News

Elizabeth Moss announces retirement as IAM director

Elizabeth Moss

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 30, 2025

After eight years of leading Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Executive Director Elizabeth Willson Moss is retiring on Oct. 3.

Moss has steered IAM through years of growth and tremendous challenges: the Covid pandemic, which broke out in March 2020; Hurricane Helene recovery in 2024 and 2025; and the current cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by cuts to government funding, Paige Posey, president of IAM’s Board of Directors, said in a news release.

“Despite the incredible beyond-one’s-control challenges, over her eight-year tenure as executive director, Elizabeth has succeeded in growing IAM in directions necessary to meet the ever-increasing needs of our Henderson County neighbors in crisis,” Posey said.

IAM’s growth has included the planning and construction of the IAM Thrift Store, which opened three years ago; the addition of the IAM Mobile Pantry, which provides weekly food in the lowest income areas of our community where transportation access is limited; pursued and provided two ongoing new revenue streams; and raised $5 million in grants in individual and corporate giving, Posey added.

“Her passion, work ethic and tireless service is evidenced in these accomplishments, which are just a sampling of the countless contributions Elizabeth has made to IAM and its mission,” Posey said.

The decision to retire is bittersweet, said Moss, who has lived in Hendersonville and Flat Rock for the last 27 years. It has been made easier by the recent birth of Elizabeth and Bill Moss’s third grandchild under the age of 2 in Boise, Idaho, home to their two grown children, Willson Moss, a police officer, and Melissa Moss McAweeney, a schoolteacher.

“It has truly been the honor and privilege of my life to serve in such a vital role in the community that I love so much,” Moss said. “The good work we accomplish every day is a result of our tireless and committed staff and our compassionate volunteers. Providing basic needs to the working poor, disabled and senior citizens truly takes a village.”

In 2024, IAM provided services to one in nine families in Henderson County, Moss said.

Sissy Rogers, vice president of IAM’s board, is leading a search committee to help find IAM’s next director.

“Elizabeth has been an amazing advocate for our neighbors in need and has helped IAM grow in so many ways over the years,” Rogers said. “Her level of caring and compassion will be missed.”