(828) 526-0173 | [email protected] | Copyright 2024 – All Rights Reserved.
New Faces at HBF
Written By: Winter Gary-Highlands Biological Foundation | Issue: May 2024
A pair of hires brings a dynamic new energy to the activities buzzing a round Highlands Biological Foundation during this busy season.
Jamie Creola
Exciting news is buzzing about the Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF) as the organization proudly introduces a dynamic duo of new staff: Jamie Creola, HBF’s freshly appointed Executive Director, and Julie Thomson, HBF’s Education Specialist.
Their arrival in April has injected a burst of energy and enthusiasm into HBF’s mission of stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research
and education.
Jamie Creola brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, boasting over three decades of leadership across a spectrum of nonprofits including museums, zoos/aquariums, and universities around the country. Jamie’s passion for engaging diverse audiences and her knack for storytelling promise to breathe new life into HBF’s educational initiatives.
“I’m beyond thrilled to join the Foundation,” Jamie shares. “Connecting people with nature and inspiring them to appreciate, discover, and preserve our natural world is both passion and purpose.”
Joining Jamie is the equally remarkable Julie Thomson, whose eclectic background as an Environmental Educator, Naturalist, and Independent Scholar adds a vibrant hue to the team. Julie’s journey from Michigan to Massachusetts to the biodiversity-rich landscapes of western North Carolina has imbued her with a deep-seated love for the natural world.
Julie Thomson
“I’m excited to present educational programs at the Highlands Nature Center and to share Highlands’ natural wonders with the community through the Foundation’s ‘Nature on the Go!’ outreach programs,” said Julie.
John Mitchener, HBF’s Board President, couldn’t be more thrilled about the new additions to the organization.
“Jamie and Julie bring a perfect blend of expertise and passion to our organization,” Mitchener shares. “Their leadership will undoubtedly steer HBF to even greater heights as we continue to make waves in environmental education and research support.”
As HBF welcomes Jamie and Julie with open arms, the organization is eager to embark on this journey together – a journey fueled by curiosity, connection, and a shared love for nature. With their guidance, HBF is poised to inspire and empower generations to come in the quest to preserve and cherish the wonders of Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and the natural world overall.
The Highlands Nature Center and the Highlands Botanical Garden are part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. Stay tuned to www.highlandsbiological.org for upcoming programs.
