Foothills Conservancy adds operations manager

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

The newly created position is intended to strengthen internal operations, organizational administration, and long-term growth, according to the organization.

Western North Carolina native Aubrey Robbie joined Foothills Conservancy in July. As operations manager, she 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.”

Her connection to the organization extends back further. Robbie’s mother previously worked with Foothills Conservancy as a contracted accounting professional. In her role with the Community Foundation of Burke County, Robbie reviewed Foothills Conservancy’s grant applications, including the strategic planning grant that ultimately led to the creation of her position.

“Even from the outside, it was clear that FCNC was thinking intentionally about its future,” she said. “The strategic planning process demonstrated a proactive approach to growth that really stood out to me.”

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.”

The organization’s strategic plan, adopted by the land trust’s board of directors earlier this year, identified strengthening organizational capacity as a key priority alongside expanding community engagement, environmental education, and land conservation efforts throughout its eight-county service area.

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(c)(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.

— AKC