Guest Columnists
Courtesy of Jeff Eastman
The Mountain Q&A - Jeff Eastman: CEO, Remote Area Medical
Remote Area Medical, with roots in the Southern Appalachians, has provided free health care since 1985 to over 1 million people through mobile pop-up clinics across the nation. “Free Is In Our DNA.”
Jan 6, 2026
Courtesy of Betty and Robert Balentine
The Mountain Q&A - Betty & Robert Balentine: Founders of Southern Highlands Reserve
The 120-acre mountaintop property is the only high-elevation native plant garden in the eastern United States.
Oct 27, 2025
Courtesy of Dolly Parton
The Mountain Q&A - Dolly Parton: The Nation’s Sweetheart, Among So Many Other Things
The award-winning songwriter, entertainer, global philanthropist and creator of Imagination Library is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of her theme park Dollywood.
Aug 22, 2025
Courtesy of Tim Kelly
The Mountain Q&A - Tim Kelly: Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Mayor since 2021, Kelly led Chattanooga in becoming North America’s first National Park City in 2025 and a global destination. He calls his hometown “a city inside a park.”
Jun 18, 2025
Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Baker
The Mountain Q&A - Dr. Melissa Baker: Director of Virginia State Parks
She leads Virginia State Parks, the first state in the nation to open a system of parks. “From the mountains to the piedmont, you can get just about anything you want in Virginia.”
Apr 29, 2025
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