Member Spotlight: Sarah Seiler

Member Spotlight: Sarah Seiler

Member Spotlight: Sarah Seiler

“I’m a full-time resident of Saluda, NC, though it still makes me smile to say that. My parents moved here full-time in 1992, and I’ve been coming to Saluda since I was about seven or eight. Back then, I swore I’d never live in such a small town. It felt like there just wasn’t enough to do—and definitely not enough people.

But life has a funny way of shifting your perspective. Over time, the quiet that once felt limiting started to feel like peace. Now, our home is tucked in the woods, and it’s my favorite kind of retreat. I can stay ‘on the mountain’ for weeks and never feel restless.

Professionally, I’ve spent my career in healthcare—starting as an ICU and emergency nurse, then moving into emergency management, and later serving as Chief Clinical Officer for an organ procurement organization. These days, I run my own leadership coaching and consulting practice focused on transforming organizational culture and building high-reliability teams. Psychological safety and belonging are at the heart of that work—and, honestly, at the heart of how I try to live.

I’ve always been drawn to wide-open spaces. While the Blue Ridge Mountains have my heart, I also love the wild expanses of Montana and Colorado. The fewer the people, the better.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outside—mountain biking, hiking, or occasionally trading the trails for a road or gravel ride. My husband and four dogs keep me moving, too. I also volunteer with MountainTrue, Saluda Fire and Rescue, and Spartanburg County Search and Rescue—it’s one of the ways I stay connected to both service and community.

 

Why I Support MountainTrue

I first connected with MountainTrue during Hurricane Helene. Erica and the rest of the team didn’t have to step in—but they did. They showed up, figured out what was needed, and used their connections to make things happen. Honestly, I’m not sure where we would have been without their help.

As I’ve learned more about MountainTrue, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how they live their mission. They don’t just care for the rivers and forests—they strengthen the communities that depend on them. Many of those communities are the most vulnerable, and MountainTrue takes a holistic, systems-based approach that builds long-term resilience.

Their work reminds me that true sustainability isn’t just about protecting nature—it’s about caring for people, too.

 

Who Taught Me to Give

I learned about giving from my parents, Barbara and Robert Seiler. Both have always been deeply involved in volunteer work, and their example shaped how I see the world.

As a child, I remember going with my mom to Greater Birmingham Ministries—a multi-faith, multi-racial organization that provides emergency support to people in need and works toward a more just society. She started volunteering there when I was in elementary school and was there nearly every day. Over time, her commitment grew to include environmental causes as well.

My dad served on several boards focused on strengthening community infrastructure and supporting people with different challenges. Their dedication didn’t stop when they moved to Saluda—they simply found new ways to serve.

From them, I learned that there’s always room at the table and that we each have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.

 

The Most Meaningful Gift I’ve Ever Given

That’s a hard question because meaning shows up in so many forms. While financial support matters, the gifts that have stayed with me the most come from rolling up my sleeves and working alongside others. There’s something powerful about connecting with people—listening to their stories, sharing the work, and knowing you’re part of something bigger. Even as an introvert, I find energy in those moments of quiet connection.

And when the giving involves manual labor, it feels especially grounding. You can see what you’ve accomplished with your own hands—and maybe the best part of all—I get to be outside. That combination of purpose, people, and nature fills me in a way nothing else does.

 

Why Others Should Join MountainTrue

If you’re not yet a member of MountainTrue, I encourage you to take a closer look. Review their IRS Form 990, read their newsletter, and—most importantly—meet their team. You’ll see right away that MountainTrue is fiscally responsible and deeply committed to being good stewards of both our community and our shared resources.

Their dedication to protecting our beloved mountains runs deep, and they understand that lasting impact comes through partnership. And beyond all that, they’re simply great people. Genuine, passionate, and a joy to be around.”

Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Director of Finance
Asheville, NC
Apply Now

Position Summary

MountainTrue is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Finance to join our team. The Director of Finance will be responsible for the financial health of our organization, providing financial guidance and support to senior leadership. This role requires a strong understanding of financial principles, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely.

The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 3 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably with a non-profit organization.

Click here to learn more about the position & submit your application. Applications accepted until the position is filled. 

MountainTrue’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year & Esther Cunningham Awards

MountainTrue’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year & Esther Cunningham Awards

MountainTrue’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year & Esther Cunningham Awards

Every year, MountainTrue recognizes five individuals from across the Southern Blue Ridge as our regional Volunteer of the Year and Esther Cunningham award winners. We celebrated these exceptional MountainTrue volunteers at our 2025 Annual Member Gathering – Stronger Than the Storm – on Thursday, October 2, at Asheville Yards in Asheville, NC.

 
 
MountainTrue’s regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners include:
 
 
High Country Region: Hope Thingelstad

For Hope Thingelstad, Western North Carolina isn’t just a place to live —it’s a passion. While she professionally promotes the area as a tourism destination for the Watauga County TDA, her love for the region extends far beyond her work. A graduate of Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development program, Hope is a familiar face on local trails, often hiking with her dog, hitting the disc golf course, or finding a peaceful spot by the river to read. She also has a deep appreciation for the area’s rich live music and arts culture. Hope is committed to helping others discover and care for the same beautiful environment and creative community that she cherishes.

Central Region: Eric Wolf

Eric Wolf has been a steadfast ally to the French Broad Riverkeeper team, rolling up his sleeves to protect our rivers time and time again. He’s hauled out countless pounds of debris, collected multiple rounds of water samples, and never shied away from the hard work it takes to safeguard clean water. His dedication has been a true force in supporting MountainTrue’s mission.

Western Region: David Best

David has been a monthly Adopt-A-Stream volunteer for 13 years, and he is also a weekly Swim Guide volunteer in the summer. He serves on MountainTrue’s Hiwassee Watershed Advisory Council and has been a critical liaison with the Towns County Civic Association. In his capacity on that board, he attends planning board meetings and has been super helpful in keeping MountainTrue’s Western Region staff aware of what’s happening in Towns County, Georgia. Recently, David also helped spread our message by presenting about MountainTrue’s work to a local organization. He’s a true ambassador for MountainTrue!

Southern Region: David Rikard

David was born and raised in Western North Carolina. David, his wife Carol, and their kids, Josie and Grady, love the outdoors. They especially enjoy floating the river, camping, and counting how many blue herons they see on their river adventures. David’s favorite pastime is fishing for smallmouth bass. He’s a dedicated volunteer who cares deeply for clean water.

2025 Esther Cunningham Award Winner: Katherine Taaffe

This award is given each year in honor of one of our organization’s founders, Esther Cunningham. In many ways, Esther was an ordinary person – born and raised in Macon County, a mother and a grandmother, a teacher, a beauty shop owner, and an active community volunteer. Then one day she learned about plans the Forest Service had to explore for oil and gas in her beloved mountains, which prompted her to become a full-time crusader for her mountains and the larger environment. From then on, she bravely stood up, rallied her community, and tirelessly fought to protect and defend the forests of Western North Carolina. All of us here today represent her legacy.

So we give this award to people who have fought the fight, often dedicating their lives to these battles, who win some, lose some, but always keep fighting.

This year’s recipient, Katherine Taaffe, has been involved with the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition and MountainTrue for the past 15 years. She served on the Coalition board of directors for five years, then on the merger team, and since 2019, she’s served on both the MountainTrue Board of Directors and the Hiwassee Watershed Advisory Council. She has served as the MountainTrue Board Treasurer for two years. She is also part of our volunteer monthly water quality monitoring program. But beyond these formal credentials, she is a passionate advocate for the environment across all of MountainTrue’s program areas! In addition to her water quality work, she’s also written letters to the editor on forest planning topics, and is looking into developing workforce housing on her property in Murphy. And, she talks to many of her dog grooming customers about our work. She is truly a champion and ambassador for MountainTrue. 

Reunion story: How a youth sports plaque can represent lifetimes of memories

Reunion story: How a youth sports plaque can represent lifetimes of memories

Reunion story: How a youth sports plaque can represent lifetimes of memories

Bill and Liz Auman had owned their home on the French Broad River just upstream of Marshall for thirty-five years, and had lived there for the past twenty-five years. Their home had weathered storms and flooding — but never anything like the fury that Hurricane Helene unleashed on the region.

On the evening of Wednesday, September 25, Bill was alarmed at the information on the NOAA app — the French Broad River was due to crest at over 13 feet. The river had not risen that high since back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004. Concerned, Bill and Liz made arrangements with a neighbor to stay in their guesthouse for a night or two until the flood waters subsided. They each packed a small overnight bag and told their neighbor they would walk up the next afternoon. 

Bill Auman captured this photo (left) of his home on Thursday, September 26 before evacuating for the last time. On the right is what was left the next day. Photos courtesy of Bill Auman

On the early morning of Thursday, September 26 Bill awoke with a start. The river had risen much higher — and much more quickly — than predicted. Three feet of water was already covering their driveway, separating them from the main road and their escape route. Realizing that the time to evacuate was quickly evaporating, Liz grabbed her bag and Bill scooped up their dog Trouble. Battling the current, they waded out to the road. 

Looking back at the house, Bill realized things might be worse than previously thought. He asked Liz to take their dog to the neighbors. He wanted to go back inside the house and retrieve a few more things.

Liz insisted he not return to the house. It was just too dangerous! But Bill could not be deterred, and he began the careful transverse of the driveway once again. Walking past treasured items that took their family a lifetime to collect, Bill decided to focus on the important and immediate needs. He grabbed the checkbook, insurance and financial documents and their passports. What he left behind in that moment would later break his heart — his 35 year old Chinese Elm Bonsai tree, his Lebron James-signed basketball, his class ring and most importantly a ring that his wife of 43 years had given him when they were dating. 

Bill and Liz Auman were esctatic to be reunited with items found miles downstream from where their home once stood.

Wading once again across their driveway — the water now at his chest — he crossed the road and walked up the hill to his neighbors’ welcoming home. A glance at the NOAA app on his phone showed the crest was now predicted at 19 feet. Water would definitely be inside their home if that held true.

Early the morning of Friday, September 27 brought Hurricane Helene into the Western North Carolina mountains. After days of rain Helene dumped an additional 12 to 20 inches of rain on already saturated ground. Liz and Trouble walked down to check on their house. Water was not yet in the home and the Aumans began to feel hopeful. Maybe the worst was over. 

By 10:30 that same morning it was obvious that the worst was just beginning. From the road, Bill and his neighbor watched the river batter the sides of their home. Fully surrounded by the raging waters, the house stood firm in the strong currents. Reassured that the home was still intact, Bill and his neighbor decided to make their way back up the mountain to safety — but at that moment a loud crack was heard — CRACK! Then another — CRACK! The house began to move,  becoming completely unmoored as it began a horrifying journey down the French Broad River. Bill watched it disappear in utter disbelief. 

The French Broad River would later crest at 27 feet, more than double initial projections and three feet higher than the previous high-water mark during the flood of 1916. Bill, Liz and Trouble stayed with friends for the next few months living out of suitcases, all while navigating the intricate challenges of FEMA and flood insurance. Their home was gone and with it much of their riverside property. What was left — mainly just sand and rocks, as all the trees had washed away — would not be suitable for rebuilding.

Bill Auman shows off a photo of his son’s Little League team as he and his wife Liz sort through photos found by the MountainTrue River cleanup crew.

They had raised their two children in that home, filling it with several lifetimes of memories. Both kids had been active in sports throughout their school years, and both Bill and Liz had volunteered as coaches for their children’s teams — especially softball and baseball. Memorabilia from those precious years had lined the hallway of their home. Framed photos hung on the wall and photos filled photo albums year after year. Helene took all of it. 

Months later, during a MountainTrue river cleanup a few miles downstream of Marshall, I pulled a small wooden plaque from the French Broad River. The metal insert read: “Presented To: Liz Auman, Thanks For Your Dedication and Hard Work. East Asheville Youth League, 1997 Tigers”. It was placed in a box with other personal items that were recovered that day, including a slightly damaged vinyl album still in its sleeve, an army dress uniform jacket and a partial photo of a wide-eyed child. 

Back at the Mothership, the MountainTrue debris removal headquarters, I pulled the small plaque out of a box. A quick internet search revealed a GoFundMe page that had been set up for Bill and Liz Auman following Helene. I discovered that Bill is an attorney in Asheville and I also found an email address on his website. With fingers crossed I sent Bill an email explaining who I was and also why I was reaching out to him. I described the plaque and where it was found in the river. 

“Wow! That is only the third item found from our house, which was totally destroyed. We would love to have it back!” he exclaimed via email.

A couple of weeks later Bill, Liz and Trouble came to visit us at the Mothership in Weaverville. 

When Liz was handed her softball appreciation plaque she was visibly thrilled! All that had been found ten months after their family home had washed away was Bill’s NC State jacket and a photo from their son’s wedding. The plaque brought all the memories of Liz’s time as coach for her daughter’s youth softball league. She loved those memories, and this plaque gave her the opportunity to relive those special moments.

A mountain of memories from her coaching years came back to Liz Auman when she saw the plaque MountainTrue River cleanup crews found in the French Broad River after Hurricane Helene. Photo by Mandy Wallace

As Bill, Liz and Trouble recounted their lives to me, we looked through a bin of photos also collected in the Marshall area following Helene. Bill spotted another familiar photo of his son’s youth Little League team from 30 years ago! Bill had coached the team that year — his son’s first baseball team the East Asheville Orioles. 

Moments later, Liz pulled another photo from the stack, staring quietly. Bill looked over her shoulder.  “That’s your Grandmother! That’s a photo of your Grandmother!” he exclaimed. Liz just gazed in disbelief. 

How certain items survived and where they ended up is only something that Helene can answer. The softball plaque had hung in the hallway of their home and the photos were in separate photo albums stored in a cabinet in the bedroom. The plaque had floated through downtown Marshall, over two dams, nearly seven river miles downstream of their former home. The photos had each traveled close to five miles away and had landed in different locations. This brought the total number of found Auman family mementos total up to five. 

Bill and Liz are slowly putting the pieces back together following the storm. Liz has been a solid source of comfort and optimism. They are grateful to have each other and thankful for the 173 friends that have helped them through, according to their count. Thankful for the opportunity to reunite people with their precious memories, Bill and Liz will join us at  our celebration event MountainTrue: Stronger Than the Storm on October 2. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating little moments of hope and connection that these reunion stories signify. 

— Mandy Wallace, MountainTrue Artifact Recovery Technician

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Stronger Than the Storm: Reflecting on a Year of Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Dear Friends,

One year ago, Hurricane Helene changed everything.

Across Western North Carolina, more than 100 lives were lost. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Entire communities were left without power, food, and running water for weeks.

In those first hours and days, people came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. And MountainTrue joined first responders, community groups, and churches to meet urgent needs. We organized supply deliveries. Carried medicines and essentials into areas cut off by the storm. Even fired up a mobile grilling operation to serve thousands of hot meals to families in the hardest-hit communities.

As days turned into weeks, people’s needs kept changing. So we stayed flexible. We tested wells, water, and soil for contamination. Partnered with Wine to Water to distribute water filters and well-testing kits. Sent chainsaw crews to clear roads and homes. And even helped set up a mobile laundry station in the Emma community.

But recovery isn’t just about today—it’s about tomorrow.

That’s why we launched the Appalachian Design Center to help communities like Swannanoa, Hot Springs, and Marshall rebuild stronger. We partnered with American Rivers and the Pew Charitable Trusts to secure $10 million from the state to remove hazardous dams damaged by the storm.

And we piloted an ambitious debris-cleanup program that put people back to work restoring our rivers—out-of-work guides, hospitality staff, and others hit hardest by the storm. With the help of volunteers, that program removed more than 3 million pounds of trash from local waterways.

Now, with support from the State of North Carolina, we’re expanding the program to provide more jobs and mobilize even more volunteers to clean up rivers, lakes, and streamfronts across Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary.

As we look back on this past year, we know the work isn’t over. Recovery means building a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for all of us.

And we want to mark this moment together.

On Thursday, October 2, please join us in Asheville for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering Honoring the Challenge, the Recovery, and the People Making It Happen. This will be a time to reflect, to honor the lives and communities forever changed, and to celebrate the resilience, generosity, and determination that make Western North Carolina strong.

Thank you for being MountainTrue. Together, we will protect the places we share.

With gratitude,
Bob Wagner, Executive Director
MountainTrue

Join Us for Stronger Than the Storm

Join us on October 2 for Stronger Than the Storm: A MountainTrue Gathering. Together we’ll reflect, honor our communities, and celebrate the resilience and generosity that make WNC strong.

Help Us Rebuild Better Than Ever

Discover how communities are rebuilding stronger and smarter in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—visit appalachiandesign.org

Help Us Clean Up Our Rivers

Want to help restore our rivers? Visit cleanupwncrivers.com to volunteer, donate, or learn more about how you can make a difference today.

Support the Work of MountainTrue

Your gift powers clean rivers, resilient forests, and healthy communities. Donate to MountainTrue today and help us build a safer, stronger, and more resilient future together.

Glass Foundation Supports New Truck For French Broad Riverkeeper!

Glass Foundation Supports New Truck For French Broad Riverkeeper!

Glass Foundation Supports New Truck For French Broad Riverkeeper!

 MountainTrue and our French Broad Riverkeeper team would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Asheville-based Glass Foundation for their recent grant, which enabled us to purchase a new pickup truck (pictured above) for our French Broad Riverkeeper program. 

Anyone who has worked alongside the MountainTrue Clean Waters team over the last 10 years will be familiar with our old truck, the 2005 GMC Sierra, which seemed to always be on its last leg due to the daily strain brought by our work. While that truck hasn’t officially bit the dust (it’s now assisting one of our colleagues), the increased workload post-Helene demonstrated the need for a new vehicle. The new truck is out there today helping with river clean-ups, access point and campsite improvements, water quality sampling, events and meetings, and everything else we do each day to protect and steward the French Broad. 

Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant, we purchased a 2022 Ford F-150 with four-wheel drive and enough power to pull even our largest dump trailer. We then outfitted it with all-terrain tires, a toolbox, canoe rack, and decals for MountainTrue and French Broad Riverkeeper. We even had a little money left over to put towards a utility-style dump trailer, which is perfect for smaller clean-ups, paddle trail tasks, and other stewardship endeavors. Purchased in mid-July, the truck has only been in use for less than two months, but has already contributed to several clean-ups, floats, access point improvements, campsite construction projects, and more. With fewer than 20,000 miles on it, we anticipate this truck spending a long life with our organization and having an outsized impact on our work to advocate for a clean, safe, accessible, and scenic French Broad River.

The Glass Foundation is based in Asheville, and was created in 2000 by Kenneth E. and Nancy J. Glass, and strives to help Western North Carolina thrive as a whole community educationally, environmentally, and culturally, and offer a distinctive quality of life. Their 2025 grant cycle prioritized disaster recovery in addition to their traditional focus areas of environmental education and preservation, and developmental and educational opportunities for children and teens. 

Thanks again to the Glass Foundation for their support. We are sincerely grateful!