Recently, Joey Abel, Givens Communities Director of Community Impact and a representative of the Givens Foundation, attended the Land of Sky Regional Council’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, a special event recognizing the people and partnerships that have helped shape Western North Carolina over the past six decades. During the celebration, a familiar face from the Givens community, Bob Shepherd, was honored for his many years of service and leadership with the organization.
A resident of Givens Highland Farms, Bob served as Executive Director of Land of Sky Regional Council from 1973 to 2002. During his nearly 30-year tenure, he helped guide the organization through a period of growth and regional collaboration that continues to benefit communities across Western North Carolina today.
Among his many accomplishments, Bob helped rebuild the council’s membership and staffing following significant organizational challenges in the early 1970s. He also launched the four-county French Broad River Improvement initiative, securing funding that led to major water quality and infrastructure improvements throughout the region. In addition, he organized and staffed the coalition that successfully advocated for construction of the Madison County transportation corridor now known as Future I-26.
Bob also played a key role in securing planning support for the development of the Western North Carolina Farmers Market in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Under his leadership, Land of Sky Regional Council earned national recognition as an Outstanding Rural Development Organization from the National Association of Regional Councils.
Founded in 1966, Land of Sky Regional Council serves communities across Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties by bringing local governments and community partners together to address regional needs. The organization supports initiatives related to economic and community development, aging services, workforce development, transportation, and planning while helping communities find collaborative solutions to emerging challenges.
For Givens Communities, Bob’s recognition is a meaningful reminder of the remarkable experiences, accomplishments, and lasting contributions of our residents. His decades of service have helped strengthen Western North Carolina and improve the quality of life for countless individuals throughout the region.
Learn more about Givens’ partnerships and impact in the community at givensfoundation.org/news.