Chastan Swain serves as executive director for Hometown Strong. In this role Chastan manages the rural engagement, rural resources, and strategic partnerships teams. He oversees creative economy partnerships, provides legal counsel, and serves as the liaison to the Northwest and Piedmont-Triad prosperity zones. Previously he has served in several divisions of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities at NC DHHS. Chastan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Appalachian State University, and a Juris Doctor from UNC Chapel Hill. In his spare time Chastan enjoys exploring the mountains of western North Carolina, throwing pottery, and gardening with his vizsla and chickens in Durham, NC.