Who We Are…
MountainWise is all of the Western North Carolina region. The people that make up the heritage and rich cultural fabric of our communities are who MountainWise is and what it represents. Facilitated by Macon County Public Health, MountainWise is supported by each of the Health Departments in our region:
- Cherokee County Department of Public Health
- Clay County Department of Public Health
- Macon County Department of Public Health
- Swain County Department of Public Health
- Jackson County Department of Public Health
- Graham County Department of Public Health
- Haywood County Department of Public Health
- Transylvania County Department of Public Health
The MountainWise team consists of four program-specific Regional Coordinators, a Communications and Development Coordinator, Bilingual Lifestyle Coach for Diabetes Prevention Program, a fiscal lead and one Project Director. These folks are based in Health Departments throughout the region, but are usually out and about doing great work in their communities.
Judy Bell
Finance Officer – Region 1
jbell@maconnc.org
There may be no job more important than that of the finance officer. Judy has supported MountainWise staff with ensuring invoices are paid, preparing and submitting expenditure reports and keeping track of grant balances – oh, and lest we forget, she’s also responsible for making sure that our “wonderful” staff get paid! Keeping more than just balances in check – Judy joined the MountainWise team back in 2012 as part of the original grant (CTG), “The grants have changed over the years – sooo I am still here!”
Playing a vital role in managing our grant funds, Judy’s extensive knowledge in finance stems from her Accounting Degree from Southwestern Community College and her 30 years service with the Macon County Health Department, from which she retired back in 2009. With roots planted in Franklin since the age of 3, Judy is considered a “native” of WNC – “I was not responsible for my parents moving away from WNC for work, but they regained their senses and moved back!” One of her favorite things about WNC are the beautiful mountains, the changing seasons and the southern hospitality of some of the most friendliest people around.
Tobin Lee
Regional Tobacco Prevention Manager
tobin@mountainwise.org
After growing up in Ocala, FL, Tobin’s favorite thing about living in western North Carolina is the mountain seasons. He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Science Education with a specialization in Community Health Education from the University of Florida. Tobin was happy to leave the heat of Florida behind and now enjoys working at MountainWise and making new friends in the mountains.
Agustin Britt
Minority Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator (NCMDPP)
Agustin was born and raised in North Carolina and has chosen to embrace a vibrant life in the mountains. As the Regional Coordinator for the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP), he leads the implementation of the NC MDPP across the eight westernmost counties of the state.
Agustin earned his Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Management from Western Carolina University. Passionate about community engagement and preventive health, he can often be found at local festivals, community events, and health departments throughout the region.
Be sure to stop by and say hello when you see him!