Passing the Torch: A Dialogue on Leadership Transitions

Providing professional growth opportunities for our local workforce is among the most important strategic priorities of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The Watauga Leadership Institute is the Chamber's comprehensive leadership development program designed to meet our community’s need for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. Graduates of WLI programs enjoy lifelong networking opportunities with over 300 program alumni.   

We invite you to join us on Monday, November 3, as WLI presents Passing the Torch: A Dialogue on Leadership Transitions, featuring a conversation with four business and community leaders that share the bond of guiding their respective organizations through change at the top.

Featured Speakers

Dr. Leslie Alexander, Superintendent, Watauga County Schools

Nathan Nipper, President/CEO, UNC Health Appalachian

Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor, Appalachian State University 

Katie Woodle, President/CEO, Blue Ridge Energy

This discussion will be focused on sharing stories about individual leadership journeys, key elements of leadership style, and how each leader handled establishing their own thoughts and philosophies within an existing organization. 

This discussion is open to the public and will be moderated by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Jim Street, Owner of Ridgeline Leadership. 

5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

This event is supported by Mast General Store and the Walker College of Business.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Dr. Leslie Alexander

Superintendent, Watauga County Schools 

Dr. Leslie Alexander is the Superintendent of Watauga County Schools where she has served since 2023. Previously she served as the Chief Human Resource Officer for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Other leadership positions she held during her time in WS/FCS were Area Superintendent of Leadership Development and principal at R.J. Reynolds High School and J.F. Kennedy High School. In addition, she has served as a literacy specialist and teacher. She also has played an instrumental role in restructuring curriculum priorities, implementing innovative programs, building community relations, and ensuring academic excellence.

Dr. Alexander is respected for her firm, fair, and consistent approach to leadership. Through her focus on excellent instruction she has moved two high schools from the category of failing to meet student growth goals to exceeding expected growth. She has mentored and coached professionals who have gone on to successfully lead inside and outside of the district. Her research interests involve feminist issues that affect women who serve as leaders in educational administration.

She has been recognized for her accomplishments: The Signature School Award-2015 and 2017, WS/FCS Principal of the Year- 2017, Magnet School Principal of the Year- 2016, Winston-Salem Outstanding Women Leaders Award- 2018, Williams School of Graduate Studies 2024 Outstanding Alumna award and the 2025 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award from NCASA.

Nathan Nipper

President/CEO, UNC Health Appalachian

Nathan Nipper serves as President and CEO of UNC Health Appalachian, a regional health system anchored by Watauga Medical Center, Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital, and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. He leads more than 1,500 teammates dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care across the High Country.

Appointed in January 2025, Nathan brings nearly 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. He joined UNC Health Appalachian in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer and was selected as CEO following a national search. He is known for his collaborative leadership, strong relationships with physicians and staff, and a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities the system serves.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration from Georgia State University. He also completed an administrative residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.

Dr. Heather Norris

Chancellor, Appalachian State University 

Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris assumed her role as chancellor of Appalachian State University on March 1, 2025, upon being elected to the position by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors.

She joined the university in 2003 as an experienced assistant professor in the Walker College of Business and rose steadily through the academic ranks to become the seventh dean of the Walker College in 2016.

In recognition of her trusted leadership and her passion for advancing the success of App State, Norris was appointed interim provost and executive vice chancellor in February 2020, assuming full responsibilities in May 2021. In this capacity, she oversaw the strategic direction of academic affairs, ensuring continuity and resilience in academic operations during the pandemic.

Norris served as interim chancellor from April 2024 to March 2025. During this time, she increased fundraising, bolstered community relationships and led the university through its response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Norris has built a reputation of leading by example, serving to inspire the faculty, staff and administrators who have worked alongside her, as well as the students she has taught and mentored. She is dedicated to community engagement, driving innovation, fostering key partnerships, and facilitating excellence in teaching, learning, research and student success.

Katie Woodle

President/CEO, Blue Ridge Energy

Katie Myers Woodle is Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (dba Blue Ridge Energy), which serves some 80,000 members in northwest North Carolina. She also serves in this capacity for the cooperative’s subsidiary companies: Blue Ridge Energies, LLC (Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels) and RidgeLink, a business-to-business broadband provider.

Previously, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Blue Ridge Energy and its subsidiaries. Woodle is also a NC Certified Public Accountant. Before joining Blue Ridge Energy, Woodle was CFO of Alleghany Memorial Hospital. She received her Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting from Appalachian State University. A native of Alleghany County, North Carolina, Woodle resides in Lenoir with her husband, Greg, their daughter, Nora and son, Luke.

Tickets are $35, and include hors d'oeuvres and 2 drink tickets. WLI alumni will receive a special discount code to use at checkout.

Contact carrie@boonechamber.com for any questions.