Leadership Team
Laura Elliot
Executive Director
Fueled by her passion for community-building and transformative work, Laura brings nearly thirty years of experience in the fields of education, outdoor recreation, and nonprofit leadership.
Laura was born and raised in the Episcopal Church in Eastern NC and has now called Western North Carolina home since 1999. She and her wife Jenny are members of St. Andrews on the Hill in Canton, NC and live at Lake Logan with pups Nola, dock diver extraordinaire and Layla, queen of the Gazebo trail.
When not working you can find Laura in the woods or on the water, spending time with family and friends, playing music, traveling for learning and adventure, and “being ever curious about the world around us”. Laura brings with her the pursuit of life-long learning and the ability to show up as a transformational, vision- and mission-driven leader – cultivating love, joy, connections, and community.
Madison Alexander
Director of Camp Henry & The Outdoor School
Raised in Tryon, NC, attending Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Madison grew up in an active part of the Diocese of WNC. Madison is a proud Camp Henry alum, having spent ten summers at Camp Henry as a camper and two summers as a counselor. He brings to Lake Logan over eight years of nonprofit management and social impact. Madison and his wife, Catherine (who were married at Lake Logan in 2017), have moved to campus and are settling in with their dogs Juniper and Laurel and their cat Thistle. He has a passion for working with kids and families, is an avid outdoor adventurer, and spends his free time walking and hiking with Catherine and their dogs.
Jen Brauer
Guest Services Manager
Jen joined the Lake Logan team in August 2021. She was formerly the Marketing and Office Manager for a local tour and transportation company and spent close to two decades working in international freight forwarding. She has an extensive background in customer service and logistics. Jen has lived all over the country, but primarily grew up in the Chicago area. She and her husband Bryan relocated to Canton from Denver, CO in 2016. Jen has a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University. Go Hoosiers!
Jen and Bryan love hanging out with their quirky little mountain mutt, Mojo. They can usually be found up on their mountain top abode watching fireflies and stargazing around the chimney with family, friends, and neighbors. Other interests include camping, hiking, brewery hopping, reading, and traveling. Fun fact about Jen…she’s a New Year’s baby.
Please contact Jen for inquiries about reservations, annual memberships, and day passes.
Amber Rathbone
Director of Dining Services
Amber has been on our Lake Logan staff with short breaks since 2003. She started as a server when she was a young adult and worked her way up to Dining Services Director.
Amber enjoys farming, gardening, canning, herbalism, and spending time with her animals and family.
Jose Castillo
Faith-Based Programs & Outreach Coordinator
Jose Castillo, originally from Colombia, brings a deep passion for community building and service to the Lake Logan team. With a degree in Sociology and years of experience working with children, youth, and nonprofit organizations, Jose is dedicated to creating spaces of belonging, growth, and spiritual connection.
As a member of our Faith-Based Programs and Outreach team, Jose supports our guest services, and also plays an active role in the Latino Ministry—especially the youth program at Trinity Episcopal Church—where he shares his heart, energy, and leadership with the youth.
Jose is excited to be part of the Lake Logan family and looks forward to continuing his mission of hospitality, outreach,and faith-filled service.
Heather Bauer
Stewardship & Communications Coordinator
Heather is inspired by the joy, peace, and renewal found at Lake Logan. Rooted in the mountains of Western North Carolina for several decades, her career has been a journey of service to values-rooted organizations focused on community well-being. An experienced entrepreneur, facilitator, and communications professional, she leads with intention, integrity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling and connection.
Heather first found Lake Logan as a wedding guest, has returned for Cold Mountain Music Festival, and loves kayaking on the lake. She holds a BA in English/Professional Writing from UNC-Wilmington and has pursued ongoing education in Equitable Leadership, Grantwriting, and Nonprofit Fundamentals.
Heather believes in “little by little, a little becomes a lot,” the value of opportunities to “unplug and play”, and treating all people with dignity and respect. She lives nearby with her daughter Alani and partner Don—and brings a love of music, nature, good food, movement, and bringing diverse people together in the spirit of unity.
Board of Directors
Jeff Imes, Chair (2026)
The Rev. Will Bryant, Chaplain (2026)
Carl Norman, Finance Committee Chair (2027)
Lauren Bishop, Chair-elect (2027)
Rich Boulter, Facilities and Maintenance Committee Chair (2027)
Anne Bleynat, Trailblazer co-chair (2028)
Brian Lawler (2028)
Jo Buescher, Trailblazer co-chair (2028)
Elizabeth Teague (2028)
Preston Jacobsen (2028)
Zebbi Sampler (2028)
The Rt. Rev. A José McLoughlin, Ex Officio Voting
Laura Elliot, Executive Director, Ex Officio Non-voting
Madison Alexander, Director of Camp Henry and the Outdoor School, Ex Officio Non-voting
Nancy Harger, Secretary, Ex Officio non-voting
Michael Boss, Treasurer, Ex Officio non-voting
