Unity. Relief. Recovery.
Board of Directors
At the Valley Hope Foundation, our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of community leaders, and advocates committed to supporting relief efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Each board member brings a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds, including disaster response, community development, and nonprofit leadership. United by a shared passion for helping those in need, our board is actively involved in strategic decision-making and hands-on efforts to provide immediate aid, rebuild infrastructure, and foster resilience in the impacted areas. Their guidance ensures that Valley Hope Foundation's resources are allocated effectively to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by this natural disaster.
Travis Frizsell
Chairman of the Board
Travis is the co-founder and driving force behind The Valley Hope Foundation. As a Swannanoa native who witnessed the terrible destruction of Hurricane Helene, Travis pulled together his family and friends to build an organization centered around helping people in the community.
Travis is a former NCAA athlete at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. He now works at Mission Hospital in the operating room as an Anesthesia Technician. When not working on relief efforts, Travis enjoys spending his time outdoors and in the mountains. He is an avid fly-fisherman and hunter. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends in Swannanoa.
Will Carpenter
Executive Director
Born and raised in New England, Will has been a resident and business owner in Western North Carolina for 8 years. Will has professional experience as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Owner & Executive Director of Saoirse Recovery Homes in Asheville. With a passion for humanitarian work and serving the community, he brings expertise in operations management and a clear vision for our organization.
Inspired by his strong family upbringing, Will settled in the mountains of Swannanoa with his wife and three children, where he enjoys a life full of hard work and homesteading, hiking, rock climbing, hunting, backpacking, and, above all, spending time with family.
Joseph Mueller
Development Director
Joe, a resident of the Eastmoor neighborhood of Asheville, is proud to serve the Valley Hope Foundation in its efforts to help our neighbors rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Inspired by the support his family received, he now gives back by sharing his professional expertise and guidance. He is excited to join the foundation’s board and provide a steadfast presence in the community.
Originally from O’Neill, Nebraska, Joe's civic-mindedness grew throughout his education and career. He served as a Navy Flight Surgeon with the Marine Corps stationed in Quantico, and later trained as an Anesthesiologist at Georgetown University Hospital, where he served as the Liaison for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness. He and his wife Tiffany are both Anesthesiologists at HCA Mission Hospital and moved to Western NC six years ago to raise their four children. Passionate about the Foundation’s cause, he looks forward to collaborating with both public and private organizations to support the Valley Hope Foundation’s growth and initiatives.
Joel Barton
Board Treasurer
A native of New England, Joel grew up surrounded by a family emphasis on service, compassion, and love for others. He learned Spanish and supported his education through various ventures, including bookselling and real estate investment. After medical school and subspecialty training, he settled in Western North Carolina, where he serves as a Pediatric Anesthesiologist at HCA Mission Hospital and maintains a successful homestead with his wife and children.
After Hurricane Helene, he worked with the Valley Hope Foundation and Be Well AVL to provide over 100 drinking water stations to the region for the two months the area was without potable water, and used his language skills to serve as an interpreter for the community. He also worked with the Gathering Church on a multitude of projects, housed volunteers and a displaced family, and continues to participate in community cleanup in local neighborhoods. He believes that we are all called to live a life of service and strives to pass these values on to his children, and share in the growth with his community.
Sarah Carpenter
Board Secretary
A South Carolina native, Sarah is a dedicated teacher at The Methodist Home for Children Juvenile Crisis and Assessment Center in Asheville. With a deep love for learning, a passion for youth development, and expertise in curriculum design, she empowers incarcerated children as they navigate the juvenile justice system, providing them with education, support, and hope for a brighter future.
As Chair of the Valley Hope Foundation Community Engagement Committee, Sarah leverages her expertise in community development, family services, and youth education to foster meaningful change and strengthen connections within the community. Sarah resides in Swannanoa with her husband and three children, embracing a life filled with family, service, and learning. Outside of her work and volunteer efforts, she finds joy in running, practicing yoga, and unwinding with a good book and her beloved cat.
Carl Bartlett
Board Member
With a distinguished career spanning military service, finance, and local governance, Carl brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to his community. His time in the United States Navy instilled in him a deep sense of duty and leadership, qualities that seamlessly translated into his professional expertise in banking and finance. Over the course of 17 years, Carl has served both as a City Council member and as the Mayor of Black Mountain, North Carolina—an enduring testament to his dedication and deep-rooted connections within the community.
Beyond his public service, Carl has held numerous Board and Chairman positions, further enriching his extensive knowledge and strategic insight. His lifetime of wisdom and expertise makes him an invaluable asset to the Valley Hope Foundation, where his leadership continues to inspire and drive meaningful impact.
Keith Bills
Board Member
Keith, a native of Statesville, North Carolina, is a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather of nine. With 12 years of service in Law Enforcement, he has dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community. His commitment to public service extends to his role in the Volunteer Fire Department and as the Founder and President of the youth and community outreach organization, Carolina Steel Motorcycle Ministry. Keith has a keen eye for public engagement and outreach, utilizing social media to connect, inspire, and spread awareness for relief efforts, further amplifying his impact in the community.