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Now + Next

Because WNC Deserves Exceptional Leaders

Realizing our region’s rural nature requires a unique brand of collective problem-solving was only the first step. We must act on this reality if we hope to remove health disparities and inequities in Western North Carolina.

Introducing Now + Next

Our Now + Next Vision

Our program offers you the opportunity to learn and practice new leadership skills. Working with others, you will immediately put into action the tools you need to collaborate effectively and grow your staff. In addition to you, those you serve will receive the benefits, resulting in a more inclusive and connected community.

Essential Features of Now + Next

  • An intergenerational component to broaden our reach and enhance relationships;
  • Action-focused, not theoretical, support for the application of leadership skills;
  • A focus on shifting the way leaders approach challenges to be more proactive and collaborative;
  • Techniques that empower leaders to develop and support others (their employees, as well as customers and others) to increase human capacity and aid retention;
  • Networking and community building designed to increase inter-agency collaboration, as well as create avenues for young leaders to be engaged in both the present and future;
  • Consistent and ongoing training, support, and activities (meaning this program is not limited in its duration) will include support in grant applications and project management;
  • Facilitated collective problem-solving.

Our Now + Next Visionary

Meet Dr. Frederick Buskey,
an expert in leadership development
and our Now + Next partner

Dr. Frederick Buskey spent the majority of his career in P-12 education, including moe than 14 years as a leadership development specialist in higher education, and has been consulting with public and private sector organizations since 2006. A resident of Cullowhee, he strives to serve others by developing relationships, listening, and supporting their efforts to align values, goals, and actions.

"I am privileged to work with other passionate leaders in both the public and private sector. My passion fuels my interests in personal and organizational leadership development. I am specifically interested in helping leaders become more strategic by working purposefully to address root problems, engage in continual incremental improvement, and invest in growing people. I am excited to be able to work with current and future leaders in Western North Carolina to enrich our communities through connecting and collaborating."

[email protected]          |          www.FrederickBuskey.com        |        828.550.3790        |        The Assistant Principal Podcast

Join a Now + Next Cohort

All sessions are free of charge, thanks to a commitment by the Nantahala Health Foundation Board of Directors to offer this barrier-free, capacity-building program to our region.

Sessions include lunch and refreshments. Posted dates are subject to change.

2026 Cohort Dates

Dates: March 13, March 27, April 10

Times: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Location: Franklin Town Hall

JOIN IN FRANKLIN

Dates: June 12, June 26, July 10

Times: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Location: Industrial Opportunities Inc.

JOIN IN ANDREWS

Dates: August 21, September 4, September 18

Times: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Location: Southwestern Community College

JOIN IN SYLVA
REQUEST A FUTURE DATE

Bring Our Now + Next Expert to Your Workplace

Alumni, partner organizations, and Foundation grantees are invited to host a customizable one-day workshop for your leaders. 

Single-Day Organizational Workshops

What Our Alumni Are Saying

“I loved this program. I do not say that lightly. I am usually someone who leaves a training without really learning anything. Now + Next was a complete 180 from any kind of training I have attended in the past. This program encourages you to look introspectively to see your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, teaches you how to build on those, and gives simple, easy-to-understand ways to implement those changes to become a more effective leader. I feel anyone in a leadership role would greatly benefit from this program.”
N+N Alumni Kayla Nelson
Kayla Nelson
Adult Services Social Work Supervisor, Clay County Department of Social Services
"This program will help you with work/life balance by teaching you better self-care. It will help you prioritize elements of your work, making your efforts more effective and deliberate. Additionally, you’ll meet, get to know, and collaborate with a variety of leaders in a variety of fields from around the region.”
Stacy Guffey
Mayor, Town of Franklin
Meet Our Alumni