Meet the Advisory Board of Directors
Faye Cooper
Faye Cooper along with the Mast General Store, the business she and her husband John, reopened in 1980, have touched many sectors of our community always with the intention of improving quality of lives whether in human service, education, conservation, the arts or sustainable economic development. Faye has been an active advocate as well as a participant in helping to find ways to enhance the circumstances of those around her. She helped the founding group of women develop the organization, served on the board and now is honored to continue to serve in an advisory capacity. She appreciates all those who have contributed time, talent and treasure to suppport HCWF, AWF and WFBR.
Susan Duke
Originally from Indiana, Susan Duke has lived in the High Country for 30 years. Her professional background is in business, with work at a law firm, in the news industry, and in administration at the Blowing Rock Hospital. Susan also volunteers with the Holy Cross Church, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and was past president of the Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge. She is member of the Boone Bridge Club and an American Contract Bridge League Certified Teacher.
Billie Brandon Howell
Billie is the President of Deer Valley Development Corporation, a family owned business that has provided recreational opportunities for families and seasonal residents of Watauga County for more than 30 years. She has been a community volunteer for numerous organizations and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Western Youth Network Board, and the Advisory Board of the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge.
Kathleen Kennedy-Olsen
Kathleen, a Miami-based philanthropist and entrepreneur is a widely respected businesswoman and volunteer leader. As Managing Director of her family’s philanthropic foundation, The Ethel & W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, Kathleen guides charitable support in multiple states supporting a variety of causes and holds positions on numerous non-profit boards. What started out as a part-time job has become a lifelong passion: “I never lose sight of the importance philanthropic foundations and volunteerism has as an instrument of change in the lives of people in need.”