T. Dwight McKinney, M.D. is a retired academic nephrologist, renal physiologist, Professor of Medicine and pharmaceutical company executive. He is the author of over 100 scientific and medical publications and has been elected to numerous scientific and medical societies.

Throughout his career, Dr. McKinney has been deeply involved in education of medical students, physicians in training and practice and graduate students. He sees the AFFL as a means to continue contributing to educational efforts in a new way and is committed to see the Foundation flourish and provide substantively to educational funding efforts in the "High Country" of North Carolina.

Donald E. Treinen – Vice President & Treasurer

Don brings over 30 years experience to the Foundation. He has over 20 years as CEO of a non-profit training and education corporation, and over 10 years as CEO of a for-profit business consulting company - with a combined annual budget of over 20 million. His expertise includes partnership consulting, expert facilitation, and bottom-line advice to businesses, from start-ups to fortune 500 firms.

Don holds his Masters Degree from State University of New York, is a graduate of Harvard University’s Program on Lifelong learning, and holds certification as an expert facilitator from the International Association of Facilitators. He also serves on the school board of the Two Rivers Community School, a North Carolina Charter School in Boone, North Carolina.


 

Natalie Lewis - Secretary

Natalie Page Lewis is a multi-tasking mom with an interesting career resume, but nothing means more to her than her family and the zeal she has for educating the young. Extremely passionate about realizing and nurturing children's natural gifts, she loves to share with others the importance of being a positive, supporting role model.

Just a few short years ago this wife and mother of two managed a medical laboratory while helping manage her growing family business. While re-evaluating her lifestyle, the difficult decision was made to leave her career to focus on her family, as well as husband Al's construction company and later, her own real estate business, A&M Resources.

Having earned both her NC General Contractors license and NC Real Estate license, she is now a self-professed "WAHMMY" (Work At Home - Mommy) since both businesses are based out of the family's Blowing Rock home. "Sometimes I can do laundry while working a business transaction. It's an interesting life!"

Board of Directors

Officers:

T. Dwight McKinney (Member of the Board and President)

Donald E. Treinen (Member of the Board, Vice President and Treasurer)

Natalie P. Lewis (Member of the Board and Secretary)

Board Members:

Zach Speagle, Board Member

Zach is a carpenter with a diverse background. He has received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Appalachian State University where he recently graduated. As a student, he spent three years conducting research on cognitive learning in multiple age groups.

After receiving his education in the area, Zach would like to contribute to learning and educational efforts here through the AFFL. This organization will allow him to give back to the same community that provided him with a great education. He believes that a community is only as strong as the education it provides.

Dawn Ellis, Board Member

Dawn joined the Appalachian Foundation for Learning as a representive from Ashe County, North Carolina. Dawn is the owner of First Class Realty in West Jefferson, NC. Dawn worked for the North Carolina legislature from 1994 until 2000. She handled, among other assignments, the House Education Committee. She is also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, both in Wake and Ashe counties.

Dawn was recently elected as Secretary/Treasurer of the Ashe County MLS. she is known as a "willing worker" and has an impeccable reputation as someone of high honesty and dependability.

Beth Dixon, Board Member