NC Apple Festival Announces Summer Stipe as Fundraising & Administrative Coordinator
Hendersonville, NC — The North Carolina Apple Festival Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Summer Stipe as the Festival’s Fundraising & Administrative Coordinator. Summer joins the team in a part-time, contract role, bringing a strong background in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and community engagement to support the Festival’s growth and operations.
A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Summer is a graduate of West Henderson High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication. Her professional experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Henderson County Education Foundation, working with the Children & Family Resource Center, and leading her own event and project planning business, Juniper.
Summer is deeply committed to her community, volunteering at her children’s schools, the Henderson County Early Childhood Task Force, her church—Grace Blue Ridge— and serving as the current Board Chair for Smart Start Partnership for Children.
“I have had the privilege of working with Summer during her time with the Henderson County Education Foundation, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the impact she made there. We brought her on to strengthen that organization, and she exceeded every expectation. I feel incredibly fortunate that we were able to bring someone of Summer’s talent and skill set to the NC Apple Festival. Her passion, leadership, and creativity will help us deepen our relationships with sponsors, strengthen our operations, and build a dynamic board that will continue to serve our community and support Henderson County’s apple industry for years to come.” — Joshua A. English, President, North Carolina Apple Festival
In her role as Fundraising & Administrative Coordinator, Summer will help innovate internal processes, enhance community and sponsor engagement, and strengthen the Festival’s fundraising efforts. Her fresh, creative perspective will help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the NC Apple Festival.
“I’m excited to join the NC Apple Festival team,” said Summer Stipe. “Growing up here, the Festival has always been a special part of our community, and I’m grateful for the chance to help support and strengthen it. I’m looking forward to working with the board, sponsors, and volunteers to continue building something our whole community can enjoy and be proud of.”
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Summer enjoys spending time with her husband, Derek, and their two sons, Jude and Gibson. She loves hiking, paddling at sunrise, enjoying live music, sharing coffee with friends, and supporting Henderson County’s vibrant local businesses.
The NC Apple Festival Board is thrilled to welcome Summer and looks forward to a bright future with her on the team. For sponsorship inquiries or to connect with Summer, please email apple@ncapplefestival.org.