CFRC names Emily Balcken as next Executive Director

The Children & Family Resource Center (CFRC) is proud to announce that Emily Balcken has been selected as its next Executive Director, following an extensive search that drew more than 50 applicants. Balcken will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026.

Balcken brings more than a decade of direct experience at CFRC and over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience across program management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and board governance. She currently serves as Family Services Director, where she oversees twelve family-support programs, manages annual budgets exceeding $800,000, and supervises a team of highly skilled staff members who collectively serve hundreds of parents and children each year. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing and strengthening several of CFRC’s core offerings, including the Maternal Health Program, Doula Project, and the agency’s Equity and Trauma initiatives.

Sam Henry, President of CFRC’s Board of Directors, shared: “Emily’s experience in this role will be invaluable to continue the growing success that has become synonymous with CFRC. I look forward to working with Emily to further our mission in Hendersonville and the surrounding areas.”

Balcken holds a Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University and a BA in Women’s Studies from UNC–Chapel Hill. She also recently earned her Nonprofit Management Certification from WNC Nonprofit Pathways.

Search Committee Chair Jenna Mitchell shared: “We are beyond thrilled to be welcoming our very own, Emily Balcken, as incoming Executive Director. We were excited to have received well over 50 applicants and then narrowed the candidates down in multiple rounds of interviews. The search committee feels confident she is the best and most excellent fit for the position. Her goals and vision for CFRC align incredibly well with those of the board and staff alike.”

The Executive Director Search Committee—Jenna Mitchell, Jessica Knox, Charlie Cranford, Bart Salvaggio, and Jamie Wiener—conducted a multi-phase search that included application review, structured interviews, leadership assessments, and stakeholder consultation. After a rigorous evaluation, the committee unanimously recommended Balcken for the role.

In response to the announcement, Balcken shared: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new Executive Director of the Children & Family Resource Center and to continue the meaningful work this organization has carried forward for over 26 years. CFRC’s mission—to nurture the development of children by building a strong foundation of family and community—is one I believe in wholeheartedly, and I’m excited to support and uplift the incredible team that brings this mission to life every day.”