ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (July 1, 2022) - Natalie Narburgh has been named as Executive Director of Pisgah Area SORBA (PAS) as the organization continues to experience substantial growth. A Western NC resident and avid outdoorswoman, Narburgh was chosen by the PAS Board of Directors and a local, industry-centric hiring committee from a national pool of incredibly qualified candidates. Narburgh will be managing the day-to-day operations of PAS and ensuring the organization's continued growth while fulfilling its mission in years to come.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of the Executive Director of Pisgah Area SORBA and feel grateful to the Board of Directors for their support and guidance,” Narburgh says. “I find such importance in strengthening community connection and preserving access to an activity that brings us all joy. Whether it be an epic day in the Ranger District or after-work laps in Bent Creek, access to our local mountain biking trails is the driving factor of Pisgah Area SORBA’s mission. To protect this access, I will focus on maintaining and increasing the sustainability of our trail systems while working to preserve the essence of Pisgah. I’m looking forward to establishing rapport, good communication, and a healthy working relationship with our collaborators, PAS members, and the greater community while helping the organization continue to grow.”
Before joining PAS, Natalie spent the last nine years as an educator, outdoor trip leader, and was most recently Dean of Students at Asheville’s French Broad River Academy for Girls. A lifelong learner, she holds two master's degrees and has a passion for environmental stewardship and protecting trail access. As an educator, she has had a tremendous amount of exposure to various communities and ideas, providing a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in seeing how recreation and conservation can work hand-in-hand for the benefit of all. Living just outside of Asheville with her husband, Natalie spends her free time trail running, rock climbing, and of course, mountain biking in Western NC.
“We’re thrilled to have Natalie take on the role of Executive Director for PAS,” said Craig Ruhland, President, PAS Board of Directors. “She brings strong communication skills, a holistic approach to leadership and management, and the experience needed to push the organization to the level it needs to be. Mountain biking in Western NC and outdoor recreation, in general, have experienced unprecedented growth in the last several years. Protecting and preserving mountain bike access to the trails in Pisgah National Forest is no small task. With Natalie’s drive and experience, we look forward to further executing the mission of PAS on all fronts and growing the organization to be an effective tool in trail stewardship.”
ABOUT PISGAH AREA SORBA
Pisgah Area Sorba is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving technical off-road biking recreational opportunities through advocacy for quality trail systems. PAS fosters relationships with community leaders and promotes volunteerism and outdoor recreation consistent with environmental protection, strengthening the community and quality of life.
