Ruth Birge has been named Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County (UWHC) by the organization’s Board of Directors. She served as Interim Executive Director of UWHC from June 2009-December 2009.  Birge, who is retired as the Publisher of the Hendersonville Times-News and has most recently worked for Carolina First as Branch Manager of the Four Seasons office, will begin on March 22. 

Birge has lived in Henderson County since 2002 where she also began her tenure as the publisher of the Times-News and has developed many professional and personal relationships in the community. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Hendersonville, a Trustee of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, a Board Member of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the United Agenda for Children.  Additionally, she has held leadership positions on many local boards. She is a past Chair of the Board of United Way of Henderson County, a past United Way Campaign Chair, and has served as co-chair of the committee that developed the current strategic plan.

The Henderson County Red Cross is celebrating American Red Cross Month by offering FREE CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) classes to the community on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  Red Cross chapters throughout the Western NC region are waiving the normal $35 class fee for one day only on “CPR Saturday”.

“We know that CPR saves lives and this CPR Saturday gives us the opportunity to introduce those valuable life-saving skills to more people than ever” said Mike Williams, Henderson County Chapter executive.  “Pardee Hospital is demonstrating their commitment to our community and to safety preparedness by sponsoring our CPR Saturday.  Together, we’re committed to helping more people be prepared to save a life if necessary,” he added.