HENDERSONVILLE - The Henderson County Education Foundation announced the appointment of seven new members to its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion for education to HCEF, further strengthening the organization's ability to support the students and educators of Henderson County Public Schools. 

HCEF is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students and staff by funding innovative classroom projects, providing scholarships for graduating seniors, supporting the arts, mentoring middle and high school students, promoting STEM education and literacy, and nurturing future educators. The foundation also works to bridge gaps in resources, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and experiences necessary for academic and personal growth. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, HCEF empowers the educational community and contributes to the long-term success of Henderson County students. 

The addition of these new board members will further propel the HCEF's mission to “invest in and respond to the whole child and the whole school to create a thriving community.” 

The incoming board members include:

Kimbrell Arrowood 
Kimbrell Arrowood is a native of Henderson County and a graduate of East Henderson High School. She studied Broadcast Media from North Greenville University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. For the past two years, she has been the Public Information Officer for HCPS. 

Brock N. Goodling 
Brock N. Goodling, a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual, has served on HCEF committees and we are excited to have him officially join our board. Goodling attended Anderson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He has a diverse work background as branch manager, commercial relationship manager in business banking, and financial advisor/wealth planner. 

Bradley C. Jones
Bradley C. Jones graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1987 and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1991 and graduated with a masters degree in Sport Administration in 1993. Professionally, he has worked in the field of community banking since 2000 in the Hendersonville market with several state and national banks.

Amy Laughter 
Amy Laughter holds dual roles as a real estate agent with George Estate Group, licensed in North Carolina, and as a retired educator from HCPS. With a Bachelor of Science from Mars Hill College and a Master's degree from Western Carolina University, Laughter's educational journey spans 31 years, encompassing 16 years as a teacher, more than five years as an instructional coach, and more than nine years as a Regional Education Facilitator.

Jessica Collins McAlister
Jessica Collins McAlister graduated from West Henderson High School before pursuing her Bachelor of Science at Appalachian State University and her Master of Science at High Point University. She served on the HCEF Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023, serving as President from 2021 to 2023. Currently, she works as a Physician Recruiter at Pardee Hospital and also serves on the Appalachian State University Alumni Chapter Leadership Board. 

Michelle Mullinax
Michelle Jones Mullinax, a ninth generation native of Henderson County and Edneyville High School graduate, is the CEO of Vocational Solutions of Henderson County, Inc. Her father, Chat Jones, was on the founding Board of HCEF. Mullinax is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Asheville and has been a CPA for more than 20 years. Mullinax has served on the HCEF Finance Committee for the last year. 
Jimmie Lynn Whitmire 
Jimmie Lynn Whitmire of Hendersonville, retired in 2018 after 46 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She has volunteered with The Free Clinics Dental Division and in Henderson County Public Schools. Whitmire completed six years of board service to the Henderson County Education Foundation from 2016 to 2022. She is also a former first grade sunday school teacher, PTO Officer, and has served on the PTO Parent Advisory Council. She has also been an active volunteer on HCEF committees, and currently serves on the Children and Family Resources Board of Directors.

For more information about our programs or to learn how you can support the foundation, visit HCEFNC.org or email us at [email protected]. 

About the Henderson County Education Foundation: 
Founded in October 1986, the Henderson County Education Foundation, HCEF, has provided resources aimed at improving the educational experience for Henderson County students and citizens for 38 years. The mission of HCEF is to “invest in and respond to the whole child and the whole school to create a thriving community.” 
Source: Henderson County Education Foundation