Board of Directors
Bobbi Flowers-Owenby has had the privilege of working on the Unity of The Blue Ridge board for five years, serving as President for the last four years. She is very proud to be involved in Unity’s growth and be part of the love of this spiritual community. Having enjoyed her work as a healthcare professional for over 55 years, Bobbi has worked on many boards and committees throughout her career.As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, spending time with her family is very important. She loves making memories with all of her family, especially the great-grandkids.
Sharon Oxendine is a proud First Nations woman from the Lumbee Tribe in NC. She believes strongly in the mission and vision of Unity of The Blue Ridge and feels it has made a difference in her life and how she shows up in the world. With a strong background in diverse communities and strong relationships, Sharon has dedicated most of her career in the business development field, for non-profit and profit businesses. Sharon’s own nonprofit called Medicine Wheel Way in Fairview, NC, works to support Nature Restorative Practices within the community. As an Elder and Tribe Builder who has lived in WNC for thirty years, she develops programs that support the Rites of Passage of all people seeking support for their spiritual development and provides ceremonies celebrating life, transitions and grief.
As the treasurer of Unity of The Blue Ridge, Michael Winner plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the church. A delighted semi-retired serial entrepreneur Michael found Unity (or did Unity find him?) a number of years after he and his wife, Ellen, moved here in 2003. He thoroughly enjoys sharing his nearly 50 years of marketing, hospitality, and financial skills and experience with Unity. Over 43 years of marriage, he and Ellen have parented 2 children, 10 dogs, a few cats, and other various critters including an expanded menagerie of donkeys, goats, and chickens. Michael loves golfing and celebrating life here in the mountains and plans to do just that for the duration.
As the secretary of Unity of The Blue Ridge, Joe Weigner plays an essential role in maintaining accurate records and supporting the board's organizational needs. A key member of Team Habitat, Joe is known for his ability to fix just about anything and is always ready to lend a hand. His favorite machine is Unity’s Dixie, the lawn mower, which he uses with great care to keep the grounds looking beautiful.
As a board member at Unity of The Blue Ridge, Brian McGrady plays a key role in helping guide the church’s vision and decision-making processes. Having served on the board several years ago, he brings valuable experience and insight and is now returning to serve another term. His commitment to the community supports the growth and well-being of Unity of The Blue Ridge.
As a board member at Unity of The Blue Ridge, Julia Wagner plays a key role in helping guide the church’s vision and decision-making processes. She also volunteers her time with Team Labyrinth, contributing to the upkeep of the gardens. Her dedication to the community fosters the growth and well-being of Unity of The Blue Ridge.
Laura Cardwell serves on her first term as a Board of Trustee at Unity of The Blue Ridge. Laura owns her own business and brings a wealth of experience from the business arena. Her expertise is a valuable asset to Unity of the Blue Ridge.
Carol Mobley was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Emerson College in Boston, she headed west to the San Francisco Bay Area for graduate school. She was a 20 year+ active member of the First Church of Religious Science of Oakland led by Dr. Margret Storz. In 2010, Carol retired from SF Unified School as a Secondary Teacher-Coach and came to WNC to be closer to other life-long friends and family. Carol has a passion for fitness and attends the Reuter Family YMCA five days a week. Carol aims to make a meaningful impact while serving on the board of trustees