Rebuild Hot Springs Area (RHSA)
A community-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit of volunteers to help rebuild and revitalize our home.
Our mission: RHSA is dedicated to providing relief and support to the residents, businesses, and community organizations of Hot Springs, NC and surrounding areas in times of crisis.
The Origin
The Rebuild Hot Springs Area organization was established in October of 2024 in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene. On September 27th, 2024, the storm caused the banks of the French Broad River and Spring Creek to breach, exacerbated by days of heavy rainfall leading up to it. The result was a powerful flood of mud, debris, and devastation that swept through the town. In its aftermath, Hot Springs—once a busting Appalachian community filled with visitors and life—was left in stunned silence, its people now facing the uncertain road ahead.
As the waters receded, the true scale of the devastation became painfully clear. Many of our neighbors’ homes had been damaged, some nearly beyond repair. Our downtown commercial district, once the heart of the community, was left in ruins. The sidewalks that once welcomed Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and happy families soaking in the beauty of our mountains and natural hot springs now lay in pieces. The road that had once guided countless tourists and travelers was reduced to a tangled heap of rubble.
But hope was far from lost. The community came together as one, bound by a shared resolve to support and care for one another. Every person, every business, was determined to rebuild—steadfast in their commitment to restore what had been lost. One thought echoed in everyone’s mind: We will rebuild, and we will build back better than before.
The Goal
At RHSA, our goal is to help chart a path forward for our town. This means investing in our community, supporting our neighbors in times of need, and preparing for the challenges that may lie ahead. While RHSA was born from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we are here for the long haul—committed to our town’s recovery and its future.
The Board
TJ Phillips
President
TJ Phillips moved his family to Hot Springs 5 years ago, but first fell in love with the town (and his future wife) after having been brought to Hot Springs on their first date. He grew up in rural Vermont, a northern Appalachian community that, like Hot Springs, was also a stop along the Appalachian Trail.
As a business owner and consultant, TJ has nearly 30 years of experience in various aspects of IT and finance. Over that time he has consulted for a long list of businesses, municipalities, federal agencies, and other non-profit groups, as well as having served in leadership roles in a variety of other organizations. TJ is also a member of the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department and sees his role at RHSA as another way to help serve his community.
Mary Helen Adamson
Vice-President
Mary Helen Adamson relocated to the Hot Springs area 25 years ago after graduating from college. Since then, she has become a dedicated community member, a mom, and a successful business owner. Mary Helen runs Hot Springs Getaway, a vacation rental and property management business, and also serves as an event planner for the Magnolia House in Hot Springs.
Ben Ray
Treasurer
Ben Ray moved to Hot Springs in 2020 by accident. He thought he was just going for a hike to get away from Charlotte for a weekend, but he fell in love with the Hot Springs community immediately and never left. Ben works remotely for LPL Financial as a Program Manager in the Infrastructure & Operations area focusing on data center migrations.
Mary Dixon
Secretary
Mary Dixon and her family have deep roots in Hot Springs, where they have lived for 34 years, raising a family and farming. In 1992, her family established Broadwing Farm, growing and selling a variety of products to local communities. In 2008, the farm expanded its offerings to include overnight stays through Broadwing Farm Cabins.
From 2011 to 2021, Mary served on the board of Friends of Hot Springs Library, helping lead efforts to raise funds for a permanent home for the library, thanks to the generosity of the community and the support of FHSL.
Chris Donochod
Director
Chris Donochod is an owner of Big Pillow Brewing in Hot Springs. He is an avid hiker, kayaker and rafter and co-founder of the French Broad River Festival which took place in Hot Springs from 1998 to 2021.
Lisa Gahagan
Director
Lisa Gahagan is a multi-generational native of Hot Springs. Her biggest love is being a mom to her son, Ty. Lisa has dedicated her career to Madison County’s educational system serving as a teacher, principal, and currently Assistant Superintendent.
David Wagner
Director
David Wagner is the owner of Spring Creek Hotel and the chairman of For The Love Of Hot Springs, an organization dedicated to supporting our local community. With family roots in Hot Springs going back generations, he is deeply committed to the town’s preservation and growth.
Advisory Board Members
Jodie Orozco
Jodie Orozco resides in the Hot Springs area and assists RHSA with governance and fundraising. Her prior leadership roles on volunteer boards have equipped her with substantial experience in nonprofit financial management, logistics, marketing, and community relations.
Kevin Reese
Kevin is a proud sixth-generation native of Hot Springs. He is a musician, a digital media specialist, and the coordinator for Azule, an arts nonprofit in Hot Springs.
Ex Officios
Mayor Abby Norton
Abby Norton spent 12 years with the Hot Springs Health Program and 20 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She currently serves as mayor of Hot Springs, NC.
Alderman Dan Myers
Dan currently serves on the town council of Hot Springs, NC, and is an active member of the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department.
Alderwoman Wendy Stancil
Wendy moved to Hot Springs in 1999. She currently serves on the town council of Hot Springs, NC, and is the funding coordinator at Beacon of Hope.