Executive Director Ellen Begley Retiring

A Season of Transition: Honoring the Retirement of Executive Director Ellen Begley

After 18 years of visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and compassionate service, our beloved Executive Director, Ellen Begley, has announced her retirement from Black Mountain Counseling Center, effective July 3, 2025.

Ellen’s journey with BMCC began as a Founder and Therapist, and over the years, she served as Lead Counselor before stepping into the role of Executive Director. Her deep dedication to the mental health and well-being of our community, especially throughout Buncombe and McDowell Counties, has shaped the Counseling Center into the trusted, healing, and professional organization it is today.

At the April 10, 2025 Board of Directors meeting, Ellen’s retirement notice was accepted with sincere regret and heartfelt appreciation. While this moment has been anticipated, it gave us an opportunity to reflect on Ellen’s remarkable legacy—her caring vision, professionalism, and steadfast leadership have impacted thousands of lives and built a foundation that will support the Center's work for years to come.

In Ellen’s own words, “After 18 years of dedicated service... I have decided that it is time for BMCC to continue its mission under new leadership with fresh energy and new ideas. I am looking forward to working less than full time and spending more time with family and friends.”

True to her spirit, Ellen is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and has offered her full support during this time. To honor her leadership and ensure continued excellence, the Board has engaged a professional consultant to recruit both an interim and a permanent Executive Director.

We know that Ellen’s retirement will be both a joyous new chapter for her and a poignant shift for our team and community. A celebration will be planned in the coming months so we can gather, honor her legacy, and send her into retirement with the gratitude and love she so richly deserves.

Please join us in thanking Ellen for her years of dedicated service. Her heart and vision will always be at the core of Black Mountain Counseling Center.

With gratitude,
The Board of Directors
Black Mountain Counseling Center