Board of Directors
The HCCA Board of Directors is elected at the annual meeting held every March. The board consists of 12 seats with 6 candidates elected each year (for two-year terms) to maintain organizational continuity.
Board Officers
President: Michelle Decker
Vice President: Christina Maggi
Treasurer: Christina Quetel
Secretary: Danielle Arostegul
Board Members
Danielle Arostegul**
My husband and I moved to Haw Creek from Washington, DC in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. We were looking for a slower pace of life and we have found that here in the magical mountains of Appalachia. I have a background in climate policy and economics and experience working in government and nonprofits. I've enjoyed volunteering on the Clean and Green Committee and look forward to continuing to find ways to improve the climate resilience and sustainability of our beloved community. You can find me in the garden, converting our one-acre property into a thriving food forest and wildlife refuge, or working at Dripolator on my debut novel.
Doug Baughman*
My wife, Wendy, and I moved to Haw Creek in 2020 from Marietta, Georgia following our daughter who has lived in the Asheville area for 15 years. I retired in 2022 after over 35 years in environmental consulting where I had the opportunity to work on a variety of environmental assessments, watershed management and stormwater studies, and water infrastructure projects. Currently, I'm also on the boards for RiverLink and the Environmental Quality Institute where I have the opportunity to continue to apply many of the lessons I've learned over the years. I've volunteered on the HCCA Clean & Green Committee for a couple of years and look forward to working with my fellow Haw Creek residents to continue the organization's efforts to improve the quality of life for our community.
Jonathan Connolly*
My wife, son, and I relocated to the Asheville area in 2020 during the pandemic, settling in the Haw Creek neighborhood after Helene. These experiences highlighted for me the significance and strength of community support. I have dedicated over two decades working in the public trust sector, with a focus on public service. Much of my career has been in the environmental field, contributing to national projects related to soil health and native plant conservation. I also have experience in stormwater construction, held water treatment licenses, and was certified as a Natural Areas Pesticide Applicator. I hold a prescribed fire certification and Sawyer certification through the National Park Service. I am a strong believer in active, engaged communities and am grateful for the opportunity to serve them.
Michelle Decker**
My husband and I transplanted our family’s manufacturing company from Miami in 1999, and although a challenge it was the best decision we ever made. After settling in, I took my skills as Director of Operations to the real estate world, which has always been a passion. Now deeply rooted after raising our children in the mountains, we enjoy all that Asheville has to offer, the arts, hiking, camping, biking to local eateries, and spending time with our friends, family and Jake, our beloved English Sheppard that we adopted from Brother Wolf. I am pleased to have joined the HCCA board and look forward to using my communication, negotiating, and creative skills to serve our community.
Chris Fleming**
My wife and I moved to Dogwood Grove in 2023 from Nashville, Tennessee. We are proud parents of a husky and a chihuahua mix. Prior to moving here, I spent 20 years in the environmental consulting industry, focusing on wetlands, streams, rare species, and GIS. Following our relocation, I transitioned into geospatial analysis and modeling of wetlands. Currently, I am the director of a project restoring grasslands in 38 National Parks. In my spare time I enjoy all forms of cycling, gardening, and woodworking. I look forward to working with the community and providing guidance on environmental issues, mapping, and responsible development.
Rick Fornoff*
Following a childhood in New Jersey I followed my family to Texas, where I spent four years in purgatory in Houston before coming to my senses and moving to Asheville in 1979. I've lived in my house on the north end of Haw Creek since 1984; as I tell people I'm not a Haw Creek native, but my children are. I spent the first half of my career in IT, working with Buncombe County and then the county school system. Following that I managed several small businesses, finishing my career by coaching people in public speaking. I've previously served as a board member with the Haw Creek (Volunteer) Fire Department and with the Asheville Downtown Association. I'm excited to do my part to foster community in what is already a great neighborhood in which to live.
Christina Maggi**
My husband and I moved to Asheville from New York City in 2018, after I retired from a career in the non-profit sector. I spent 30 years working for organizations committed to creating positive change for people—like Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International, ACLU, WaterAid and United Hospital Fund. I also served on the board of our 72-unit co-op for 9 years, most of that time as president. Frank and I love living in our beautiful Haw Creek neighborhood, just steps from Masters Park. I’m especially grateful that I can continue to contribute by serving on the HCCA board.
Emily Oldenburg*
Our family moved back to North Carolina—specifically Asheville and the Haw Creek community—in 2014. Living in WNC has deepened our appreciation for nature, community, and the unique culture of this beautiful region. As a new member of the Haw Creek Community Association, I’m excited to give back to the neighborhood. I’m especially passionate about leading events and outdoor activities that bring people together—whether it’s a trail run, a family hike, or a neighborhood pickup game. I believe that music, food, and movement builds connection and that shared experiences in nature are some of the best ways to grow community. Professionally I am a teacher, personally I bring a strong commitment to education, literacy, and environmental stewardship. We have two kids in the Reynolds school district.
Liz Polfus*
I have lived in Haw Creek for over 10 years. I've gotten to know my neighbors through dog-walks and yard work. Since the 2020 shutdown I have been working out of my home as well, which means my evening "commute" has become a hike through Masters Park when the day is done. Professionally I work at an Asheville-based IT firm doing process engineering and operations. I have a background in project management, web design & development, and a deeper background in fine art, thanks UNCA! Haw Creek has been such a good home full of incredible people, I'm excited to get to know more of our community and continue to foster connections within it.
Christina Quetel*
I am a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands and have been privileged to call Asheville and Haw Creek home since 2018. Haw Creek and our community have become very special to me and I've enjoyed becoming involved in HCCA and participating in the Community Outreach and Clean & Green committees. Professionally, I work in Human Resources in the nonprofit sector. I am a proud graduate of the University of Miami with a BBA focused in Human Resources Management and Legal Studies. In my spare time, I love running, walking around our beautiful neighborhood, and hiking in the mountains with my partner, Joe, and our two dogs, Bailey and Maple.
Renate Rikkers**
I was raised and educated in Germany before coming to the US as a young adventurer in the early 60s. Over the decades, I have been fortunate to have lived and traveled in all five regions of this country, always finding my place in my new community by getting involved and contributing my time and energy to important issues. Haw Creek has been home for 25 years, and my connection to our Community Association has been a consistent part of my life in an ever-changing Asheville.
Daniel Sanders**
Our family moved to Sondley Estates from the NYC metro area in 1998. We were motivated to move to North Carolina to be in closer proximity to the textile mills and Asheville in particular for the mountains, natural beauty and small town energy. With our brand, “Spiritex”, Marylou and I have continued our mission of sustainably and locally produced organic cotton apparel from fiber to fashion. Our early efforts pioneered the industry and we introduced big brands like; NIKE, Patagonia, Levi’s and Ralph Lauren to sustainable fashion. I’ve been active on the boards of various organic cotton non-profits including the Sustainable Cotton Project, which fosters farmers transition from conventional to organic crops. I value collaboration and bring my insights into negotiation, catalyzing positive change and building sustainable relationships.
*Two-year term ending March 2027
**Two-year term ending March 2028