BOARD & STAFF

Lee Rollins brings more than twenty-five years of administrative and project management experience across the public and private sectors. He currently serves as Town Manager of Mocksville, North Carolina, a role he has held since 2025.

Previously, Lee spent twelve years as Town Manager of Bermuda Run, North Carolina, where he led projects related to utilities, stormwater management, and greenway development. His career reflects deep experience in municipal operations, infrastructure planning, and coordination with state and federal funding partners.

As Board Chair of Resource Institute, Lee provides strategic oversight informed by his extensive public-sector leadership and hands-on experience managing complex, community-focused projects.

Lee holds a degree in business administration from High Point University and is a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s Municipal and County Administration Program.

Scott Fletcher
Board of Directors
Resource Institute
Huntersville, NC 

Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in wildlife biology from the University of Maine and a Master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University.  He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and was a Professional Wetland Scientist. Scott has 36 years of experience in wildlife, endangered species, wetlands, habitat restoration, general environmental impact analyses and assessments, and federal, state, and local natural resource policy and permitting activities. 

Currently, Scott is the Manager of Natural Resources within Duke Energy’s Environmental Health & Safety-Environmental Sciences department. There he coordinates and oversees Duke’s biological science and natural resource policy group, including aquatic science (i.e., fisheries, freshwater invertebrates), avian protection, endangered species, habitat assessment, habitat restoration programs, and coordinates with the state and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.  Previously, Scott was the Regulatory/Scientific Services Manager for the consulting firm HDR’s Charlotte, North Carolina office. At HDR, he has served as Department and Project Manager for several large hydroelectric licensing projects, numerous natural resource and environmental studies, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) EA/EIS studies.  Scott also has extensive experience in environmental/natural resource studies and impact assessments related to energy businesses, including substantial experience with major licensing/permitting issues, several dam removal projects, renewable energy wildlife studies, and public involvement programs.  He has conducted numerous natural resource surveys, including those on rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) plants, wildlife, and aquatic resources; avian wind energy studies; wetland evaluations; habitat and vegetation assessments; and NEPA-related assessments within the SE, NE, Midwest, and the Western United States. 

Scott has been an advocate for wildlife resources and habitats through his service with several organizations, local conservation organizations, and land trusts.  For the last 20 years and as an active member, he has supported the NC Wildlife Federation by leading wildlife walks and seminars, assisting on policy issues, assisting with fundraising campaigns, volunteering time as an advisory wildlife biologist, and serving on the Board of Directors.  Scott also served on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Non-Game Advisory Committee for 6 years.  Other active affiliations include The Wildlife Society, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Catawba Lands Conservancy.

Julie Loflin, Treasurer
Board of Directors
Resource Institute
Denton, NC 

Julie Loflin, hailing from Denton, NC, is an accomplished graduate of Appalachian State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a concentration in furniture manufacturing. After completing her studies, Julie gained valuable experience in the furniture industry, where she worked for several years. Currently, she contributes her expertise as an Operations Specialist at Triad Business Bank.

Julie’s commitment to community service is commendable. She served as Commissioner for the Town of Denton for sixteen years. Additionally, she actively participated on various boards within the community, amassing over 25 years of service. In 2016, Julie joined the board of Davidson–Davie Community College, where she currently serves as a Trustee and contributes to the finance committee. Her dedication extends beyond her role as a trustee; she also served as the board’s secretary for four years.

On a personal note, Julie is happily married and has a daughter and granddaughter. Recently, she took on a new role as a board member at Resource Institute and serves as the treasurer.

Julie’s multifaceted contributions to her community and professional endeavors make her an invaluable resource.

Dick Barber
Board of Directors
Resource Institute
Washington, NC

Dick Barber joined Morris Insurance Agency in December 1973, after graduating from N. C. State, and working for a year in New Bern, NC at the New Bern Golf and CC as the Assistant Manager. He has licenses in Property and Casualty and Life and Health insurance, and he spends the majority of his time with commercial clients and the management of the Agency. He was elected president of Morris Insurance in 1987, and he continues in that role today. Dick received the Outstanding Young Alumnus from N. C. State in 1982. Dick and his wife, Jane, have two daughters and four grandchildren living in Raleigh, and he stays active in the community serving as president of the Beaufort County Committee of 100, a facilitator for economic development, elder in the Church of the Good Shepherd, and member of the board of directors of the Washington Harbour Homeowners Association and serves on the board of directors of Dunescape Homeowners Association in Atlantic Beach, NC.

G. Richard Mode
Board of Directors
Resource Institute
Morganton, NC

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Appalachian State University. Richard began his career in the Burke County, NC school system where he taught furniture manufacturing, and drafting.  He also coached football and track.  Richard also served as a Manufacturer’s representative in the home furnishing industry for 30 years.  During that period, he ran a multi-state sales team, served on the product development, sales development, and policy team at T.L. Bayne Company.

In 2008 Richard started a new career with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) serving as Consultant to NWF and as Outreach Coordinator to the sportsman community and the conservation community in North Carolina and Virginia.  In that capacity, he has served on numerous NWF campaigns including:

• Comprehensive Climate Legislation

• Clean Air Act Defense

• Clean Water Act Defense

• Mercury Rule Defense

• EPA defense

• Renewable Energy Advocacy

• Public Lands

During this tenure, Richard worked with nonprofits, state and federal decision-makers, resource management agencies, and business leaders.  He has developed media for the general public and presented at numerous venues.  This work has focused on promoting sound public policy that relates to wildlife habitats that protect and enhance wildlife habitats. He has recently retired from NWF.

Richard lives in Morganton, NC with wife Julia.  He has two grown children and three grandchildren.

Richard is proud to have served on serval nonprofit organizations including the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) Affiliate Representative to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).  He was the founding President of the local Table Rock Chapter for Trout Unlimited (TU) and served as the President and Chairman of the Board of National Trout Unlimited. 

Richard served for 20 years as a Board member of the NC Wildlife Federation and has served as Affiliate Representative to the NWF for 10 years.  For years, Richard’s goal has been to bring American hunters, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts to the public policy decision table to protect the unique places and wildlife resources in America.

Erich Schlenker
Board of Directors
Resource Institute
Boone, NC

As director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Erich helps students and community members develop, incubate, and launch new ventures. He holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clarkson University.

Erich brings a range of experience to the position. Most recently, he assisted a start-up international mining company in addressing SEC and regulatory issues, implementing financial controls, securing operating capital, and building relationships with government officials in Guyana South America.

Prior to moving to the High Country in 2008, Erich founded and operated Synaptis, a Raleigh-based software training company. He also brings 11 years of experience at Intel Corporation, where he helped define, launch and implement the Intel Inside program worldwide. 

David Strand
Executive Director
Resource Institute

David Strand serves as Executive Director of Resource Institute, bringing more than twelve years of experience overseeing complex transportation and infrastructure projects in the public sector. Prior to joining Resource Institute, David worked as a Lead Construction Inspector with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), where he provided field-level oversight to ensure construction quality, regulatory compliance, safety performance, and fiscal accountability.

Throughout his career, David has coordinated closely with contractors, engineers, and agency partners to manage schedules, verify quantities and pay applications, enforce contract specifications, and resolve field issues affecting project delivery. His work required a high level of precision, accountability, and judgment in dynamic, compliance-driven environments.
David brings this operational discipline and practical problem-solving approach to his role at Resource Institute, supporting effective project delivery, strong partner relationships, and sound organizational management. His background in business ownership further informs his leadership, reinforcing clear communication, accountability, and results-oriented decision-making.

Alan Walker
Project Manager
Resource Institute
Waynesville, NC

Alan Walker holds a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and served 36 years with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He began his career as a Soil Conservationist and culminated with six years as the Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations in Waynesville, NC. In that role, Alan supervised District Conservationists across 33 western North Carolina counties, advised area support staff, and coordinated a comprehensive resource conservation program. He was instrumental in forming a pilot project with federal, state, and nonprofit partners to accelerate EQIP assistance in western North Carolina.

Today, Alan continues his lifelong commitment to conservation as a Senior Project Manager with Resource Institute. He leads the Western North Carolina Stream Initiative, coordinates Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and serves as an agency liaison, ensuring strong partnerships between Resource Institute and its federal, state, and local collaborators.

Deano Parker
Contract Project Manager
Resource Institute

Deano Parker brings more than three decades of experience in natural resource conservation, watershed management, and restoration to his role as Project Manager at Resource Institute. He holds an Associate Degree in Forest Management Technology from Haywood Community College and previously spent 28 years with the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District and Gaston County Natural Resources Department, serving as Conservationist, Engineer, and Director.

Deano has extensive experience designing and implementing conservation practices that improve water quality and landscape resilience, including stream restoration, erosion stabilization, animal waste systems, and stormwater control measures. He helped establish Gaston County’s soil erosion and stormwater ordinances and has secured and managed numerous grants for restoration and water quality projects. Deano has completed Natural Stream Restoration and River Morphology training sponsored by Wildland Hydrology and has surveyed, designed, and implemented projects such as stream restorations, wetlands, and stormwater control systems. Recognized for technical excellence and leadership, he is known for his collaborative approach to conservation. Born and raised in Sylva, NC, he enjoys fishing, singing, and spending time with his wife of 34 years.

Paula Hinkle, MEd
Education & Communications Manager
Resource Institute
Dryfork, WV

Paula Hinkle is the Education and Communications Manager at Resource Institute. She oversees communications and events, including the annual National Stream Restoration Conference, which brings together hundreds of practitioners, researchers, and community leaders. Paula also manages publications, media, and branding to share Resource Institute’s impact across diverse audiences.

In addition to her communications role, Paula supports project teams by creating dashboards and visual reports that translate technical data into accessible insights. She also provides paralegal-style support on contracts, compliance, and agreements, ensuring Resource Institute’s projects align with federal and state requirements. Paula holds a Master of Education in Online Learning, a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies, a Certificate in Data Analytics, and a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Rachel Overby
Administrative & Program Assistant

Rachel Overby joined Resource Institute as an Administrative and Program Assistant after earning her Bachelor of Science in Environment and Sustainability, with a minor in Biology, from Catawba College. While at Catawba, she interned with the Yadkin Riverkeeper and competed as a collegiate cross-country runner. Her studies and time outdoors fostered a strong passion for conservation and protecting natural resources.

At Resource Institute, Rachel supports both administrative and program needs while building her experience in stream and watershed restoration. She looks forward to continuing her career and education in conservation and bringing her energy and enthusiasm to Resource Institute’s mission.