With varied backgrounds and multi-disciplinary perspectives at the core of my work, I assemble teams that deliver novel solutions, effective communication, and innovative thinking.
"I want to help your community or organization formulate innovative strategies and creative solutions that result in stronger organizational systems and infrastructure".
There is nothing Geraldine Plato loves more than helping groups of people work together to strengthen the health and well-being of communities and make them richer places to live. Her unique understanding of small community infrastructures stems from her own experiences living, working, volunteering and raising a family in rural Spruce Pine, North Carolina. She knows first-hand, not only the challenges small communities and non-profits face but the potential opportunities they have for growth.
Geraldine's career includes two periods of administrative leadership at the renowned Penland School of Crafts. In the mid-80s, she was responsible for oversight of the scholarship program, the coordination of all services, and the management of special events. Later, as assistant director for seven years, she oversaw operational phases of the school’s management. Previously, Plato was public information director for the Mississippi Arts Commission, developing and implementing communications for the statewide arts organization. For seven years Geraldine served as head of the Spruce Pine Montessori School where she developed innovative programs and curriculum, donor relationships, and fundraising strategies while managing faculty, staff and hundreds of volunteers in the four-county service area. She was executive director of HandMade in America, a regional organization whose mission is to grow local economies through craft. Most recently she was president and CEO of the Strawbridge and Martha Wilson Young Foundation.
A dedicated volunteer, she has served on the boards of: The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, The EnergyXchange, the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Foundation, Dig In! Yancey County Community Garden, and the Penland Post Office Historic Renovation Project. She was a cabinet member of the Asheville Hub Project for two years. She served as president of the board for the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design.
Geraldine currently chairs the Mitchell County affiliate board of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and volunteers for the Mitchell County Long Term Resiliency Group.