After 5 years working side by side with outgoing Executive Director Vicki Meath, Emma Hutchens steps into the role with the trust of the community, staff, and board. She first joined the organization as the Living Wage Program Coordinator in 2019 and went on to serve as the Operations Manager. In August, she stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, taking over from Vicki Meath, who left the organization at the end of August after 16 years of leadership. The change comes as Just Economics marks 20 years of organizing for a just and sustainable local economy in Western North Carolina.
Emma is a trusted community leader in Asheville. She brings a deep background in community organizing, local political campaign coordination, de-escalation and racial justice workshop facilitation. Raised in rural North Carolina, she is a graduate of UNC Asheville and has called Asheville home since 2008.
“We are thrilled for Emma Hutchens to assume the role of Executive Director at Just Economics. Having witnessed her exemplary service since she joined the organization, we know she is uniquely poised to lead our next chapter of work. Backed by a strong staff, board, and community, Emma brings a heart for service, community change, and justice that this organization needs.” — Ela Twigg, Board Chair at Just Economics
Just Economics educates, advocates, and organizes for affordable housing, public transit, living wages and worker justice. Their nationally-recognized Living Wage Certification program celebrates an estimated total of $25 million in wage raises for Western North Carolina workers over the organization’s two decades.
Emma will speak at the Just Economics Annual Celebration on Dec. 3 at 6pm at Trinity Episcopal Church. The entire community is invited to a free evening with dinner, music, fun and connection that honors a 20 year legacy, and begins to look ahead to the next chapter for the organization. Join us!