The board of directors of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry has announced the appointment of George Alley of Columbus as Outreach’s next executive director effective August 1. He succeeds Carol Newton who is retiring.

“As a past executive director of the local Red Cross Chapter and park superintendent for the Town of Tryon, George brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to Outreach,” said Mike Ashworth, president of Outreach. “In addition to his management skills, he has a deep passion for the Outreach mission of helping people in need. That passion has also been demonstrated as a volunteer for our organization and through his work with young people as a popular volunteer soccer coach.”

Alley was selected after an extensive search by a select committee of community leaders and board members.

“After reviewing dozens of quality applications, the committee narrowed the field to three for final interviews with the full board,” said Joe Epley, Outreach’s immediate past president who chaired the search committee.

“Mr. Alley’s selection was based on his proven track record in nonprofit management, his leadership skills, personal character and strong commitment to the people of Polk County.”

Ashworth said, “We firmly believe that George is the best person to usher Outreach into the next phase of its development as a community-based service organization. He will continue the traditions set by Eloise Thwing and enhanced by Carol Newton over Outreach’s nearly 25-year history of providing Polk County with compassionate assistance with food and other services for people in need.”

“The board anticipates a smooth transition, in part, because of Carol Newton’s dedication to the Outreach mission,” continued Ashworth. “We are extremely grateful to Carol for her exceptional leadership and management during the past five years, including expanding and upgrading our pantry and strengthening support for the Garden of Hope. She has successfully led the organization through some difficult times.  Today, Outreach is financially strong and serving nearly twice as many people in need as it did five years ago.”

Alley said of his appointment, “As a man with a heart for service, it will bring me great joy to use my skills to help Outreach move forward as a sustainable organization that can continue to provide much needed support to Polk County residents.”

A native of New Hampshire, Alley moved to Polk County in 2001 as the athletic director for the Carolina Classical School in Columbus. After the school closed, he served as executive director for the Polk County chapter of the American Red Cross. As the Town of Tryon’s park superintendent, he responsibly managed the annual budget and established a fund for the parks at the Polk County Community Foundation.

For the past two years, Alley has been the owner and CEO of Foothills Crawlspace, a business he recently sold.  In addition to his professional career, Alley has served as soccer coach for Polk County Middle School, the University of North Carolina Girls soccer camps, Highland Futball Club and the Carolina United Soccer Club.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in public affairs at Western Carolina University, where he was elected into the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. He also has a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.

Outreach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1991. The organization’s mission is to provide compassionate assistance to Polk County residents who are unable to provide for their basic life needs.  For more information on Outreach, please visit www.tboutreach.org or call 828-894-2988.

– Submitted by Wendy Thomas