Our Mission
We envision thriving communities across Western North Carolina where all residents have access to accurate, unbiased, timely information they need to be active citizens, participating in the community, in local governance, in their neighborhoods.
The mission of the WNC Journalism Foundation is to nurture and sustain a local news ecosystem, starting with direct support to The Paper, Burke County’s only all-local, locally owned, local print and digital newspaper providing trusted journalism for Burke County.
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Western North Carolina Journalism Foundation Board
This is an emerging board, transitioning from its founding role to bringing on more voices and expert guidance from the community to round it out. Check back regularly to meet new board members!
2025 Board
Caroline Avery, Interim President
Community Leader
Nancy VanNoppen, Vice-President, Secretary
Co-CEO, VanNoppen Marketing
Mark Miller, Treasurer
Partner, Davidson Holland Whitesell & Co. PLLC
“An all-local, independent community newspaper, one with quality journalism and exceptional customer service, cannot survive on only advertising and subscription revenues.”
— Allen VanNoppen, WNCJF Founder