Curtis MinHinnett and Heather Ripley join Townsend-based black bear rehabilitation center

heather-curtisKNOXVILLE, Tenn. May 9, 2012- The Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR), a Townsend-based rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured black bear cubs, has announced the appointment of two new members for its board of directors.

Curtis MinHinnett will serve as treasurer for the Appalachian Bear Rescue and aid in the financial budget preparation and annual tax filing reports. MinHinnett is currently a tax manager with Pugh & Company, P.C. in Knoxville where he prepares and reviews tax returns for small and large businesses. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a Masters in Accountancy.

Heather Ripley, director of client services at FletcherPR, has joined the board to manage the nonprofit’s communications and marketing. Ripley has more than 10 years of experience in public relations, journalism and marketing. Prior positions include director of public relations for CAP Brand Marketing and marketing and public relations manager for Clockwork Home Services in Sarasota, Fla.
“Our new board members will add passion and expertise to help achieve our financial and organizational goals through strategic communication,” said ABR president Dana Dodd. “With this enhancement to our board, we will be able to continue our mission of rehabilitating orphaned and injured cubs and releasing them back in the wild.”
Other board members include Anne Allison, Jack Burgin, Tom Faulkner, Joey Holt, Anne Patrick and Kathy Sherrard.

About Appalachian Bear Rescue
Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR), located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tenn., is a one-of-a-kind rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured black bears and those in need of medical care. ABR is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that has been returning black bears back to the wild since 1996.

Heather Ripley, FletcherPR
T: 865-249-8371

heather@kellyfletcherpr.com