Leadership Asheville Seniors 36
Class Directory
Brent Adams
Email: sailonchap@yahoo.com
Phone: 925-457-4957
Primary or Former Occupation: Healthcare Chaplain / semi- retired
Years in Buncombe County: 0
Moved from: Alameda, CA
Biographical Details: My family claims southwest Missouri as 'home' and with fuller accounting would include Wales, North Carolina and Tennessee. I am, however, a 'Navy Brat' and later a 'PK', as my immediate family lived coast to coast my first 16 years before coming to Kentucky, where I would attend Georgetown College and later seminary studies earning degrees in Philosophy and Psychology of Religion. My lifework, some 35 years now, has been in healthcare as a spiritual care provider, the latest iteration I was coordinating a volunteer program for a hospice service in Alameda, California. After 24 years living in Northern California, my life partner and I relocated to Asheville this past November, after the death of her parents and in so doing, live closer family. My joys include...my son, Matt, 26, who is studying abroad; seeing to our veggie garden, learning Plein Air oil painting, woodworking projects and living in community.
Sydney Atkinson
Email: 1sydney.atkinson@gmail.com
Phone: 919-923-6254
Primary or Former Occupation: Retired, did work in State Government
Years in Buncombe County: 1.5
Moved from: Raleigh, NC
Biographical Details: I am a retiree looking forward to spending time on the trails, in the theaters, and with friends and family. I am married and have two wonderful dogs who came to live with us during the pandemic. We love to travel and hope to do much more in the coming years. Favorite past trips have been New Zealand, Italy, Germany and France. Anyone know a good dog sitter?
Karen Caruso
Email: kcaruso905@aol.com
Phone: 561–670-7047
Primary or Former Occupation: Retired
Years in Buncombe County: 5
Moved from: Jupiter, FL
Biographical Details: I retired approximately five years ago coming from Jupiter Florida. I was the controller of a private golf club for almost 30 years. I love to travel and recently got back from Peru. I have two grown children and a grandson who all live in Florida. I have a five-year-old dog who is poodle/English bulldog. I go hiking with him every day. I am also a hike leader for OLLI. Starting every day in the forest is the best thing I do for myself. I’m hoping to learn so much about Asheville that I don’t know already and to meet new and exciting people.
Howard Carver
Email: hcarvr@gmail.com
Phone: 704-699-6670
Primary or Former Occupation: Retired Financial Advisor/currently launching my coaching practice as I am a Certified Life Coach, Business Coach/Consultant, & Laughter Wellness Facilitator & Coach
Years in Buncombe County: 2.5
Moved from: Charlotte, NC
Biographical Details: I was raised in the suburbs of NYC and Boston. I attended Woodstock and was a true hippie for many years. My first job was a Mailroom Clerk for a broadcasting company. Eventually, I became a sales representative for television stations and worked my way up to a Senior Salesperson in NYC representing television stations to advertising agencies. For over 20 years, my career was in TV Sales Management. Then I retired and went to work for Vanguard, a large financial company where I served as a coach and trainer for new new and existing staff, and then became a Financial Advisor. In hindsight I realized that every position I have held, I was predominantly serving as a coach. I retired from Vanguard in 2020, moved to Asheville and am working on launching a coaching practice. I am also certified in numerous energy healing modalities.
Nancy Franklin
Email: family@franklin512.org
Phone: 814-360-8024
Primary or Former Occupation: Consultant
Years in Buncombe County: 2
Moved from: Montclair, NJ
Biographical Details: Tim and I chose Asheville as our destination community on the heels of attending PATHS to Creative Retirement in 2019. We initially fell in love with this area through numerous family camping experiences in the nearby mountains. Following our PATHS experience, we found a home we love and moved here in 2020 with the intent to start to wind down professionally and ramp up the next chapter in our lives. Since moving, we’ve engaged in “encore career” activities while learning more about Asheville and the surrounding region. Spending lots of active time outdoors has been a priority as has learning the game of golf. We have three children with wonderful partners, and a granddaughter – in Wisconsin, Florida, and Pennsylvania – who we see as much as possible
Tim Franklin
Email: tim@franklin512.org
Phone: 814-360-2167
Primary or Former Occupation: Higher Education Administrator/Consultant
Years in Buncombe County: 2
Moved from: Montclair, NJ
Biographical Details: Tim Franklin serves as Principal for Franklin Solutions (FS), which he rejoined full-time following his 2020 retirement from a 25+-year career as an innovating senior university leader/administrator. Franklin brings expertise in higher education policy, strategic planning, and is a credentialed Strategic Doing Fellow. He brings a history of starting new endeavors, leading strategic change, and building partnerships. Now in his "encore" phase, Tim enjoys an active lifestyle with a focus on health, connecting with family and friends, and traveling. He has three children and an 18-month-old granddaughter.
Judy Gifford
Email: giffordjudy7887@gmail.com
Phone: 1-715-308-5860
Primary or Former Occupation: Educator
Years in Buncombe County: 5
Moved from: Wisconsin
Biographical Details: Hello! I’m Judy Gifford, born in ND, raised in ND, NE, and WI. My degrees and certifications are in education, and I spent the majority of my life as an educator and administrator. Student ages spanned from birth through sixth grade and college/teacher preparation. Two children (Erika & Nick) and their three daughters (Zola, Marley, Vega) give me great joy! Travel is a passion of mine; Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, England, France, Germany, Nepal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Wales are places I’ve visited outside of the U.S. There are many more on the “to do” list. Reading, cooking, creating art and being outside are activities I pursue, and I love all styles of dancing. One thing not many people know about me is that I was once a part owner in a popcorn wagon!
Clair Griffith
Email: clairgriffith@yahoo.com
Phone: 714-337-4585
Primary or Former Occupation: Retail Real Estate
Years in Buncombe County: 3
Moved from: California
Biographical Details: Being born into a combined family allowed me to hear and evaluate multiple perspectives.
Participating in the retail industry since college graduation in marketing, management and leasing/acquisition/sales provided a great platform for my relational skills and outgoing personality. Volunteering through Kiwanis, The Elks, YMCA, real estate organizations and more is/was rewarding and fun!
Christi Hayes
Email: hayestip@icloud.net
Phone: 305-467-1747
Primary or Former Occupation: Non-profit Management
Years in Buncombe County: 1.5
Moved from: Miami, FL
Biographical Details: I lived thirty years in Miami, where I was married, raised two children, practiced law, taught at two universities, and was an active member of a UCC congregation. I am a native Tarheel who thought I'd never return, but after becoming a widow, I moved my empty nest to Asheville in January 2021. I love it here.
In January 2022 I became a volunteer with Trauma Intervention Program of Western North Carolina, and in April became its Program Director. Our highly-trained volunteers work through the 911 system and respond to scenes of tragedy to provide emotional and practical support. Any first responder in Buncombe or Henderson counties can request a TIP volunteer any time 24/7. As the only staff, I am a liaison with local law enforcement and fire departments, and I recruit, train, and support volunteers.
Stephen Heim
Email: stephenaheim@gmail.com
Phone: 954-803-4969
Primary or Former Occupation: Commercial Real Estate
Years in Buncombe County: 1
Moved from: Broward County, FL
Biographical Details: Semi-retired (still active in Florida) 40-year commercial real estate broker. Born in New York, a Florida resident for 50 years, enjoyed 3 years living in San Francisco after college, then 3 great 3 years in Seattle (with one week a month working in Alaska), and now a little over a year in our fantastic Asheville. Married to Alison with 3 adult daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 grandchildren (so far). Friendly opinionated extrovert liberal into my family, yoga, reading, swimming, hiking, skiing, our boxer Zoey, and my motorcycle, not in any particular order.
I am looking forward to meeting you.
Bruce Hughes
Email: bruce.hughes@vanderbilt.edu
Phone: 615-243-8545
Primary or Former Occupation: Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus
Years in Buncombe County: 6
Moved from: Nashville, TN
Biographical Details: I grew up in Winston-Salem and eventually settled in Nashville, TN, where I was a professor of mathematics at Vanderbilt University for 36 years. Six years ago I bought a condo in downtown Asheville and my partner, Nancy, and I became part time residents. When I retired two years ago, we bought a home in north Asheville and became full time residents. I spent most of my life absorbed by mathematics and I still have a few projects that I am working on. However, I now spend most of my time on my other favorite activities: yoga, gardening, walking, and exploring Western North Carolina with Nancy and our dog, Niko. I also enjoy reading and cooking. I have two adult children and three grandchildren.
Ann Jones
Email: rannjones15@gmail.com
Phone: 847-691-1111
Primary or Former Occupation: Retired: teacher, consultant, real estate agent
Years in Buncombe County: 1
Moved from: Chicago Area
Biographical Details: I am from the Chicago area and moved to Asheville in 2021. Although single, I'm very close to my brother and sister (and their families). Out of college I taught on the Navajo reservation in AZ for a few years. I switched careers and joined the systems consulting arm of Arthur Andersen eventually becoming a Global Managing Partner within Andersen Consulting (AKA, Accenture). After 22 years, I resigned to end the life of a "road warrior" and start a new chapter. I took a break, moved to Lake Forest IL, became a master gardener, became a realtor (17 years), and helped to support my aging parents. Served on various boards for my college, condo, club, as well as educational, community, governmental, and medical organizations.
Nancy Kirkland
Email: nancykirklandis@gmail.com
Phone: 615-593-9733
Primary or Former Occupation: Fitness Instructor
Years in Buncombe County: 1.5
Moved from: Nashville, TN
Biographical Details: My partner, Bruce, and I moved here last spring. We have been busy getting settled in our new home (interior and exterior projects). I wish to learn more about Asheville and hopefully find ways to participate in some meaningful community projects as well as meet other individuals new'ish' to Asheville.
Lynn Marie Kramp
Email: lynnmariekramp@gmail.com
Phone: 615-579-9668
Primary or Former Occupation: Speech Pathologist/ESL Teacher
Years in Buncombe County: 1 month
Moved from: Nashville, TN
Biographical Details: I grew up in Texas and met my husband at Baylor University. We have lived in the Dallas area, in Portland, OR, and for 30 years in Nashville. We have two daughters and six grandchildren in the Carolinas, which is one of the main reasons for our recent move east. (We have enjoyed Asheville's natural beauty and climate for several years, and are thrilled to live here now.) My passion has been teaching ESL, especially to immigrants and refugees. Reading has always been my most consuming hobby, and travel is also a love of mine. The visual arts are of special interest, but I have zero artistic ability. Involvement in local church has been a big part of life as well.
David Rubin
Email: david.rubin60@gmail.com
Phone: 713-304-5486
Primary or Former Occupation: Retired VP sales, Petrochemicals
Years in Buncombe County: 2
Moved from: Marco Island, Florida, and Houston Tx
Biographical Details: After spending close to 40 years working in the Automotive and Petrochemícal industry, with large corporations like General Motors, DuPont, ARCO and LyondellBasell, I retired in the summer of 2017. Most of my time was spent in the business world, managing sales and multiple businesses.
I’ve been married to my wife Dawn for 36 years, moved to Asheville two years ago and we are building a house near the university.
I’m an avid outdoorsman, from mountain climbing, backpacking, skiing, golf and hiking. I’d like to get more involved in the community and look forward to this class helping me achieve that goal.
Blase Sands
Email: blase_sands@hotmail.com
Phone: 505-660–0056
Primary or Former Occupation: Workshop Facilitator
Years in Buncombe County: 1
Moved from: Aurora, CO
Biographical Details: Blase Sands is a published writer, program facilitator, educational consultant, parent educator, speaker, and personal coach. Blase is passionate about supporting people in thriving—understanding their gifts, believing in themselves, aspiring, tapping into their inner wisdom, being of creative service, cooperating with others, leading, and fulfilling their dreams. Both his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees are from Duke University. Blase has over 45 years’ experience in preschool, elementary, high school, college, and medical school education. He also has over 10 years’ experience in family centered treatment, domestic violence prevention, and child advocacy. Blase has lived and worked in Scotland, Germany, and the Philippines, as well as the U.S. Blase believes that global transformation happens primarily as individuals, families, groups, and communities transform and find creative ways to serve society.
Margaret Small
Email: margaret.h.small@gmail.com
Phone: 773-720-0994
Primary or Former Occupation: Mathematics teacher and specialist for Buncombe County schools
Years in Buncombe County: 13
Moved from: Chicago
Biographical Details: I moved to Asheville from Chicago in 2009 as Mathematics Curriculum Specialist for Buncombe County Schools. We bought a 1960s style home in East Asheville11 years ago. I retired 7 years ago. I have lived many places, and Peggy and I love to travel, listen to classical and bluegrass music. I tutor math. Peggy does photography. We have 3 dogs.
Kathleen Stern
Email: ksstern2003@yahoo.com
Phone: 706-564-4308
Primary or Former Occupation: Physician (retired)
Years in Buncombe County: Less than 1 year
Moved from: Memphis, TN
Biographical Details: After medical school, I worked as a clinical ophthalmologist in New York City for 20 years. When my husband changed his career path to medical administration, we moved to universities in Augusta GA, Cincinnati OH, and Memphis TN. I retired from practice in 2008 and have pursued a life-long interest in art. We moved to Asheville in late 2021 and have been thrilled with the vibrancy of the art community and OLLI.
Sarah Toppins
Email: sarahtoppins@gmail.com
Phone: 301-523-7653
Primary or Former Occupation: Real Estate
Years in Buncombe County:
Moved from: Takoma Park, MD (DC suburb)
Biographical Details: I've had three careers - first as a broadcast journalist, second as a college journalism professor (U of IL, American U), and third as a real estate agent in the Washington, DC area. In the first two careers I was the first or only woman at my station or in my department. I love to travel and perform, especially in musicals.
Clif Traver
Email: ectraver@aol.com
Phone: 954-319-2646
Primary or Former Occupation: Real Estate Attorney
Years in Buncombe County: 1
Moved from: Fort Lauderdale
Biographical Details: Practiced Real Estate Law in Ft Laud, Fl., Recently renovated home in Asheville, Cornell BS in agricultural economics, Duke, J D, with partner 54 years, hiking and racquetball
David Worley
Email: highland3@charter.net
Phone: 828-271-7997
Primary or Former Occupation: CPA / Business Owner
Years in Buncombe County: Was born here
Moved from: Always lived in Asheville
Biographical Details: A native of Asheville, my wife and I currently live in East Asheville. I have had my own CPA firm for more than forty years, as well as business interests in real estate, kitchen remodeling, and a retirement community. I have served in leadership roles on many non-profit entities, such as the Chamber, the UNCA Foundation Board, Wortham, United Way, Verner, and the Center for Craft. I have seen many changes in the community over my life, including desegregation, the exodus of downtown retail, and then the renaissance of a new urban environment later enhanced by the craft beer and culinary surge.