Susan Roderick, tireless worker to keep Asheville clean and green, set to retire

Jason Sandford May 22, 2013

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Susan Roderick is set to retire from Asheville Greenworks after more than 40 years of working to keep the city clean and green. Roderick has been tireless in this arena, and her leadership certainly will be missed.

Roderick was named executive director of Quality Forward in 1983, but she began volunteering with the group in 1975. City leaders back in ’73 set up the nonprofit to clean up the town in advance of the country’s 1976 Bicentennial celebration. Back then, the group was called Quality ’76 and it was an all-volunteer effort.

The name changed to Quality Forward in 1977, and it later became affiliated with Keep America Beautiful, the national organization devoted to community improvement.

Over the years, Roderick has done everything from helping to build playgrounds and celebrate beautiful trees to battling the ever-present litter problem. She’s partnered with countless other community organizations. In short, she’s been a persistent force.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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4 Comments

Tom Heck May 22, 2013

I met Susan while working for the YMCA of WNC in the early 90’s and she helped me coordinate multiple tree planting events with high school students all over Asheville. Susan is a positive force for good in our community and I see the results of her good work in almost every corner of the city. Susan is a hero in our community.

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Suzanne May 22, 2013

Susan has been an amazing advocate for Asheville and Buncombe County. I can’t imagine who will get the job, but they have quite a legacy to continue. Congratulations Susan and happiness always!

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Kathi Petersen May 22, 2013

Susan is a hero. She’s one of the hardest working, most dedicated individuals I have ever met. EVER. I’m not sure she’ll know how to spend all that free time, given that she’s been out planting or picking up litter every single waking moment, weekends included, for so very long. Cheers to Susan on the occasion of your retirement. Thank you for your tireless efforts!

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Stacey May 22, 2013

Thank you Susan for all of your service! This community is so much greener thanks to you and your dedicated team. Congratulations on your retirement and Best Wishes~

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