Board of Directors

DAVID BRANNON, BLACK MOUNTAIN

BOARD CHAIR

David brings key skills to the board in numerous areas. As a Registered Landscape Architect for 17 years, he truly understands land use, conservation, and landscape design.

A Charlotte native, he has worked around the Carolinas his entire life. He graduated from Clemson in 1996. After serving as an integral part of a number of land planning companies, he created his own company in 2007. Site Rhythms uses 3-D and GIS technology to specialize in conservation based development and sustainable design.

He also understands working with people and is Board President for the non-profit Old Depot Association, which raises funds for art education in the Swannanoa valley schools. He is also an avid member of the Asheville Buncombe Adult Soccer Association. When not working or playing soccer you will likely find David supporting live music.

JULIA JORDAN YOUNG, MARSHALL NC

We are extremely pleased to have Julia’s expertise on the board. Our longest-standing member, she has given her efforts on the board since the inception of SERLC in 2002. A North Carolina native, she has 24 years of experience in the commercial nursery / greenhouse business and seven years in amenity community development (infrastructure, marketing, sales, etc.). She has a BS in Botany North Carolina State University (1977) and a BS in Horticulture w/ Floriculture Option (1978). She is currently the owner / operator of Smoky Mountain Land Management (property improvement and natural enhancement) and owner / broker of Smoky Mountain Land and Home realty. She enjoys riding her horses in the mountains.

CARL NYBERG, ASHEVILLE NC

Carl brings to us a wealth of experience, having served on the board for the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society for over two decades, including volunteering to manage exotic species removal at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. He is also on the board of the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods serving as treasurer for 20+ years. He has an undergraduate degree in Microbiolgy/Medical Technology and an MBA. After retiring from heatlhcare management, he worked as an Interpretative Ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway, sharing his love for the outdoors with the public. He has lived in Western North Carolina since 1975, and enjoys hiking, camping in his VW bus, the arts, dance, and theater performances.

KIM KEIFRIDER, BREVARD, NC

Kim’s love of nature, open spaces, and the outdoors began as a child fishing and camping with her Dad, an avid hunter and fisherman. This appreciation has been carried with her through the years in nature via hiking, camping, and general adventuring.  She has a strong desire to see natural areas, waterways, and open spaces preserved, not just for recreation, but for maintaining and conserving habit for all living beings. She describes herself as an adventurer, whether it is traveling to foreign lands to study deep in the jungle or the Andes with native shamans, or assisting clients in the exploration of their healing process.

Kim is a Physical Therapist with her own practice. After obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies at Louisiana State University, she went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California.  She has over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist encompassing the areas of acute care, rehab, long term care, outpatient, school/pediatric, and private practice. With over 13 years experience in complementary therapies she is a Diplomate level Certified Craniosacral Therapist, a Certified Teaching Assistant in Craniosacral Therapy, and a Certified Presenter for the Craniosacral Overview and Introductory Workshops through the Upledger Institute.

MARIA PILOS, ASHEVILLE NC

We are very excited to have Maria on board to share her friendly, engaging nature, her common-sense experience in the business world, and her much-needed marketing skills. Maria is Director of Marketing at Johnson Price Sprinkle PA.  She is a graduate of UNC at Chapel Hill, where she was recipient of the prestigious Robert B. House Distinguished Service Chancellor’s Award, and of East Carolina University, receiving a Master of Social Work.  Maria has a strong background in engaging people and has been a corporate facilitator and coach working mostly with Fortune 500 companies, including Time Warner, Pepsi Americas, Pfizer and Microsoft, traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally.  She is dedicated and active in her volunteer work with local non-profits.

Her love of the outdoors started young. Her father, a Greek immigrant, had a strong love of the outdoors and appreciation of nature which he passed down to Maria. She grew up in the outdoors camping and hiking.  In her free time she enjoys hiking, cycling, cooking Greek foods, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

BERNARD ARGHIERE, ASHEVILLE NC

Bernard has been a defender of the environment for over 40 years.  He has protected property that he owns through conservation easements, and he has assisted in the environmental protection of other lands in North Carolina through both conservation easements and purchases.

Bernard and his family live in Asheville, NC, where they have resided for over 25 years.  He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance, and he is retired from a career that focused on computer software development.  He holds a Blue Ridge Naturalist credential from the NC Arboretum.

Bernard is an ardent astronomer – serving as an astronomy instructor and lecturer for people of all ages.  He has led the design and construction of 3 observatories in the Western North Carolina region.  He is the past president of the Astronomy Club of Asheville and the recipient of the 2010 North Carolina Champion of Science award from the NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center.