Raleigh – At the Friends of State Parks Annual meeting, the membership elected a new president along with officers and directors to lead the organization for the next two years.
The annual membership meeting was held at William B Umstead State Park on October 29, 2022, at 10:00am. Members voted to elected Tim Aydlett, as President, Steve Shelton as 1st Vice President, Michelle Leonard, 2nd Vice President, and Mary Jaeger-Gale is joining the FSP board as a director.
Long time FSP member Tim Aydlett from Elizabeth City, NC, was elected FSP president. Tim, a retired Perquimans County school principal brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the office. Along with FSP, Tim is a founding member of Friends of Dismal Swamp and Albemarle Conservation, a chapter of the NC Wildlife Federation. Tim is a current board member of NC Beautiful and served on the NC Audubon board and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund from 2004 until 2010. Tim is a certified Environmental Educator and received the Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his contributions to conservation and education across North Carolina.
Lewisville resident Steve Shelton, a successful Winston-Salem business owner will serve as 1st Vice President. Steve has volunteered his time as an FSP board member and has served on the Novant Health Foundation Board, BBB of NWNC and Winston-Salem Street School.
Michelle Leonard serves as 2nd Vice President and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the FSP board. She is currently a town commissioner for the town of Bethania and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem. Michelle has also served on the Blue Ridge Conservancy, Piedmont Land Conservancy, Audubon NC, Wachovia Historical Society, and Agricultural Extension Agency Winston-Salem Advisory Board to name a few.
Mary Jaeger-Gale, of Henderson County, joins the FSP board as a director. Mary’s leadership skill and knowledge has been demonstrated with Chimney Rock Management, LLC as Chairman of the Board for the Chimney Rock attraction. Mary currently serves as 1st VP of the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. Other associations include the Southern Highlands Attractions Association, NC Travel Industry Association, Southeast Tourism Society, and the federally designated Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
