Greetings! I am Heather Bauer, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County’s new Executive Director, effective January 15, 2020. It has been an honor to begin work with the Council after nearly a decade of service to older adults and their families in western North Carolina. In my first few weeks, I have already met many staff, donors, grantors, volunteers, interns and community stakeholders that are such an important part of our Vision: A community where everyone has the opportunity to age successfully.
The team here is hard at work ensuring high quality services for our clients, renewing grant cycles for these programs and grant-funded positions, developing projects for the future of aging in community, and maintaining the excellent relationships we have built in Buncombe County, and beyond. We are excited to serve our community through our Mission to: Promote the independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy.
In addition to my professional background, I grew up as the oldest grandchild in a large family, now consisting of more than 40 cousins, if I combine both sides of my family! Originally from NJ, I moved to Buncombe County as a child, and, after having attended UNCW and living on the coast for eight years, I returned to western North Carolina in 2010. My first job in senior care was as a professional caregiver. As a daughter, mother, sister, and friend I cherish my relationships and my calling to listen to the needs of others, meet people where they are, and seek solutions to challenges we face throughout our lives. I enjoy any time spent with family and friends, Yoga, conscious movement, hiking and camping, music, creative expression, reading, food and adventure! It brings me great joy to lead a life of service, one where my next step is always guided by a vision to live well at any age, with growth and authenticity being paramount to wholeness.
If you would like to know more about me, I would be pleased to meet you. You may see me at Home Visits or by appointment, resource fairs, and at our upcoming events: the Derby Party in May, our Professional Summit and Successful Aging Conference in June. You may find more information about my background in our formal press release, here.
