily. “Not all heroes wear capes.”
Merritt serves as chairwoman for the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina’s(IIANC) iLead Committee, previous past chair of IIANC’s Women’s I-A Networking group, is an Ambassador for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, member of HCC’s Regional Center for the Advancement of Children Parental Advisory Committee, and board member of the Big T Club. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree along with Nonprofit Studies and Spanish minors from NC State University. She and her husband Mark have three children ages 4, 3, and 2. They are looking forward to their children attending public school in Haywood County soon!
Laura Tragesser
Laura Tragesser is the Vice President of First Citizens Bank in Haywood County and is a proud product of Haywood County Schools. In addition to the Haywood County Schools Foundation, Laura also serves on the Board of Directors for Haywood Community College Foundation, Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, and was previous Board Chair for Haywood Habitat for Humanity. “The support provided by this organization is crucial in fostering the success of graduating students and enhancing the overall classroom experience. By offering assistance to teachers and staff, the Foundation plays a vital role in promoting academic achievement and growth.”
Bill Upton
Dr. Bill Upton is a retired superintendent of Haywood County Schools and a former County Commissioner, with a long history of dedicated service to education and the community. A longtime Rotarian, Dr. Upton also served as the principal of Pisgah High School, where he left a lasting impact on students and staff alike. His leadership and commitment continue to be recognized throughout the county.
Chris Williamson
Chris Williamson is Assistant Vice President of HomeTrust Bank’s Clyde branch. Chris moved to Haywood County in 2013 and became active in the schools as the PTA president for Central Elementary where his children attended. He has served on the Foundation Board since 2022 and has a passion to see the youth of Haywood County thrive through their education to create a better Haywood for tomorrow.
Selena Williamson
Selena the Vice President of State Employees’ Credit Union’s Waynesville branch. After graduating from Tuscola High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Western Carolina University. She and her husband Jeff live in Maggie Valley with their two children, Luke and Kendall.
Caroline Ledford
As a ninth-generation Haywood County resident, Caroline is deeply committed to serving the community that shaped her upbringing. With a background in finance and operations, she has held leadership roles as a member of the Leadership Team at FUMC Waynesville, acting as the Secretary for Lake Junaluska’s Interfaith Peace Conference, and currently serving as the HR Chair on the Board of Directors for Wilderness Trail. Caroline’s career began at Keller Williams, where she managed four office locations across Western North Carolina. She has also served as the Executive Director for Acton Children’s Business Fair, a global nonprofit encouraging children’s independence and creativity by empowering them to launch businesses in their local communities. In her current role, she is managing the launch of a 50-acre Nature Resort rooted in outdoor hospitality and land conservation. Holding an International Business Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an MBA from the Acton School of Business in Austin, TX, Caroline is excited to contribute to and support Haywood County Schools, which played a key role in laying the foundation for her future.
Venus Arellano
Venus Arellano, born and raised in Clyde, NC, is a dedicated professional with a passion for community involvement and education. A proud graduate of Pisgah High School, she went on to earn her degree from the College of Business at Western Carolina University in 2022, where she majored in Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. During her time at WCU, Venus played an active role in the Chancellor’s Ambassadors organization, serving as both Vice President and President. Her leadership allowed her to work closely with Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Governors, gaining invaluable experience in governance and higher education leadership. She was also a member of the Finance Club and the Honors College, further honing her skills in finance and strategic decision-making.
Currently, Venus works as a Sales and Marketing Specialist for Green Mountain International LLC in Waynesville, NC, where she applies her diverse skill set to drive business growth and support customer engagement.
In addition to her professional achievements, Venus is an MBA candidate at Western Carolina University’s Business School, continuing to expand her knowledge in business management.
Mitchell Rathbone
Born and raised in Waynesville, NC, with deep family roots in Haywood County, Mitchell has dedicated his career to serving the local community. He began his career with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office in 2008 as a patrol deputy, a role he held until 2014 when he briefly transitioned to the Asheville Police Department. His commitment to Haywood County led him back to the Sheriff’s Office, where he steadily advanced to the rank of Lieutenant.
Over the years, Mitchell has gained experience in a variety of roles, including patrol, criminal suppression, and most recently, as the Lieutenant overseeing the School Resource Officer Division. Currently, he serves as the School Resource Officer for Tuscola High School, having previously worked at Haywood Early College. In addition to his school resource duties, he is a crisis negotiator and a certified basic law enforcement instructor.
Mitchell is also pursuing his academic goals and is in his final year at Western Carolina University, working toward a degree in Criminal Justice, with plans to graduate in May 2025.
Yvonne Hart
Yvonne is a retired educator who spent her career primarily teaching language arts and social studies in the seventh-grade Gifted Program at Waynesville Middle School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from Western Carolina University.
Since the early 1960s, Yvonne has been an active member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), holding leadership positions at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Her passion for the welfare of teachers has driven her to advocate for quality education, believing that strong teachers are the foundation of a successful education system that supports and nurtures students to lead fulfilling lives.
In addition to her commitment to education, Yvonne supports children at several Indian schools and is a strong advocate for animal rescue and wildlife conservation groups. Fully retired in 1999, she spends her winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, alongside her husband.
Yvonne has been a member of the Haywood County Schools Foundation for over 10 years, representing Haywood County Retired School Personnel. She currently serves as the Legislative Chair and Board of Directors member for Haywood County Retired School Personnel, while also holding leadership roles within Region 1A and the NCRSP State Policies Committee.
Julie Davis
Julie serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Haywood County Schools Foundation and has been a dedicated member of Haywood County Schools for over 18 years, holding various positions throughout her career. She has been happily married to her husband, Jim, for 36 years, and together they have two children and two grandchildren, with a third on the way.
When not at work, Julie enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially when they’re on a cruise, her favorite way to relax and explore new places.