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A quick reference for press, partners, and funders — mission, history, leadership, and current work in one place.

Founded
2020, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Service area
Transylvania County & Western North Carolina
Framework
Listen. Learn. Lead.

About SparkPoint

SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization serving Transylvania County by strengthening the relationships that help communities thrive. Through storytelling, collaboration, community engagement, and innovative programs, SparkPoint connects people with resources, supports partnerships across sectors, and creates opportunities for neighbors and organizations to work together toward a stronger, more resilient future.

History

The short version. For the full story, photos, and milestones, see the About page.

2019

Community groundwork begins as Sustainable Health for All, including the Walk for Neighbors event.

2020

Established as a 501(c)(3). Blue Zones Project Brevard is implemented across the City of Brevard through 2023.

2023

Brevard is certified as a Blue Zones Community. The organization introduces its public-facing identity, SparkPoint, broadening the mission countywide.

2024

SparkPoint coordinates countywide response to Hurricane Helene, helping information, volunteers, and resources reach more than 1,200 families. Wellness and connection programming expands to 6 new programs.

2025

Regional collaboration grows — 3 additional counties and 15 new partners join SparkPoint’s network.

Leadership

The full staff team and Board of Directors, at a glance.

View full bios on the About page →

Staff

Sarah Hankey
Sarah Hankey
Founder / Executive Director
Charlotte Shackleford, EdD
Charlotte Shackleford, EdD
Co-Founder / Program Manager
Jeff Bannister
Jeff Bannister
Marketing Manager
Maggie Grimm
Maggie Grimm
Outreach Coordinator
Jenny Carlberg
Jenny Carlberg
Development Manager

Board of Directors

Dr. Ora Wells
Dr. Ora Wells
Board President
Daniel Mehdi
Daniel Mehdi
Vice President
Saundra Lemaster
Saundra Lemaster
Treasurer
Mayor Maureen Copelof
Mayor Maureen Copelof
Board Member
Shannon Meadows Allison
Shannon Meadows Allison
Board Member
Jeffrey Ambrose
Jeffrey Ambrose
Board Member
Carolyn Foster
Carolyn Foster
Board Member
Marsha C. Farrell
Marsha C. Farrell
Board Member
Gail Masterson
Gail Masterson
Board Member
Gloria Clouse
Gloria Clouse
Board Member

Current work

Four connected focus areas. See the full program list on the Programs page.

Storytelling & Community Voice

Collecting and sharing community stories through projects like Echoes from the Community and Story Lab Studios, so lived experience shapes local decisions.

Wellness & Connection Programming

Programs such as Thrive @ 5, Social Health 101, and Learn & Connect Nights that build social connection and well-being at every stage of life.

Leadership & Workplace Well-Being

Purpose Workshops and workplace culture programming that help local leaders and organizations build healthier, more connected teams.

Community & Regional Collaboration

Infrastructure like Community Connectors and the Resilience Hub that link nonprofits, schools, and healthcare providers into one coordinated network.