Dr. Heather Kilbourne is the director of Faith in Rural Communities. She grew up surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Marion. She previously pastored United Methodist churches in rural towns and communities including Hamptonville, Morganton, and Statesville. Prior to becoming a minister, she worked as a nonprofit administrator for Family Services Center and Teach For America.

Dr. Kilbourne has always felt a calling to serve marginalized families and communities. She assisted in starting three Circles communities, a program to help families out of poverty by building relationships across class barriers and increasing individual social capital.  She is a former Bridges Out of Poverty trainer.

She holds her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Asheville, a master’s of divinity, and a doctorate in ministry from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, and walking her dog, Hanna.

Hamid, a native of Eden, is an accomplished academic and community leader. He holds a bachelor of arts in chemistry from Fayetteville State University and a master’s in curriculum
and instruction with a minor in STEM from Concordia University. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate of ministry degree at Virginia University of Lynchburg. Hamid also serves as the senior pastor of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church in Pelham.

With a decade of experience in education, Hamid has now joined the NC Rural Center as the program manager for Faith in Rural Communities. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Morgan is the church engagement specialist for the Faith in Rural Communities team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from Winthrop University and a master’s of divinity degree from Duke University.

She is passionate about community engagement and empowering people to share their stories as a means of connection. She is sure life’s mundane ins and outs are inherently meaningful. Pulling weeds in a garden, washing dirty dishes after a meal, and other ordinary tasks are all opportunities for us to grow closer to one another.

Morgan grew up along the South Carolina coast and is now grateful to call North Carolina her home.

In her spare time, Morgan enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, playing with her Golden Retriever, and spending time with family and friends.