News

Children & Family Resource Center names new executive director

Emily Balcken

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 20, 2025

The Children & Family Resource Center recently named Emily Balcken its next executive director, following an extensive search that drew more than 50 applicants.

Balcken will begin her new job on January 1, according a press release from the center.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new executive director of the Children & Family Resource Center and to continue the meaningful work this organization has carried forward for over 26 years,” Balcken said. “CFRC’s mission to nurture the development of children by building a strong foundation of family and community is one I believe in wholeheartedly, and I’m excited to support and uplift the incredible team that brings this mission to life every day.”
An Executive Director Search Committee that included Jenna Mitchell, Jessica Knox, Charlie Cranford, Bart Salvaggio and Jamie Wiener unanimously recommended Balcken for the role after conducting a multi-phase search that included application review, structured interviews, leadership assessments and stakeholder consultation.
Committee Chair Mitchell called Balcken an excellent fit for the job.
“We are beyond thrilled to be welcoming our very own, Emily Balcken, as incoming executive director,” she said. “We were excited to have received well over 50 applicants and then narrowed the candidates down in multiple rounds of interviews. The search committee feels confident she is the best and most excellent fit for the position. Her goals and vision for CFRC align incredibly well with those of the board and staff alike.”
Balcken holds a master’s degree in social work from Western Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also recently earned her Nonprofit Management Certification from WNC Nonprofit Pathways.
Balcken brings more than a decade of direct experience at CFRC and more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience across program management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and board governance. She currently serves as family services director, where she oversees 12 family-support programs, manages annual budgets exceeding $800,000 and supervises a team of highly skilled staff members who collectively serve hundreds of parents and children each year.
Her leadership has been instrumental in developing and strengthening several of CFRC’s core offerings, including the Maternal Health Program, Doula Project and the agency’s Equity and Trauma initiatives, the center said.
Sam Henry, the president of CFRC’s board of directors, described Balcken as an invaluable asset to the center.
“Emily’s experience in this role will be invaluable to continue the growing success that has become synonymous with CFRC,” he said. “I look forward to working with Emily to further our mission in Hendersonville and the surrounding areas.”