Executive Director

Courtney Lockemer is an artist and designer who works in fashion, textiles, photography, video, and performance. In addition to her work with Piedmont Fibershed, she works for TS Designs, Inc. in Burlington, NC developing production-scale natural dye services. Courtney is particularly interested in using and developing sustainable sources of locally available dye plants.

Board Chair

Chris Nygren is a weaver, systems thinker, and organizational leader committed to strengthening regional textile ecosystems. With a background in creative practice and innovation by, she works at the intersection of craft, agriculture, and community. Her board service with Piedmont Fibershed supports resilient fiber systems, heritage skills, and place-based textile futures

Board Vice Chair

Tara Webb is the Lecturer in Costume Technology at UNC Greensboro for the School of Theatre. She works with natural dyes from local plants and is currently exploring surface design techniques. She is a member of the Sustainability Council, Bee Campus committee, and coordinator for the UNCG CVPA Pollinator Garden.

Board Treasurer

Heather Haley is a chemist, educator, and engineer with a natural affinity for plants. In addition to doing business analysis for a local science educational supply company, she is the founder of the Broley Homestead—an iris farm in Ramseur, NC.  Her interests include sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and connecting horticulture, natural dyes, fiber reuse, and green chemistry in textiles.

Board Secretary

Emily Richbourg is an HR Specialist at the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University in support of the research, teaching, and administrative infrastructure that prepares future leaders in the textile industry. Outside of her professional role, Emily is a lifelong sewist and avid knitter and sustainability advocate.

Board Member

Candace Lacy has worked in marketing and analytics in various industries. She's a passionate artist and upcycler, with a love for vintage and well-crafted objects. Her true calling is repurposing the mundane into art, especially using natural fibers. She is inspired by the individuals and organizations implementing and advocating for sustainable/regenerative practices and behaviors.

Board Member (Ex-Officio)

Kerry Bullock-Ozkan is a knitwear designer and textile artist in Carrboro, North Carolina. She specializes in modern, sustainable designs using natural fibers like wool. When not knitting, Kerry explores rare wool breeds, spins, weaves, and practices natural dyeing. She's also a certified tech editor through The Knitting Guild Association, working with designers to express their creative visions.

Board Member

Kristi Eskelund co-runs a small farm in Chatham County, NC, raising bees, chickens, livestock guardian dogs, and Babydoll sheep. A former educator and current substitute teacher, she brings fiber arts into local schools. She is an active fiber producer, vendor, and member of the Piedmont Fibershed community.

Board Member

Phillip MacDonald is a folklorist, archivist, and artist living in Raleigh, North Carolina. He serves on the Board of Directors for Piedmont Fibershed and is Associate Director of the Southern Oral History Program at UNC–Chapel Hill. His work focuses on preservation, critical making, identity, culture, and community-engaged creative practice.

Board Member

Dr. Uma Swamy is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at North Carolina Wesleyan University, specializing in sustainable retail and regional textile systems. With 20+ years in global retail, her research explores circular supply chains. She also serves as Educational Outreach Coordinator for ACRA and advocates for accessible data literacy in business education.

Board Member

Dr. Ayra Sundbom is Assistant Professor of Education and Director of Instructional Technology at North Carolina Wesleyan University, and owner of Bearadise Farm. With 20+ years in education and technology, her work blends innovative, student-centered learning with agricultural stewardship and community engagement.ption goes here

Board Member

Sage is a sales & marketing professional with a personal passion for hemp & flax fiber textiles. She also serves on the board of the North American Linen Association. She brings industry knowledge and marketing expertise to advance regional fiber systems and linen production. She's currently developing long-term strategic plans for a domestic long line spinning mill.