PRESIDENT

Catina is CFCC Board President and Financial Sales Manager at First Citizens Bank in Columbus, N.C., where she has served customers since 2013 helping individuals, families, and businesses build long term financial value. She brings a strong background in community leadership and nonprofit board service, supported by a long banking career and deep commitment to family and community.

SECRETARY

Sarah is the Senior Marketing Manager at Alchemi Wealth, where she leads marketing and outreach efforts that connect the firm’s mission of clarity, care, and confidence with the community. She is an active member of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce and brings the same dedication to local leadership that she demonstrates as a nationally titled equestrian.

TREASURER

Thomas is the Regional Director of Miss Tammy’s Little Learning Center and helped grow the organization from 3 to 6 locations across North and South Carolina. He is a Chamber board member known for thoughtful leadership, community partnership, and mentoring teams across the region.

Mike has been affiliated with the Chamber for 30 years, serving in leadership roles from President to festival chairman. He brings a long background in manufacturing and construction and currently serves as President of Polk Vocational Services, a nonprofit supporting workforce access.

Nolynn is the Director of Clean Water Lab in Columbus, where she leads testing services that support local farms, warehouses, and communities. She is an active CFCC Board member and a trusted local resource with a strong scientific background and deep ties to the business community.

Born & raised in Polk County, Ben is a true example of hometown dedication & service. Shortly after graduating high school, he began his career in emergency services in 2008 with the fire department. Reflecting his strong commitment to protecting his community, Ben returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department in 2019 where he continues to serve his community. 

Elizabeth is a Marketing & Business Consultant, Realtor, & Founder of Rule Your World Marketing. Specializing in developing customized, action-oriented strategies, she recognizes that effective solutions are never one-size-fits-all. Elizabeth helps businesses & organizations navigate real-world challenges related to time, budget, & resources. 

Jessica is an accomplished community leader & nonprofit professional dedicated to strengthening families, advancing youth development, & building resilient communities across Western NC. She currently serves as Area Program Manager for Polk & Rutherford counties with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western NC, where she leads program operations, supervises two Program Coordinators, & oversees a high-impact mentoring program serving more than 40 youth.

Ty is the founder & owner of Top Tier Fabrication, which he established in 2021. What began with a single welder has grown into a precision CNC laser & metal fabrication shop built on craftsmanship, innovation, & efficiency. He leads projects from initial concept through final production. Prior to starting the business, Ty spent over a decade as a master technician with Toyota where he developed the technical expertise & discipline that continue to shape his work today.

Laura is the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at Tryon International & new CFCC Board member. Laura loves the Foothills for the warmth of it's people, the richness of it's ecological diversity, & the history of this special region of the Carolinas. Laura received her Bachelors in Environmental Studies from Brevard College & her Masters in Teaching Secondary Science from UNC Wilmington. She enjoys reading historical fiction and hiking with her dog, Woodford. 

Office Manager

Patty lived and raised her children in Tryon at the beginning of this century, was relocated, but has returned with her husband to retire here. She has held many volunteer positions over the years and currently works part-time for the Chamber and part-time as an Instructional Designer with Walsh University in Ohio.

Marketing Manager

After graduating from Appalachian State University, Olivia spent seven years teaching before shifting her focus to raising her four children with her husband, Joey. Throughout her career & personal life, she has remained committed to serving others. Her volunteer work, role as a Partnership for Children of the Foothills Circle of Parents facilitator, her time as a substitute teacher for Polk County Schools, & marketing & photography support for small handmade businesses all strengthened her passion for connecting people & building community.