Leadership
Kathryn Thomas
Kathryn’s connection to App began as graduate student working in Belk Library with Faculty and Staff. After NC, she spent the majority of her work life in Vermont, as a mental health therapist. Kathryn moved back in 2008 (“best decision ever!”) to be closer to family and continued to work in the mental health field until retirement in 2019.
Her main interests are gardening, reading, travel, Tai Chi, cooking, walking pets, and family.
President
Bonnie Marland
Bonnie and her husband Gregg came to Boone in 2011 to be closer to family and for Gregg to join the department of Geological and Environmental Sciences as a research professor. Their son and grandchildren have since moved away, but Bonnie and Gregg love Boone and intend to stay. They both love to hike and know all the best trails in the region. They are also avid bicyclists and travelers, always ready for an adventure.
Vice President
Laura Chu Stokes
SecretaryA pianist and music educator and former director of the App State Community Music school. She enjoys trips to the Big Apple to visit family and take in shows on Broadway.
Mary Rupp
TreasurerA realtor whose love for the community and the surrounding mountains is the reason she makes her career in the High Country. She knows every neighborhood in the region! Mary has lived in Boone since 1975, when her husband served as Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of English at Appalachian State University. Their five children attended Watauga High School and now Mary enjoys staying busy and spending time with her grandchildren.
Judy Alexander-Eitzman
Board Member at LargeA tree hugger at heart, with a genuine passion for gardening and a love of getting hands in the soil. Judy advocates for dark skies, fireflies, and the native plants that support the biodiversity of the High Country. When she’s not working on home renovations or canning strawberry rhubarb jam. she’s hiking and searching out new local natural wonders.