News

Interfaith Assistance Ministry announces new executive director

Matt Hutcherson

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 1, 2025

Matt Hutcherson, who brings more than 25 years of global nonprofit and donor stewardship experience along with deep local ties to Henderson County, has been named the new executive director Interfaith Assistance Ministry, IAM's board of directors announced Monday.

“Matt Hutcherson is an exceptional, values-driven leader whose commitment to service aligns beautifully with IAM’s mission,” board Chair Paige Posey said. “His extensive experience in community partnership building, disaster response, and compassionate leadership, combined with his strong connection to Henderson County, positions him perfectly to guide IAM into its next chapter of service.”

He succeeds Elizabeth Moss, who as executive director successfully guided IAM for nine years.

Hutcherson, who starts Tuesday, has spent the past 15-plus years in leadership roles with the U.S. Agency for International Development, where he partnered with nonprofits, foundations, governments and businesses to solve complex community challenges. Most recently he directed programs across Central America focused on economic development, education and expanding services for vulnerable communities. Prior to that, he served in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Afghanistan.

His background also includes local leadership experience in Western North Carolina, having served as Mountain BizWorks’ regional director for Henderson, Transylvania, and Polk counties. In that role, he oversaw the delivery of small business lending, training, coaching and other programs designed to help local businesses thrive. Hutcherson has also served on the board of directors of the Latino Advocacy Coalition of Henderson County and volunteered locally with several community organizations.

“I am deeply honored to join IAM and to serve the community that has shaped so much of my life,” he said. “IAM is a critical lifeline for families in crisis, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, congregations, and partners to strengthen our impact, expand access to essential services, and ensure that every neighbor in need is treated with dignity and compassion.”

Hutcherson and his wife, Ann, are the proud parents of one daughter. A long-standing member of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock, he has deep roots in the community. He holds a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University and an MBA/ME from Western Carolina University.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry is a nonprofit organization partnering with the faith community since 1984 to assist members of our community experiencing crisis with basic needs, in an atmosphere of compassion and respect. IAM is headquartered at 310 Freeman Street in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and serves thousands of households annually with food, clothing, financial assistance, and other support through its network of volunteers, congregations, and community partners. IAM’s vision is a compassionate community working together to meet the basic needs of all in our community.