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WNC Business

Nonprofit Asheville GreenWorks Welcomes New Executive Director After Two Year Vacancy

May 07, 2025 04:08PM ● By Emma Castleberry

Asheville GreenWorks has welcomed AJ Hardie as its newest executive director after a two-year search. 

“This place isn’t just beautiful—it’s beloved,” Hardie said.

Hardie is a passionate leader with deep ties to North Carolina’s natural and cultural heritage, and brings a wealth of experience, vision, and a profound sense of homecoming to this role.

"Starting as Executive Director at Asheville GreenWorks is part of a larger homecoming for me," Hardie said. "Bringing my skills, experience, and education to serve this community is a tremendous privilege for a kid who grew up immersed in the stories and traditions passed down from the Appalachian side of my family. I am immensely honored to contribute to building a society where everyone is included in discussions about the future of our region and our environment."

Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hardie comes from a family whose roots in the state stretch back many generations. While his path has taken him to many other places, North Carolina has always remained home—a sanctuary for connecting deeply with the living, breathing natural world. Hardie's professional background spans environmental research and education, advocacy, community organizing, and nonprofit leadership, with a commitment to environmental justice and uplifting historically excluded voices in conservation efforts.




Hardie's vision for Asheville GreenWorks centers on radical hope: fostering a future where environmental stewardship is deeply intertwined with social equity and community empowerment. As they begin their chapter in the over 50-year story of GreenWorks, Hardie carries forward a legacy of grassroots action with fresh energy and inclusive leadership.

Source: GreenWorks.