Many of you already know we have finally added another member to the Builders Association team!
Jessie Edington is our new Event Coordinator, and we are excited about what she will be bringing to the team. Originally from the Washington, DC area, she has lived in Western North Carolina since early 2022 and is increasingly becoming enamored with our area (as we all know most transplants do).
Here is a little Q&A for you to get to know Jessie better!
What are your qualifications/history?
I graduated from a small all-women’s college in Southern Virginia called Sweet Briar College where I majored in Business Management and played lacrosse. After graduating I moved back to the DC area to start my career in events. For the past ten years, I’ve been immersed in the world of event planning working at nonprofits and event agencies. My expertise lies in orchestrating experiences for corporate, social, and non-profit clients ranging in size from 50 – 20,000 people across the country and worldwide.
What brought you to the Home Builders Association?
Association work has always been interesting to me so as I was looking for something more full-time, my friend who is very familiar with the BABRM team (sings their praises!!) recommended I apply to the open events position. After meeting with the team and learning about the BABRM, I was stoked at the possibility of joining the team. I am excited to spearhead a wide range of engaging events to continue creating connections among our members and industry professionals across WNC.
What Events are you excited about most this coming year at AHBA?
Battle of the Builders and Parade of Homes! I have never been involved with planning a cornhole tournament or a parade of homes so I am very excited to dive in and see what all goes into the planning of each event. Bring on the chaos!
Favorite thing about WNC or Asheville particularly.
I moved to Asheville in Spring of 2022 so I am still relatively new to the area. Coming from the DC area, the change of pace has been really great and I’ve enjoyed exploring a new city. Being in the mountains is something special!
When you aren’t at work what are you most likely doing?
After work during the week, you can find me working out/coaching at MADabolic, a strength-based interval gym on the South Slope or doing something outside like hiking or cycling on the Greenway.
When it comes to the weekend, I tend to spend it with friends checking out swimming holes, eating and drinking downtown or a live show. The most recent show I have gone to (besides AVL Fest) was Trombone Shorty with Mavis Staples and Robert Randolph & the Family Band at Salvage Station – horns are kind of my jam!
People would be surprised to know…
I started an event planning side hustle – Tablesaveur, during Covid – seems crazy I know! I started with planning luxury picnics outside as a way for people to gather yet maintain CDC requirements. Since then, it has evolved into full-service planning and floral design for smaller events.
I also love vintage BMWs! My friends laugh at how excited I get when I see them buzzing around. I went out to The Vintage this year in Hot Springs and was blown away by all the enthusiasts. Such a fun time!
