“B” Townes
Executive Director, MerleFest
“B” Townes began his career at Wilkes Community College as a Horticulture Instructor in the Science Department. He was instrumental in developing the program and received a national award for Excellence in Instruction and Programming from the National Council for Horticulture Therapy. Through his efforts a $1 million fundraising campaign for the WCC Gardens was launched in 1985. As an outgrowth of the garden campaign, he developed the idea of MerleFest (in its 21st year) which is now the foremost acoustic music event in the country. The festival draws over 75,000 participants from all over the world and has a local economic impact of approximately $15 million.
Townes currently serves as the Vice President of Development for Wilkes Community College. He oversees the college’s festival and events, marketing, public relations and external funding efforts. “B” is the past President of the Wilkes YMCA Board of Directors; Director of the NC Festival Association; past President of the State Public Relations, Marketing and Information of Community Colleges; past President of Edgemont Ltd. He is a former member of the North Wilkesboro Lions Club, a teacher for Boy Scout merit badge college, past President of the Piedmont Nurserymen’s Association, and recipient of the National Award for Excellence in Programming in Horticulture Therapy. He is active in the land preservation movement and serves on the Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust board. He was recognized as the “Citizen of the Year” by North Wilkesboro Rotary for his service to the community. In 2007, Townes was elected to the NC Council for Public Policy and Research Board for a three year term.
“B” is a native of Danville, VA and has been a resident of Wilkes County since 1973. He holds degrees from NC State University, Wilkes Community College, Appalachian State University, NC A and T University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Environmental Science, Community College Education and Community College Administration. He resides in the community of Boomer with his wife, the former Martha Ham, their two children William age 23 and Charlotte age 21. As a family they manage one of the first Stewardship Forestry Farms awarded in Wilkes County and own Townes Nursery and Landscaping. He and his son hiked the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2005. The Townes’ family is a member of Little Rock Baptist Church.
