PISGAH FOREST, NC – After an extensive nation-wide search, piloted by the Aspen Leadership
Group, the Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce that Beth Venable will be the new
Executive Director of Eagle’s Nest Foundation. Beth is a curious and joyful leader who is deeply
passionate about fostering connections between young people and the outdoors through
experiential learning. Beth will be the third executive director since 1994 when Eagle’s Nest
became a foundation, and fifth leader of the organization in our ninety-seven-year history. She
will succeed Noni Waite-Kucera who has led the Foundation for twenty-four years. The
transition period will begin August 1, 2024.

Beth comes to Eagle’s Nest from her role as Head of School at Hampshire Country School, a
small non-profit boarding school in New England. Beth is a skilled community builder, with deep
expertise in mission-driven leadership, strategic planning and implementation, and childhood
development. Beth has a deep connection to our Southern Appalachian Mountains, having
spent years as an outdoor educator and whitewater paddler in Western North Carolina and
Upstate South Carolina. She holds a BA in Theater with an emphasis on non-profit
management from Florida State University and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from
Prescott College, where she specialized in integrating outdoor experiences with childhood
development. She is also trained in the Culinary Arts.

Beth will begin working with us in August, but will spend her first several weeks in a shared role
with Noni, to provide ample opportunity for onboarding and transition. By the end of
September, Beth will officially take over full responsibility as the Executive Director.

As we eagerly anticipate Beth’s fresh perspective, we also wish to express our deepest gratitude
to Noni Waite-Kucera for her transformative leadership and dedication. Noni’s legacy will
continue to influence our Foundation for years to come as we transition to this next chapter.

“I am humbled and delighted to be offered the opportunity to step into very big shoes as the
executive director of the Eagle’s Nest Foundation. Meeting this team of professionals has been
inspiring and exciting as we imagine the work we can do together. Having been lucky to work in
organizations with strong missions and meaningful work, the ENF mission is unique in its deep
alignment with both my professional goals and personal values. I’m so grateful for the
overlapping timeline with Noni Waite-Kucera to learn and be thoughtful in this transition.
August 1st can’t come soon enough.” Beth Venable

Beth, her husband Drake, and their daughter Laurel share a strong sense of place with the Blue
Ridge Mountains and are “over the moon” to return to the area this summer. The family looks
forward to reconnecting with the community and natural environment that inspires our shared
mission.

We invite the entire Eagle’s Nest community to join us in welcoming Beth and her family.
Together, we look forward to continuing our mission and building our future under Beth’s
leadership.