Kat Bauer joined the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce as Program Manager at the end of 2024, bringing with her a rich and varied background in education, environmental stewardship, and grassroots community involvement. With more than two decades of teaching experience in five different states—including North Carolina—Kat’s career has been defined by her passion for learning, connection, and public service. Her journey to Burnsville began in 2019, when she arrived in the area and quickly felt at home in the warmth and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Eager to contribute to the local community, Kat began volunteering at the Chamber as an Information Host at the Visitor Center. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to service made her an integral part of the team long before she officially joined the Chamber in a full-time capacity. Prior to her work at the Chamber, Kat served with a nature preservation non-profit, where she combined her skills in education and outreach with her deep commitment to conservation. This role allowed her to advocate for the importance of protecting and celebrating natural spaces. Kat’s perspective is both global and grounded. Having spent several years living in Europe, she developed a love for cultural exchange and gained a broad worldview that informs her approach to community programming. Additionally, she spent four years traveling full-time across the United States in an RV, immersing herself in local communities and landscapes from coast to coast. These experiences have given her a unique appreciation for the value of place and the power of story. Now happily settled in Burnsville, Kat is a passionate ambassador for Yancey County and the greater Toe River Valley region. She brings creativity, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to her role, working to support local businesses, promote tourism, and strengthen community ties through inclusive, forward-thinking programs. When she’s not working, Kat can often be found enjoying the very landscapes she works to promote—whether that’s hiking along a mountain trail, paddling down a winding river, painting bold abstract pieces inspired by nature, or walking her dogs. Her life and work reflect a deep-seated love for community, creativity, and the great outdoors. In addition to her business, Katherine has a strong background in community engagement and event management. She recently served as Interim Assistant to the Director at the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, where she helped organize fundraisers and improve organizational processes. Previously, she worked as Program Coordinator for Preserving A Picturesque America and as Magnet Coordinator for an elementary school in Napa, CA. Katherine was an elementary school teacher for nearly 20 years and taught in 5 states. Most of those teaching years were in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. Katherine is passionate about service and community involvement, and was named the New Mexico State Park Volunteer of the Year in 2018 for her work at Navajo Lake State Park. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Austin Peay State University. After living in 8 states, Europe, and traveling for four years full-time with her husband across the United States, Katherine has settled on an east/west ridge near Burnsville. “Where the sunrise meets the sunset”

Linda grew up in Jackson County and later in Macon County, NC. She attended the University of Colorado. Her background includes Journalism, working for the VA Hospital, Marketing and Business Development for Restoration Companies and as a Social Media Consultant for small businesses. She and her Partner, Nate, enjoy traveling, hiking, waterfalls and Football. Linda has two daughters, four Grandchildren and six rescue animals- a Chihuahua and five cats.