Destri Leger has been appointed as REVVED UP’s new executive director. Photo by Ruby Annas/news@grahamstar.com
Robbinsville – Meet the new REVVED UP executive director, Destri Leger who is ready to contribute to improving the community – including the upcoming Christmas window display contest Friday, Dec. 8.
“Hearing about REVVED UP wanting to revitalize what they’re doing, get some traction, some momentum, bring in some new energy to the organization – it just sounded really exciting,” said Leger.
Leger is looking forward to meeting new people. She likes getting to know more about the towns she works in.
Leger commented that people in Robbinsville are very passionate with many ideas and opinions. Her goal is to find solutions that work for everyone.
“All input is welcome, especially since we’re having a strategic-planning session in January,” said Leger.
Leger also has her own consulting business, Sylva-based Leger Consulting, LLC, where she helps organizations with non-profit services like grant writing, board development and strategic planning.
“One thing that REVVED Up is hoping to do is diversify and bring in some new forms of funding. Like starting to access some grant funding and things like that.” Leger revealed. “I am hoping that my background will end up being useful,” said Leger.
The duties of executive director include building the board up to a higher level, build off of the work and success already done, increase community engagement and listen to people in the community to accomplish economic development.
Leger started the position in mid-November and was made aware of the executive director position by Pastor Eric Reece at the MANNA Foodbank Conference in August.
Leger and Reese connected a few years ago through homeless services when she was in charge of the WNC Regional Homeless Coalition.
Leger moved to North Carolina in 2015 from Lafayette, La. She now lives in Sylva. She has eight years of experience in non-profit work.
She worked for the Reach organization in Haywood County. She led the WNC Regional Homeless Coalition for two years and through this role she founded HERE in Jackson County – a homeless agency – in 2018. She helped with Here until the organization was steady.
REVVED UP is an economic development organization and the acronym stands for Robbinsville Envisioning Vital Vibrant Economic Development and Urban Prosperity.
Window contest
REVVED UP is hosting a Christmas window display contest for businesses and residents in Robbinsville on Friday, Dec. 8.
For first place, the grand prize is $500. Follow-up prizes range from $250 to $50. Businesses and residents will have separate prizes.
The judging will happen between Dec. 17-19.
Contestants can register at Robbinsville Town Hall.