Meet Our TeamStaff
Eric Ager
Executive Director
Eric grew up on the farm and has been riding since he was two years old. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and currently serves as the District 114 Representative in the North Carolina House.
Emma Claire Hoffman
Barn Manager
Emma Claire is a lifelong rider and incredible horseback riding instructor. She manages the health and wellbeing of our herd and coaches the Project HNG Show Team.
Addie Lalumondier
Program Director
Addie spent her childhood riding horses with Annie Ager and now teaches riding lessons and coordinates events and summer camp for Project HNG.
Board Members
Annie Ager
Board Co-President
Annie has been working with horses for more than 60 years and running Hickory Nut Gap Farm Camp for more than 30 years. Her spirit and never-ending ability to get things done are the engine that makes the organization a success.
Heather Lee
Board Co-President
Heather has been part of the farm community for years and is a longtime supporter of efforts to make Western North Carolina a better place.
Brittany Keeler
Fundraising Chair
Brittany served on Evergreen Community Charter School's Board of Directors for 6 years before becoming a teacher there. She has also volunteered with LEAF Global Arts for the last 15 years. Brittany loves riding horses, running, & practicing yoga.
Virginia Hamilton
Board Member
Virginia has a background in environmental science and serves as Head of Operations at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. She has a commitment to accessible environmental education and training the next generation of land stewards.
Justin Arnall
Board Member
Justin is in the residential mortgage business and is heavily involved in helping his community.
In addition to Project HNG, he has served on several local boards, including Buncombe County Crime Stoppers & Rotary Club of Asheville.
Billy Majewski
Board Member
Billy Mizejewski has been on the Board of Directors for Project HNG since 2021. Billy is dedicated to helping kids overcome their life challenges and enjoys helping children grow through hard work and fun at the farm.
Patty Matteson
Secretary
Patty is a retired federal employee (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Army) and a dedicated teacher at Fairview Elementary School. During the summer, you can find her volunteering at Summer Camp.
Randy Roth
Treasurer
Randy spends almost every day at the barn with his daughter, Molly. He volunteers with everything, including building fences, driving the trailer to horse shows, and ensuring that the horses had access to fresh water in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.