The Burke Long-Term Recovery Group (BLTRG) has named Charity Childers as its first executive director, bringing an experienced leader in disaster recovery, government relations, public policy, and community engagement to the organization as it works to strengthen Burke County’s long-term disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.
Childers
Formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the BLTRG unites nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses, faith-based groups, and community volunteers to help Burke County recover from disasters and prepare for future emergencies.
Childers joins the organization after serving with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Western North Carolina, where she worked directly with elected officials, community leaders, and disaster survivors following Hurricane Helene. As an intergovernmental liaison, she connected communities with critical recovery resources and helped coordinate assistance for individuals and families affected by the storm.
A graduate of Western Carolina University with degrees in political science and psychology, Childers has built a career at the intersection of public service, advocacy, and community development. Her professional experience includes leadership roles with the North Carolina Association of Realtors and the New Jersey General Assembly, where she managed legislative initiatives, constituent services, public relations, and stakeholder engagement efforts. She also brings extensive fundraising, compliance, and coalition-building experience to the role.
“I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of Western North Carolina communities, and the challenges families face long after the immediate crisis has passed,” Childers said. “The Burke Long-Term Recovery Group has an opportunity to build strong partnerships, coordinate resources, and ensure our community is better prepared to recover when future disasters occur. I am honored to serve in this role and help advance that mission.”
The BLTRG was established after Hurricane Helene highlighted the need for a coordinated, community-driven recovery structure capable of addressing long-term needs beyond the emergency response phase. The organization will focus on coordinating volunteers, financial resources, case management, construction, and rebuilding efforts while working alongside existing agencies and organizations rather than duplicating services.
Board Vice Chair Kristin Watson noted that Childers’ experience makes her uniquely qualified to help guide the organization through its formative years.
“Charity brings an exceptional combination of disaster recovery expertise, public service leadership, and relationship-building skills,” Watson said. “Her experience working with FEMA and communities across Western North Carolina gives her a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that exist in long-term recovery. We are excited to welcome her as our executive director and confident she will help build a stronger, more resilient future for Burke County.”
Since Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in September 2025, thousands of Burke County residents have received assistance through recovery programs. However, community leaders recognize that recovery continues long after the immediate disaster response ends. The BLTRG was created to ensure Burke County has the partnerships, planning, and resources needed to support residents through future disasters and help the community recover more effectively.
For more information about the BLTRG or opportunities to support its mission, contact info@BurkeLTRG.org or call 828-390-1298.
— JM
