February 18, 2026 — Nantahala Health Foundation is inviting nonprofit, educational, governmental, faith-based and other leaders working in the social services space across Western North Carolina to take part in an upcoming Now + Next session.
Now + Next is a three-day course designed to help leaders of today and those aspiring to human service leadership roles in the not-too-distant future to network, practice new skills, and to pause and reflect. In addition to learning how best to align your organization to meet today’s challenges, participants will have ample time to practice proven techniques to engage their teams and inspire leadership in others.
Cost of participation is underwritten by Nantahala Health Foundation for qualified leaders working across health, education, housing, and social services in or for the WNC region of Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain, and the Qualla Boundary.
In cooperation with Strategic Leadership Consulting founder Dr. Frederick Buskey, a regional leadership expert with more than 25 years of experience in the field, Nantahala Health Foundation designed Now + Next to provide local professionals with an in-person experience that creates space to step out of their day-to-day and focus on big-picture thinking. Through guided conversations, peer learning, and practical tools, participants explore current challenges, future opportunities, and hone the skills they need to prepare for what’s next.
Nantahala Health Foundation will host three Now + Next sessions this year:
- Franklin’s session is set for March 13, March 27 and April 10
- Andrew’s session is set for June 12, June 26 and July 10
- Sylva’s session is set for August 21, Sept. 4 and Sept. 18
Seats are filling fast, and registration is encouraged soon. Each session brings together leaders and staff from diverse organizations to learn from one another, strengthen connections, and leave with clearer direction and renewed energy.
“Now + Next is about giving leaders and their staff time and structure to think strategically—without pressure, jargon, or one-size-fits-all solutions,” said Lori Bailey, executive Director of Nantahala Health Foundation. “We want participants to feel welcomed, supported, and inspired by the collective wisdom in the room.”
Since its start, the Foundation has invested more than $254,000 in Now + Next to build the capacity of more than 150 regional leaders, equipping them to collaborate effectively with others and grow the people they serve, resulting in a richer, more inclusive, connected, and thriving community.
“This program will help you with work/life balance by teaching you better self-care,” said program alum and Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey. “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 from a variety of fields across the region.”
“Now + Next encouraged me to look introspectively at my strengths and weaknesses as a leader, to build on those,” said program alum Kayla Hudon of the Clay County Department of Social Services. “I learned simple, easy-to-understand ways to implement small changes to become a more effective leader.”
Full program details, including session dates, locations, and registration information, are available at nantahalahealthfoundation.org/now-next or by calling Nantahala Health Foundation at 828.634.1527.
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working since 2019 as a regional catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation partners with nonprofits and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to improve health and wellness outcomes for all. By addressing the root causes of health inequities and removing barriers to quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, the Foundation’s impact is felt in its partnerships with regional change-makers.
The Foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in support to some 232 programs totaling a financial investment of more than $20 million throughout the region. Those who wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit Foundation may do so at NantahalaHealthFoundation.org.