Leadership
Emergent and Horizontal
Our inclusive and flexible approach to disaster relief leadership allows individuals to take on roles as challenges arise, encouraging quick action and creative solutions. We value collaboration, open communication, and a culture that encourages everyone to contribute. Our goal is to grow like sourdough: slowly, sustainably, and organically.
Learn more about our mission and volunteering with us.
- Zac, Executive Director
- Micah, Director of Operations
- Mel, Community Manager
- Luke, Project Manager
- Kelly, Operations
Zachary Wine, Executive Director
When Hurricane Helene struck, Zac’s immediate concern was for his brother and family in Swannanoa, North Carolina. After temporarily losing contact, he quickly took action to help them secure vital resources, including water and gas, while also coordinating their evacuation.
Recognizing the needs of WNC didn’t end with his brother, Zac became more involved as he saw the need for better organization and communication tools to help people affected by the disaster. Working remotely from Boston, Zac brings twenty years of expertise in digital marketing to his current work with Appalachia Relief, with a special focus on improving communication in disaster relief where traditional methods may not be as effective and scalable solutions to enhance community resilience.
Zac envisions a long-term project focused on improving how disaster information is shared, ensuring that communities can quickly access the resources they need when the next disaster strikes. Under his guidance, Appalachia Relief offers innovative approaches to disaster recovery, grounded in a steadfast belief in the power of communities working together.
Micah Spain, Director of Operations
“If it weren’t for the accident, I’d already be there.” Micah was recovering from a serious car accident when Hurricane Helene hit. In the immediate aftermath, Micah — who has strong ties to Henderson County through the Burning Man community — acted quickly to gather, organize, and verify essential resources for Western North Carolina.
Micah’s strategic oversight and behind-the-scenes coordination continue to be pivotal in the ongoing effort to house displaced individuals and families, as they work to link local relief initiatives and broader community networks. They are a dedicated advocate for social justice and community empowerment, with expertise in conflict management, organizational structure, and facilitation. Drawing on their experience organizing regional Burning Man events, Micah brings invaluable crisis management skills and a unique perspective on creating temporary infrastructure in high-pressure situations.
Micah envisions a future with stronger, more connected communities that can withstand the growing challenges of climate-related disasters. In their work with Appalachia Relief, Micah is focusing on long-term solutions that drive healing and create lasting change.
Melanie Monteclaro Pace, Community Manager
Mel’s roots in Appalachia go back generations in Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. She grew up steeped in Blue Ridge stories and folkways, and she makes buttermilk biscuits from scratch using her mamaw’s recipe. Her basic belief that folks should care for each other comes both from her hillbilly heritage and the spirit of kapwa instilled by her Filipino family’s culture.
Mel brings a deep love for community building and exceptional skill in engaging volunteers to support Appalachia Relief. She also brings training in trauma-informed approaches and fifteen years of experience working with diverse nonprofits, churches, and community organizations. Mel believes in the creativity and wisdom of ordinary folks to overcome extraordinary challenges and the power of connecting people to meaningful work in meaningful ways.
Mel envisions a future in which deeply relational, community care-based frameworks give rise to more resilient communities and more sustainable disaster relief.
Luke Strauss, Project Manager
After Hurricane Helene, Luke took swift action to identify and support grassroots efforts, creating and refining systems to streamline disaster relief and amplify its impact. His work has been instrumental in organizing relief efforts in Southern Appalachia and strengthening the region’s emerging network of disaster relief leaders.
Luke is a systems thinker and strategic problem-solver with expertise in product data management and process optimization. At Appalachia Relief, Luke builds structures that enable others to work more effectively. From developing onboarding pathways for new volunteers to creating communication frameworks, his work ensures that critical tasks like vetting information and coordinating resources are scalable and efficient.
Luke envisions a future in which democratized access to knowledge through accessible educational resources and mentorship networks increase the capacity of individuals and communities to resiliently respond to disaster.
Kelly Takeda, Operations
Kelly is a digital operations specialist based in Holly Springs, NC. In the aftermath of the storm, Kelly quickly joined two volunteer groups focused on collecting and organizing crowdsourced information from people on the ground in Western North Carolina.
At Appalachia Relief, Kelly brings critical expertise in communication project management from over a decade of experience managing large-scale projects and complex digital systems for major publishing companies. She develops tech-enabled communication systems to make sure that critical information is vetted, updated in real-time, and efficiently communicated to those in need.
Kelly envisions a future where technology and communication empower communities to build resilience and navigate disaster recovery with confidence and clarity.
This is Just the Beginning
The individuals highlighted here are a vital part of a much larger, dedicated community of volunteers. The strength of our efforts comes from people of all backgrounds, each bringing unique skills, experiences, and passions. Whether through technical expertise, grassroots organizing, or listening with empathy, every contribution matters.
We are more than a network; we are a place where leadership grows, ideas thrive, and everyone has the opportunity to make a difference. Learn more about volunteering with us.