Gina Elrod, Resilient Forests Organizer

A longtime resident of Madison County, Gina has deep roots in Western North Carolina WNC, extensive community-building experience, and a big heart for wild places. As MountainTrue’s Resilient Forests Organizer, Gina works with WNC residents to steward and protect public lands. Top among Gina’s professional and personal goals is keeping public lands in public hands.

After her 30 years of experience in WNC for-profit community building and project management, in 2021, Gina moved to nonprofit work by accepting the manager position at the Big Ivy Community Center in Barnardsville. Gina led the organization from an operating deficit to a thriving, financially solvent community resource. After Hurricane Helene, Gina pivoted to disaster recovery and helped launch the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group based on a nationwide model for nonprofit organizing post-disasters. Gina is excited about the chance to professionally support her Southern Highlands and outdoor enthusiast lifestyle.

Gina continues her work with Helene recovery on the Board of Directors of the Barnardsville Area Resilience Network (BARN), a nonprofit she co-founded. She also volunteers at her church, Alexander Chapel in Weaverville, where she appreciates the lifelong support of her church family.

When not working or volunteering, Gina enjoys hunting, fishing, and rambling through the woods with her husband, family, friends, and Llewellin setters, Bosco and Nell.

(828) 617-0813
gina@mountaintrue.org