Foothills Conservancy adds operations manager, land and stewardship manager

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina has added a new operations manager position and appointed a new land and stewardship manager as the organization continues to expand its conservation work across the region.

The newly created operations manager position is intended to strengthen internal operations, organizational administration, and long-term growth, according to the organization. Meanwhile, the land and stewardship manager’s duties will include monitoring conservation lands, building relationships with landowners, and supporting the long-term management of conserved lands.

Western North Carolina native Aubrey Robbie joined Foothills Conservancy in July, as did Lizzy Dvorak.

As operations manager, Robbie will oversee day-to-day administrative operations, organizational systems, and internal processes that support the organization’s conservation work.

Robbie previously worked with the Community Foundation of Burke County and United Way Emerald Coast. She brings six years of experience supporting nonprofit organizations through grants, operations, and organizational management.

For Robbie, joining Foothills Conservancy is also personal.

Growing up in Avery County, she spent much of her childhood hiking, kayaking, and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, including South Mountains State Park. After several years away while her husband served in the military, she and her family returned to North Carolina in 2024.

“I’ve always wanted to be part of a mission I could wholeheartedly believe in,” Robbie said. “I knew I had the skills for this role, but what really drew me here was the organization itself. Returning home and realizing so many of the places I loved growing up have been protected through Foothills Conservancy’s work made me even more excited to become part of the team.”

Executive Director Andrew Kota said the new role reflects Foothills Conservancy’s commitment to building a strong organization capable of meeting the region’s growing conservation needs.

“As our organization continues to grow, so does the work happening behind the scenes,” Kota said. “Protecting more land, serving more communities, and expanding our programs all depend on strong operational systems. This position is an investment in the long-term health of our organization and our ability to carry out our mission for decades to come.”

In addition to the aforementioned tasks, Dvorak — who earned a Master of Forestry from Duke University — will also help expand landowner outreach and support prescribed fire, habitat restoration, and other forest management initiatives in her role as land and stewardship manager.

“Protecting land is only the first step,” Stewardship Director Ryan Sparks said. “Every conservation easement represents a permanent commitment to the land and the families who own it. Lizzy’s background in forestry, land management, and working with private landowners has prepared her exceptionally well for this role, and I’m excited to see her help expand our stewardship program in the years ahead.”

Dvorak brings experience in both nonprofit conservation and public land management. She previously interned with The American Chestnut Foundation before serving as an assistant county ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service.

In the latter role, Dvorak provided technical assistance to private landowners, conducted environmental compliance inspections, developed forest management recommendations, and served on wildfire suppression and prescribed burn crews.

During her time at Duke, Dvorak developed a deeper appreciation for the part that healthy forests play in supporting wildlife, clean water, and resilient communities.

“My past experiences have allowed me to see conservation from several different perspectives,” Dvorak said. “Working with private landowners showed me how meaningful conservation can be when science, stewardship, and community come together. After spending a summer living and working in Western North Carolina, I fell in love with this region’s mountains, forests, and communities, and I knew I wanted to come back.

ABOUT FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is a nationally accredited regional land trust that works to permanently protect land and water in Western North Carolina.

A 501©(3) nonprofit, Foothills Conservancy has conserved more than 74,000 acres in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell, and Rutherford counties. Its service area includes land in the Broad, Catawba, and Yadkin river basins.

The organization’s work includes land and water protection, farmland preservation, wildlife habitat improvement, forest health and stewardship, public park management, public trail development and maintenance, access to natural spaces, community education, and volunteer engagement.

For more information, visit foothillsconservancy.org or call 828-437-9930.

— JM