Leadership
Emergent and Horizontal
Although we will provide some titles here for clarity, we believe leadership is not confined to titles or hierarchies. The major titles we provide here are the role each person has sought out, while they may also fill more roles as the need and desire arises from them.
Leadership is a dynamic, shared responsibility that evolves as challenges arise. Our approach is emergent, allowing team members and volunteers to step into roles that align with their strengths, passions, and the needs of the moment.
We embrace a horizontal structure, where collaboration and open communication are the foundation of our decision-making. By prioritizing inclusivity and shared ownership, we ensure that every voice is heard, fostering innovation and adaptability in our disaster relief efforts.
This model empowers our community to act quickly and effectively, creating solutions that reflect the collective wisdom and resilience of those we serve. Leadership is a shared journey, built on trust, respect, and a commitment to uplifting others.
In this collaborative framework, transformational leadership naturally takes root. Leaders inspire and motivate their peers, fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to grow, innovate, and reach their full potential. By focusing on shared goals and collective empowerment, transformational leadership helps drive our mission forward, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the mission.
Zac Wine, Head Cat Herder (Executive Director)
Zac Wine brings over 20 years of expertise in business to his roles here, where he is dedicated to improving disaster response efforts in Southern Appalachia. Despite working remotely from Boston, Zac has been a driving force behind innovative tools and strategies that empower communities during crises.
His journey with disaster relief began during Hurricane Helene helping his brother in Swannanoa. With a degree from UMass Amherst in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on marketing, he has leveraged his technical skills and organizational mindset to help create accessible, real-time resources for all affected families. This hands-on experience deepened his commitment to addressing the communication and logistical gaps that often seem to hinder relief efforts.
Zac applies his diverse professional background to develop scalable solutions that enhance community resilience. By blending cutting-edge technology with a deep sense of purpose, he continues to ensure that vital information and resources reach those who need them most, swiftly and effectively.
Zac envisions a future where disaster relief is proactive, collaborative, and community-driven. Through his leadership, our efforts remain a vital resource for Southern Appalachia, offering innovative approaches to disaster recovery and a steadfast commitment to the power of collective action.
Kelly Takeda, Harmony Architect (Director of Operations)
Kelly Takeda is a skilled digital operations specialist whose expertise in ad operations and project management has made her invaluable. With over a decade of experience managing complex digital systems for companies like McClatchy Interactive, Kelly has mastered the art of streamlining processes to drive efficiency.
After Hurricane Helene, Kelly quickly recognized the critical need for organized, real-time communication and volunteered with multiple relief groups. She became an essential part of the team here, ensuring that vital information was accurately vetted and shared with those who needed it most. Her efforts have been pivotal in building the infrastructure necessary to support relief operations, including developing systems for communication.
Kelly continues to leverage her project management acumen to create sustainable, scalable solutions. Her leadership ensures that the team remains focused and effective. She has a deep commitment to building systems that empower communities to respond more efficiently and recover more quickly. Through her contributions, we are better equipped to meet the growing demands and is laying the groundwork for more organized, tech-enabled responses.
Micah Spain, Straight Line Maker (Volunteer Manager)
Micah Spain is a passionate advocate for social justice, minority rights, and community empowerment. With a background in Communications from Arizona State University, where they focused on advocacy and justice studies, Micah has developed expertise in conflict management, organizational structuring, and workshop facilitation.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Micah’s ability to quickly organize and vet critical information became a cornerstone of the disaster relief efforts. Their strategic oversight and behind-the-scenes coordination proved essential in rallying volunteers and guiding our teams through the aftermath. Despite recovering from a serious car accident, Micah’s resilience and commitment to the cause have never wavered, and they continue to play a vital role in ensuring that relief efforts are efficient, inclusive, and community-driven.
Micah’s deep connection to the Burning Man community, where they serve as a board member for a regional event, has equipped them with valuable crisis management skills and a unique perspective on building temporary infrastructure in high-pressure situations. These experiences have positioned Micah as a key connector between local relief efforts and broader communities.
As Volunteer Manager, Micah’s vision extends beyond immediate disaster response. They are dedicated to using their advocacy skills to foster more resilient, connected communities that can better weather the challenges of climate change and systemic injustice. With a steadfast commitment to addressing the root causes of societal issues, Micah continues to work toward long-term solutions that promote healing, empowerment, and lasting change.
Siobháin Pyne, Network Weaver (Partnership Coordinator)
Siobháin Pyne is a passionate and dedicated leader, driving the organization’s grassroots disaster relief efforts. With over two decades of experience in real estate business development, coaching, and project management, Siobháin brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial expertise and community-focused leadership to her work.
Her background spans the San Francisco Bay Area and Illinois, where she led multi-family property investments and home design projects. A certified Green Building Professional, Siobháin’s commitment to sustainable design and holistic wellness has shaped her approach to building stronger, healthier communities.
Since joining, Siobháin has applied her leadership and organizational skills to mobilize resources and build meaningful partnerships that enhance disaster response. She fosters collaboration, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and ensures that relief efforts remain focused and effective.
Driven by her deep sense of purpose, Siobháin continues to inspire those around her, combining her extensive experience with compassion and a commitment to community resilience. Through her work, she plays a crucial role in empowering others and ensuring that Southern Appalachia remains supported.
Luke Strauss, Solutions Sherpa (Project Manager)
Luke Strauss is a systems thinker and strategic problem-solver, channeling his deep expertise in product data management and process optimization to drive powerful and efficient disaster relief efforts. Based in Minnesota, Luke made a transformative shift to playing a pivotal role in grassroots disaster response following Hurricane Helene. His ability to design, implement, and refine systems has been critical in supporting efforts to streamline disaster relief and create scalable, sustainable impact.
Luke’s work revolves around designing structures that empower others to maximize their impact. From building onboarding systems for new volunteers to developing communication frameworks that keep critical tasks like vetting and resource coordination running smoothly, his strategic thinking ensures that no effort is left unsupported. Luke’s ability to both zoom out and see the bigger picture while diving into the details makes him an invaluable asset to the ecosystem.
A strong believer in democratizing knowledge, Luke is passionate about empowering communities to take control of their own resilience. He envisions a future where accessible educational resources and mentorship programs equip marginalized communities with essential skills to break cycles of dependence. Through this, he hopes to build long-term community capacity and resilience, ensuring that individuals have the tools to weather future crises.
Luke’s vision for the future of disaster relief extends beyond immediate recovery; he is committed to integrating mentorship and peer support into community-driven recovery efforts. As part of our ongoing work, Luke continues to create systems that not only respond to current crises but foster leadership and resilience for generations to come.
This is Just the Beginning
While the individuals highlighted here play a vital role in our efforts, they are just a small part of a much larger, incredibly dedicated community of volunteers. The power here comes from the collective strength of people from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique skills, experiences, and passions to the table. Whether it’s through technical expertise, grassroots organizing, or heartfelt empathy, every contribution matters.
We believe that real change happens when we come together, united by a shared mission and vision. It’s not just about one person; it’s about the power of community, resilience, and the drive to make a lasting impact. We are more than just a network. We are a place where leadership is nurtured, new ideas flourish, and everyone has the opportunity to step up and make a difference.
We are just getting started. With each person who joins this effort, we strengthen our resolve and build a future where communities are empowered to face any challenge with confidence and compassion.
For more information on volunteering, email volunteer@ashevillerelief.org.