(Asheville, NC) – The YWCA of Asheville invites the public to a Movin’ on Up Celebration for former Executive Director Holly Jones on Thursday, January 26, the at the Renaissance Hotel. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 pm, followed by a presentation at 6:30, then dancing to the music of Westsound. Light hors d’oeurvres and desserts will be provided by Old Europe. Children are welcome to attend.

After nearly sixteen years of service as Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, Holly Jones left the organization in December. She has assumed the role of Regional Manager for the YWCA Southeast Region. In this new role, she will be working with 23 local YWCAs, in seven southeastern states, to strengthen their organizational capacities and enhance the YWCA’s collective voice.

As the longest serving Executive Director in YWCA of Asheville history, the impact Jones has had on the agency is profound. She has shown extraordinary dedication to the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Jones will be honored in a variety of ways at this celebration.

Highlights of the Accomplishments of Holly Jones, YWCA Executive Director 1996-2011:

Financial, administrative and facility planning: 


• Responsible for budget development and capital plan. Grew annual budget from $750,000 to $2.9 million. Inclusive budget process to build buy-in and accountability for 8 program departments
• Built administrative infrastructure to support growing human resource, marketing and facility needs.
Increased the YWCA staff from 45 to 100+. Worked to diversify program management staff, which is currently 50 percent African-American and Latino
• Improved YWCA fiscal stability by diversifying revenue streams, improving fee generating potential, building a significant reserve fund and having no long-term liabilities
• Pioneered the greening of YW facility to model environmental and financial stewardship. 
Achievements include: installation of 30 solar panels for hot water heating, the utilization of biodiesel buses, development of a teaching garden for children, elimination of paper product use and recognition as the community leading advocate for women and people of color being included in our developing green economy

Strategic planning and mission-driven program development:

• Implemented two 5-year strategic plans, meeting over 85 percent of goals and objectives. Currently, implementing 2008-2013 plan with strong emphasis on community collaboration, social media, worksite wellness, and sustainability
• Facilitated community needs assessment to determine organizational priorities and program development. Expanded mission-driven programming including: a women’s economic self-sufficiency program, collaborative Latino Learning Center, health and wellness outreach to diverse populations, drop-out prevention program and a new health and fitness center
• Strengthened YWCA program evaluation process by revising measurement tools. Recognized by local United Way for excellence in outcome improvements
• Designed and initiated community collaborative initiatives, including Buncombe County’s Americorps program which works with six youth-serving agencies addressing underachieving youth in the local school systems
• Launched “Stand Against Racism” initiative in Asheville, resulting in 157 community groups participating, the most for any YW nationwide

Fund Development and Public Relations:

• Successfully completed $3.9 million capital campaign by recruiting broad base of diverse cabinet leadership which resulted in 840 donors
• Increased annual fund, $17,000 to $100,000 (400+ donors)
• Built corporate sponsorships from $10,000 to $90,000 by adding new special event and corporate package
• Led year-long centennial celebration, recognizing 100 years of community service and historic racial justice initiatives
• Launched Club W, a health and wellness center that currently has 1100 paying members, with a growing percentage becoming donors