Staff and Key Volunteers

Zack Green joined the High Country Council of Governments' team as the new Area Agency on Aging Director. Zack completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at Appalachian State University and most recently served six years as Executive Director for a local non-profit organization where he established a track record for expanding service delivery by securing new grants, partnerships, and fundraising. He not only joins us highly recommended but has been recognized for his service in the community having won awards as Watauga County Rescue Squad member of the year and as the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 under 40 winner in education. We are excited to welcome him to the Area Agency on Aging team! Zack is enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring his experience in impacting others through support, recreation, and education programs to improve the health and well-being of older adults in the High Country. In Zack's free time, he enjoys hanging out with his family, being outdoors as much as possible, and trying to keep up with his two wild kiddos. Anytime Zack and his family are hanging out near the water, they are happy. Zack is excited to support the mission of the AAA to help all people have access to support and resources they need for a healthy and safe life.

Stevie brings a wealth of experience to her role on Long Term Care Ombudsman, advocating for older adults in various capacities.  Stevie has worked in long term care facilities, offering residents person-centered care plans and facilitating multidisciplinary teams to provide optimal care to each individual. She has also been part of several significant initiatives aimed at reducing senior hunger and improving health through nutrition, as well as improving access to health services and support systems for LBGT older adults.  Stevie holds an MSW from Appalachian State University and loves living in the mountains.

Tim’s commitment to advocating on behalf of older adults led him to his current position at the AAA. His human services and non-profit experience have allowed Tim to provide programmatic and fiscal oversight within the Compliance Officer role. Before joining the organization, Tim earned his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. Outside the office, Tim enjoys attending App State sporting events and hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Lola stepped into the Family Caregiver Support Specialist role in September 2022, after serving as the Caregiver Program Coordinator since December 2021. In her new role, Lola works to support unpaid caregivers in the High Country region. Lola is a graduate of Appalachian State University where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Political Science. Lola is currently studying to obtain her Master's in Social Work. Lola's experience in community organizing and program administration gives her the tools to administer the region's Family Caregiver Support Program. Lola loves exploring the many wonders of the NC mountains (especially all of the delicious food), hanging out with her cats, and spending time with her family. 

With enthusiasm, we are excited to announce Kristina Calhoun is joining the Area Agency on Aging team as the Caregiver Program Coordinator. Kristina brings several years of experience in the Aging network from both Ashe County and most recently Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services. Kristina has worked for several years as an intake specialist in this busy Gaston County office, helping direct people in need, including older adults, to the right area for services and support. We are excited for the knowledge and experience that she will bring to the team!

Sia Beasley is excited to join the Area Agency on Aging team as the Fall Prevention & Health Promotion Specialist. Sia completed her Bachelor’s in Public Health in 2018 and her PhD in Medical Anthropology in 2022. Her dissertation research focused on health inequalities in the rural High Country, specifically within the realm of maternal and child health. She has experience in public health and social science research, rural health programs, and grant writing. As a former collegiate athlete, Sia is looking forward to serving older adults in the High Country Area through work on evidence-based exercise programs.