Community-Driven, Future-Focused
We are a group of local leaders, families, and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to the recovery and future of Western North Carolina. Co-led by David and Jen Billstrom and Brent and Jamie Bookwalter, our shared mission is to restore the outdoor recreation infrastructure that supports the region's economy and revitalizes the heart of our communities.
By prioritizing long-term recovery, we are not just rebuilding what was lost; we are safeguarding the unique and cherished character of Western North Carolina for generations to come. As residents and stewards of this region, we are united in our commitment to creating a stronger, more resilient future for Black Mountain, Montreat, and the broader Western North Carolina area.
Founders:
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David Billstrom is a dedicated leader, entrepreneur, and outdoor enthusiast with a long history of empowering small communities through innovation and sustainability. As CEO of Kitsbow Apparel, David successfully led the company’s pivot to manufacturing PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, a move that not only addressed a critical need but also showcased his ability to lead in times of crisis. His leadership in both business and outdoor industries is well recognized from testifying in the U.S. Senate on radio communications interoperability in disasters (2007) and advising Congress on COVID-related small business issues (2020) to steering initiatives that prioritize sustainability and community well-being.
For David, Black Mountain is more than just home—it’s where his heart is. As a first responder with over 40 years experience responding to emergencies, he understands the urgency of the current situation following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Through Rebuild Black Mountain, David is focused on ensuring the long-term recovery of the community, preserving the outdoor recreation spaces that define the region, and filling gaps where government programs fall short. His passion for the outdoors, combined with his commitment to community-driven solutions, drives his leadership in this initiative.
David, alongside his wife Jen, has called Black Mountain home for years, and he’s dedicated to ensuring that the next generation can experience the beloved trails, parks, and mountain vistas that make the region unique. David’s focus remains clear: rebuilding, protecting, and preserving Black Mountain for the future.
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Brent Bookwalter is a former professional cyclist with a 16-year career that saw him compete at the highest levels, including the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2011 Tour de France-winning team with Cadel Evans. Now an NBC Sports analyst and pursuing a Master's in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology, Brent’s passion for resilience and performance extends beyond sports. Alongside his wife Jamie and their two children, Brent calls Black Mountain home.
For Brent, Rebuild Black Mountain is deeply personal. Having traveled the world, he knows firsthand the unique beauty and tight-knit community that make this area special. By contributing to the restoration of Black Mountain’s outdoor recreation infrastructure, Brent is committed to ensuring that future generations—his own children included—can continue to experience the magic of this beloved mountain retreat.
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Fitzalan Crowe brings a wealth of expertise in business development, strategic communications, and public relations to the Rebuild Black Mountain initiative. With more than 15 years of helping organizations craft compelling stories and build strategic partnerships, Fitzalan’s passion for connecting people and ideas makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Her background in launching innovative campaigns and leading global media efforts ensures that Rebuild Black Mountain will reach a broad audience, inspiring both community support and long-term partnerships.
For Fitzalan, Black Mountain holds a special place in her heart. She believes that the restoration of Black Mountain’s outdoor spaces is about preserving the town’s beloved character and ensuring it thrives for generations to come. By joining Rebuild Black Mountain, Fitzalan is committed to helping restore the region’s natural beauty and supporting the community that calls it home.
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Jen Billstrom, CPA, is a financial expert with over 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to the Black Mountain community. As a Fractional CFO and board member of the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Mountain BizWorks, Jen’s passion for outdoor recreation and environmental conservation runs deep. She’s dedicated to preserving the outdoor recreation spaces that are central to the region’s identity and economy.
For Jen, Rebuild Black Mountain is about more than recovery—it’s about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same trails, parks, and natural beauty that make this area so special. An avid cyclist, runner, and hiker, Jen draws inspiration from the Blue Ridge Mountains and is committed to leading the effort to restore and protect the outdoor spaces that are beloved by both locals and visitors.
She and her husband, David, are proud to call Black Mountain home, and through this initiative, they are focused on rebuilding and strengthening the community they love.
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Jamie Bookwalter, PhD, is a passionate environmentalist and expert in mountain conifer ecosystems, currently serving as an Extension Specialist with the NC State Extension Forestry team. With a Ph.D. from the Universitat de Barcelona Autònoma and an M.S. from the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Jamie’s research has taken her from the high Pyrenees of Andorra to the forests of Western North Carolina. Her work focuses on integrated pest management (IPM) for mountain conifers, helping to protect the natural landscapes and supporting local Christmas tree growers with sustainable, research-based practices.
For Jamie, Rebuild Black Mountain is an extension of her lifelong commitment to protecting the environment and supporting the community that she, her husband Brent, and their two children call home. A dedicated conservationist, Jamie understands that rebuilding Black Mountain after Hurricane Helene requires more than restoring infrastructure—it’s about preserving the delicate balance between nature and community that defines this beloved region.
Her expertise in environmental sustainability and her passion for the outdoors makes her a key advocate in the effort to restore Black Mountain’s outdoor recreation spaces and ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
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Ian Sherburne is a highly skilled professional mechanic and outdoor enthusiast with over two decades of experience working at the highest levels of professional cycling. Having served as Chief Mechanic for BMC Racing Team and later worked with Team Sky/INEOS Grenadiers, Ian’s expertise extends far beyond the bike, encompassing logistics, precision, precision, attention to detail and problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. His career has taken him around the globe, from Alaska to Colorado Springs to Belgium, but it is his deep connection to the outdoors that has always driven him forward.
For Ian, Black Mountain is a place he feels compelled to protect and rebuild. As one of the first outsiders on the ground after Hurricane Helene, Ian was instrumental in the critical phase of the disaster relief efforts. Working alongside David Billstrom and the Bookwalters, Ian’s commitment to the community and his ability to provide essential supplies, coordinate relief efforts, and establish crucial communications were vital in the aftermath of the storm.
Through his work with Rebuild Black Mountain, Ian is committed to restoring the outdoor spaces and community that make Black Mountain such a special place for residents and visitors alike.
