Our Mission

We envision thriving communities across Western North Carolina where all residents have access to accurate, unbiased, timely information they need to be active citizens, participating in the community, in local governance, in their neighborhoods.

In order to get there, we believe we need locally-owned, local news covering all facets of community life.

The mission of the WNC Journalism Foundation is to nurture and sustain a local news ecosystem, starting with direct support to independent, local print and digital media publications providing relevant local news.

Western North Carolina Journalism Foundation Board

This is an emerging board, transitioning from its founding role to bringing on more voices and expert guidance from the community to round it out. Check back regularly to meet new board members!

2025 Board

Caroline Avery, Interim President
Community Leader

Nancy VanNoppen, Vice-President, Secretary
Co-CEO, VanNoppen Marketing

Mark Miller, Treasurer
Partner, Davidson Holland Whitesell & Co. PLLC

Barbara Wetsig-Lynam, Non-Voting Member
Executive Director, WNCJF

“An all-local, independent community newspaper, one with quality journalism and exceptional customer service, cannot survive on only advertising and subscription revenues.”

— Allen VanNoppen, WNCJF Founder