School strengthens recovery support in western North Carolina with Amanda Stratton in new role

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by Katie Geith

Amanda Stratton joined the UNC School of Government as western North Carolina recovery navigator in October 2025. The role is a key component of the School’s broader support for western North Carolina. In her role, Stratton helps local governments identify and pursue recovery funding, connect with state and federal partners, and troubleshoot capacity and compliance challenges.

Stratton brings over a decade of public service experience — with her home based in Asheville, North Carolina, including roles with Buncombe County, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

“I see this role as a connector between local governments who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene and partner organizations helping with technical assistance, training, funding, or other needs,” said Stratton. “I hope to create cohesion and partnership amongst all of us.”

Stratton will spend her early days on the job connecting with partner organizations and local governments and listening to what needs they have, in addition to building out a central tool called the Recovery Resource Hub in collaboration with GROW NC, the six western Councils of Governments, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, to simplify access to funding and training opportunities.

“I hope the resource hub is a trusted place for local governments to turn to when they’re not sure where else to go,” said Stratton. The hub will share information on funding, training, and partner organizations in a filterable, easy-to-use format. With this tool and through connecting with the network of partner organizations, local governments can receive hands-on support in areas where they may lack capacity or familiarity.

Reflecting on her new role, Stratton said, “Being part of this effort touches a wide range of needs I see communities still facing one year after Helene – not just recovery but building resiliency now that we know what can happen. Playing a small part in moving the ball forward is really special to me.”

The School is currently offering technical assistance to local governments in their recovery from Hurricane Helene. In addition to regular finance office hours, the School and its partners are launching Helene disaster recovery office hours. These sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Upcoming dates and the Zoom link are below.

Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, November 4
Monday, November 10
Tuesday, November 18
Tuesday, November 25

Join Zoom Meeting
https://unc.zoom.us/j/91003839189
Meeting ID: 910 0383 9189

For more information on general technical assistance, reach out to Kara Millonzi at: Millonzi@sog.unc.edu.

Local governments in western North Carolina can reach out to Amanda Stratton at: astratton@sog.unc.edu.

Published on October 23, 2025.