The chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Education has been named the North Carolina Forestry Association’s Educator of the Year. Rob Elliot was honored for his work in supporting education programs that build awareness of the importance of forestry to the state’s environment, economy, and families.
“Through our partnerships with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Career and Technical Education Program, we saw the development of the Natural Resources Forestry course and the Certified Forest Worker credential,” said Jessica Ireland, the Forestry Association’s Director of Education Programs. “The success of this groundbreaking project is due in large part to Mr. Elliot and his dedication to workforce development.”
Students earning the credential demonstrate their mastery of industry-aligned qualifications and are prepared for a variety of forestry-related careers.
“Mr. Elliot’s contributions don’t stop with workforce development. He’s also been deeply engaged with our Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience Program for many years, ensuring that educators across the state better understand and can share the story of forestry.”
The Forestry Association presented the award to Mr. Elliot at its annual meeting in Greensboro.