The Village Green Board of Directors recently announced the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Ann Self effective in December. Self is the founding executive and has led the organization since 2012. “It has been such an honor to serve The Village Green and the Cashiers community. I am proud of all that the organization has accomplished, and I will be leaving The Village Green in a greater position to propel forward into the future,” stated Self. “I am humbled to know so many generous donors and dedicated volunteers, including board members, who help achieve our mission. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family as well as pursuing new creative opportunities. I am also hoping to be more involved as a volunteer in this community.”
The Board has named Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning as the new Executive Director. Ashlie begins her new appointment on October 1. Board Chair Sue Lewis says “The Village Green is looking forward to welcoming Ashlie as Executive Director. We are so fortunate to have a person with Ashlie’s background to take on this important role. With Ashlie at the helm, The Village Green will continue to be the center of activities for all the people in our community.”
“I am so very honored to be given the opportunity to continue in the footsteps of Ann Self and all the incredible work she and the Board of The Village Green have accomplished in our community,” said Mitchell-Lanning. “It is my hope that I can lead The Village Green into a bright future and build on the strong foundation that has been created.” She adds, “What I look forward to the most in the years to come is watching The Village Green grow with the Cashiers community. Not necessarily our physical footprint, but our sense of place. Truly deepening the relationship between the people in our community and what our park provokes in the soul, which is genuine rejuvenation, relaxation, and restoration through the combination of the natural surroundings and community spirit,” she said. “To me, The Village Green is indeed a park for the people.”
Earlier this summer. The Village Green hired Courtney Normand to serve in the role of Events Coordinator. “Courtney comes to The Village Green with diverse leadership and management skills. She has broad knowledge and extensive experience in the Cashiers area, especially with The Village Green,” notes Self. “Courtney was the Events Intern when she was a student at Western Carolina University.” Normand will focus on program events and volunteer development while supporting the mission and operation of The Village Green. She is currently preparing for the upcoming Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival October 8-10.
While The Village Green may be in a season of transition, the 13-acre park remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching lives and the lifestyle of Cashiers with this beloved shared green space. “Some things change,” says Self, “yet the founding vision endures for Cashiers park for the people.”
