Ivey joins Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation team

We are pleased to welcome George Ivey to our team this month as a Development Officer. In his new role, he will support community outreach and fundraising in the greater Asheville area.

Ivey has a lifelong appreciation for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Born and raised in Asheville, he grew up less than two miles from the Parkway. As a teenager, he worked as a busboy at the Pisgah Inn restaurant. An avid cyclist, he rode the entire 469 miles of the scenic route in 2004.

“From childhood trips up to Graveyard Fields to more recent visits for birding and hiking, I love the Parkway and all it does to celebrate and protect our natural and cultural heritage and support local tourism,” Ivey said. “I look forward to growing the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s ‘Community of Stewards.’”

Ivey brings robust experience in conservation and fundraising, including previous work for The Nature Conservancy, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and The North Carolina Arboretum, as well as eight years as a consultant assisting nonprofit organizations and public agencies with fundraising and organizational development.

“George’s long-standing commitment to the preservation of public lands and natural resources is perfectly aligned with our work to protect the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our growing team.”

Ivey graduated from Duke University with a degree in political science, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management through N.C. State University. He lives near Hendersonville, N.C., with his wife and son.

E-mail George