Elizabeth Williams, Executive Director of Mountain Aging Partners (MAP), has been awarded the 2025 Trailblazer Award by the Land of Sky Regional Council. The honor was presented by Buncombe County Commissioner Terri Wells during the Council’s May Board of Delegates meeting, recognizing Williams for her pioneering leadership, bold collaboration, and unwavering advocacy for older adults in Western North Carolina.

Commissioner Wells praised Williams as “a model of persistence, passion, and partnership,” citing her commitment to courageous conversations, community engagement, and service innovation.

The award coincides with a significant milestone in regional aging services: the formation of Mountain Aging Partners (MAP), a new nonprofit created through the strategic merger of two trusted agencies—Council on Aging for Henderson County (COAHC) and MountainCare. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, MAP now delivers a more unified, efficient, and sustainable system of care for the region’s rapidly growing aging population.

“This is not a response to crisis—it’s a reflection of foresight,” said Williams. “The merger was already in motion before recent federal funding uncertainties. But now more than ever, we need to be proactive, collaborative, and innovative.”

MAP strengthens access and services across Henderson and Buncombe counties, offering:

Williams, a graduate of Western Carolina University with a BSW, began her career in aging services in 2007, inspired by her own caregiving experiences. Over three decades, she has become known for guiding organizations through complex transitions. She led MountainCare through its separation from a large healthcare system and later stabilized COAHC amid staff turnover and financial strain—setting the stage for the successful MAP merger.

She continues to serve on regional and statewide coalitions such as Age-Friendly Buncombe and the Henderson County Aging Coalition, advocating for person-centered care, caregiver support, and systems that promote independence and dignity.

“The name Mountain Aging Partners speaks to our mission,” Williams said. “We are here to help people navigate aging with clarity, connection, and compassion. Our vision is that no one ages alone.”

MAP is headquartered in Henderson County and serves communities throughout the region.

Source: MAP.