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Founded in September, 2011, the ROC has (in a very short time) been responsible for helping to form multiple FIRST FLL and FRC teams, and is in the process of working with local schools, organizations, parents and governmental leaders to take this much further.
The not-for-profit ROC is a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers with the shared goal of increasing and improving STEM opportunities for the students of Western North Carolina. Using FIRST Robotics teams and PLTW classes as a basis, the ROC is working to increase penetration of technical studies and practice in this region, with the aim of producing a generation of students with the requisite skills and confidence to compete effectively in the modern professional arena.
Members of the core ROC team include (in alphabetic order):
Lisa Baldwin, PR and Media
Elected to the Buncombe County Board of Education in November 2010, Lisa Baldwin has resided in Fairview for the past 12 years with her husband, Richard, a NOAA computer programmer. They have two children at A.C. Reynolds High School, one at Cane Creek Middle School, and one in college. Lisa is the vice-president of the A.C. Reynolds H.S. PTSO, a 4-H Leader, and Family Ministry Coordinator at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Asheville. She was educated in North Carolina public schools and graduated summa cum laude from UNCG with a B.S. in the field of Family and Consumer Economics. She also received an M.S. in Economic Policy and Law from the University of Maryland where she was a graduate teaching assistant. She is a former employee of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture where her research was instrumental in the development of the original food pyramid, a widely used educational tool. Lisa enjoys reading, gardening and hiking with her family.
Maryann Butchko, Volunteer Coordinator
Maryann has a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Pittsburgh. She is a Business Owner and, most importantly, mother of 2 budding scientists; 1 Senior in SILSA at Asheville High, and a 3rd grader at Francine Delaney Charter School. Maryann is excited to be a part of the formation of both an FRC and FLL team to assist with providing ever better opportunities for our youth. She is also a volunteer educator at Francine Delaney and an 8 seasons, 2 teams soccer coach through ABYSA.
Holly Jordan, 4H Representative
Holly received her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and Master's Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Florida. She grew up in the 4-H program in Ft. Myers, FL and became a 4-H Extension Agent in Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) in 2001 after graduating from college. Holly and her family packed up their bags and moved up to Asheville in July of 2010 when she began as the Buncombe County 4-H Extension Agent. As the 4-H Agent, Holly works with volunteers in the community to help teach life skills to youth through informal education and 4-H clubs. 4-H teaches these skills, such as team work, cooperation, problem solving, time management, leadership, and self-responsibility, through a variety of 4-H projects. In her spare time, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, son, and dog.
Jenny Manner, Sponsorships and Outreach
Parent to two elementary-age kids who love math, science and hands-on learning! Jenny has been interested in getting a FIRST program launched here in Asheville for a while. Has been involved with Meet the Geeks (www.meetthegeeks.net) since it started in 2005, serving on the board and as active director for a number of years. Also serves on the board of the Claxton PTO and volunteer in class. By day, Jenny work for a small division of Lockheed Martin that develops workflow solutions for government clients (civil). Jenny has been in Asheville for seven years, telecommuting to her job in Virginia.
Neil Rosenberg, Chair
Educated at MIT and Stanford, Neil's career has included stints as engineer, entrepreneur (CEO of software company for 20 years), educator (taught PLTW and others), technology programs administrator (set up high school tech programs), FIRST FRC team founder and coach, engineering manager at FIRST and most recently, volunteer. Neil is presently time-sharing between remote consulting as a robotics engineer and volunteering with SCORE, 4H, NCCCR and now the ROC. His passion is to use his experience and talents to benefit the community; specifically to work with students and others to increase awareness and competence in technical and business endeavors.
John Schnautz, Fundraising and Outreach
Educated at Iowa State, Oregon State, Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, and MIT. Background in chemistry, microbiology, food science and engineering. Career 30 years in a wide diversity of managerial and executive assignments in international energy. John is a 20 year plus volunteer with SCORE and with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. His passion is to bring 4-H sponsored STEM based programs to Buncombe County youth.
In addition to the above core members, there are several associate members representing various aspects of the community, including school administrators, educators, business and governmental leaders, parents, plus representatives from FIRST and PLTW.
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