About Grow Well Appalachia

Grow Well Appalachia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incubator and think tank, is committed to collaborating with individuals and organizations across the Appalachian region to research and advocate for the development of self-sustaining communities.

In 2024, GWA established its presence in Johnson County, Tennessee, dedicating time to assess the region's needs, familiarize itself with its rich resources, and understand the complex challenges of small-town living along with the requirements of residents and business owners. We attended town meetings, built connections with local leaders, and engaged in conversations with both long-time residents and newcomers to the area.

At the core of Johnson County—and perhaps reflecting the spirit of Tennesseans overall—I recognized communities steeped in resilience, while also noting potential distractions that could hinder GWA's overarching mission: to support and facilitate meaningful change for future generations who will inhabit this area. Growth is inevitable; without it, towns, cities, and people stagnate.

I initially chose to focus on those who have endured years of change and challenges merely to 'get by.' This contemplation led me to decide whether to bring GWA from North Carolina to Tennessee. I had to confront some difficult questions: What unique contributions can I, armed with specific skills and knowledge, offer the community? What can GWA, as a nonprofit capable of networking, brainstorming, conducting research, solving problems, and formulating action plans, do to empower residents to thrive rather than merely survive?

The positive aspects that enhanced my potential contributions to the area included its invaluable natural resources, the beauty of its flora and fauna, and the tenacity and close-knit nature of its longstanding residents. Conversely, I faced challenges such as resistance to change—new concepts and ideas are not easily embraced—and issues of trust that arose around the idea of growth. Welcoming newcomers does not always create a hospitable environment for an organization aiming to improve life and community.

Drawing lessons from a region rich in resilience, I feel compelled to continue GWA's journey in Johnson County for another year. This will allow the organization to establish its role as a liaison to residents and business owners, with a clear intention to conduct research that can pave the way for positive change and develop solutions that promote health, healing, food security, sovereignty, and sustainability within the Appalachian region.

It is well-known that think tanks provide solutions for organizations seeking a skilled workforce, strong visible leadership, diversified funding, clear policy agendas, effective communication strategies, governance structure, and support for monitoring evaluation and learning systems. Offering all of these services would be overwhelming, so at this juncture, I, as the CEO of GWA, am inspired to focus on the true essence of mountain living—promoting regenerative farming, healthy eating, food security, and career development for both adults and children who aspire to thrive in Appalachia.  Should you wish to embrace the organization and utilize valued problem solving capabilities, reach out, tell me you're interested in getting to know one another, and if you are someone that loves sinking teeth into solving challenges, let me know that you're interested in becoming a volunteer or board member.