Mountain Projects Administration and Staff

Staff Directory

Mountain Projects employs approximately 140 staff members to implement 20 programs across the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina. Our main offices are located in Waynesville and Sylva.

Administration and Program Coordinators

Si Simmons

Executive Director

Si Simmons became Executive Director in 2025, after serving as Deputy Director and previously as Program Coordinator with our transportation program, Haywood Public Transit.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Joni Elkins

Chief Financial Officer

Joni Elkins has served as our Chief Financial Officer for nearly a decade. Longtime Executive Director Patsy Davis: "In a non-profit organization it is vital that you have capable and trustworthy people managing every precious dollar. We are so blessed to have Joni overseeing the finance staff and managing the resources that allow us to provide vital services in our community."

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Sarah Herren

Human Resources Coordinator

Sarah Herren

Human Resources Coordinator

Sarah joined us in 2025 from Auburn, Alabama, where she spent over 8 years working in Human Resources, and also with the American Cancer Society as a Relay for Life Manager.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Christy Morrow

Haywood Public Transit

Christy Morrow

Haywood Public Transit

During 28 years of service, Christy has helped guide Haywood Public Transit through tremendous growth, including a major milestone with the launch of Haywood County’s first fixed bus route.

Phone:828-565-0362
Email:[email protected]

Peter Mudge

Client Intake / Food Services / Community Services Block Grant

Peter Mudge

Client Intake / Food Services / Community Services Block Grant

Peter has served Mountain Projects for nearly two decades. Longtime Executive Director Patsy Davis: "Peter always finds a way to say yes instead of no when it comes to serving our community. He is willing to come in early, stay late, work weekends, or whatever it takes especially to provide meals to anyone in need. His dedication has touched thousands, and we are so grateful to have him on our team."

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Maggie Leftwich

Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership

Maggie Leftwich

Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership

A five-year employee, Maggie began her career at Mountain Projects as a WIOA Case Manager before advancing into key leadership roles, including Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator and HUD-certified Housing Counselor. She currently serves as Program Manager for Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership, our affordable housing division, where she leads a dedicated team committed to making homeownership possible for families across Western North Carolina.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Christie Paxton

Head Start & Children’s Services

Christie Paxton

Head Start & Children’s Services

For more than 30 years, Christie has poured her heart into serving the children and families of Haywood and Jackson Counties, championing early childhood education and support through her work with Head Start. From her start as a Center Supervisor in 1994 to her current role as Director, Christie’s journey is one of dedication, compassion, and impact.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Vivian Bumgarner

Housing Rehab & Weatherization

Vivian Bumgarner

Housing Rehab & Weatherization

Vivian, Manager of our Weatherization and Rehabilitation program, has served Mountain Projects for over four decades. Longtime Executive Director Patsy Davis: "Vivian has touched and improved countless lives during her service at Mountain Projects. I know of many times she made sure clients had food and heat on nights, weekends, and holidays. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Mountain Projects is better because of her service."

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Mary Jane Lucas

Circles of Hope Cashiers/Glenville

Mary Jane Lucas

Circles of Hope Cashiers/Glenville

Phone:(828) 452-1447

Amanda Singletary

Section 8 Rental Assistance

Amanda Singletary

Section 8 Rental Assistance

Amanda joined Mountain Projects as Section 8 Program Manager in 2023. Si Simmons, Executive Director: “Amanda is a tremendous resource to Mountain Projects and is a great leader in our Section 8 HUD Housing department. She has developed tremendous program knowledge and works effectively with our clients and program staff.”

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Christy Mosteller

HOP – Health Opportunities Pilot

Christy Mosteller

HOP – Health Opportunities Pilot

Christy has served Mountain Projects for over a decade and a half. Longtime Executive Director Patsy Davis: "We are grateful for Christy’s service both in Head Start and in the Health Opportunity Pilot. Christy is dedicated and works hard to meet the needs of those who are housing and food insecure. Her work makes our community a better place.”

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Libby Ray

Prevention Services (Mountain Strong WNC)

Libby Ray

Prevention Services (Mountain Strong WNC)

Libby has served over five years with Mountain Projects, and now leads Prevention Services (Mountain Strong WNC) which does vital vital communications work across all western counties to address marijuana misuse, Rx misuse, and vaping. Mountain Strong WNC also plays a crucial role in training our community on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and resilience-building.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Michelle Claytor

Senior Services, Volunteer Services, FGP and Senior Companion

Michelle Claytor

Senior Services, Volunteer Services, FGP and Senior Companion

Michelle Claytor recently became our Senior Resource Center Manager. She has been a key part of the SRC for 10 years, dedicating her time to developing programs and services for local seniors.

Phone:(828) 356-2800
Email:[email protected]

Jan Plummer

Certified Health Insurance Counselors (Get Covered WNC)

Jan Plummer

Certified Health Insurance Counselors (Get Covered WNC)

Jan has served Mountain Projects for over a decade, and as Manager of our GetCoveredWNC program she helps community members access healthcare options within their financial means. During last year's enrollment period, WNC Assisters, including Jan and her team, helped the region reach a 17% increase in enrollments.

Phone:(828) 452-1447
Email:[email protected]

Sharon Greico

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Case Worker

Sharon Greico

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Case Worker

Sharon, our Haywood County Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Case Worker, has been with us for over four years. She helps job seekers access education, training, and support services so they can gain employment, build self-sufficiency, and achieve long-term career success.