About Us
since 1976
Our History
Webster Enterprises of Jackson County, was founded in 1976 by a group of concerned parents who wanted a better life for their children with disabilities. From our humble beginnings in an old schoolhouse in Webster, North Carolina to our current state-of-the-art production facility, we have become one of the state’s leading vocational rehabilitation and developmental training programs.
In 2020, we changed our name to WestBridge Vocational to better reflect our organization’s mission of being a provider of services that bridge the gap between people with disabilities and disadvantages to opportunity. In addition we updated our brand identity, which includes a new logo, colors, font, and a new tagline – ‘connecting people to opportunity’.
Meet
Our Administrative Team
WestBridge Vocational is staffed with professionals in the Finance, Human Resources, Medical Devices, Program Services, and Quality. We also hire individuals from the community to work as standard industrial workers, in addition to individuals who come here for assessment and training. Our staff is committed to providing a positive, productive employment experience for everyone.
Chief Executive Officer
Joe Rigdon
Joe oversees all operations including manufacturing, vocation services and employee moral.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 209
Director of Finance
Mike Bowler
Mike oversees all aspects of finances, budgeting and contractual agreements while working closely with fundraising efforts.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 217
director of human resources
Sandy Stimson
Sandy is responsible for the smooth management of Human Resources operations.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 201
Inventory Control Manager
Mike Rogers
Mike oversees inventory at WestBridge to keep the manufacturing process operating smoothly.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 204
Community Engagement Specialist
Chris Stuckey
Chris builds and oversees employer relations while co-directing WestBridge’s community presence and fundraising efforts.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 212
director of quality
Brenda Gunter
Brenda ensures products and manufacturing processes meet the set quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Phone
828-586-8981 ext. 208
Director of Program Services
Sarah Kearse
Sarah is responsible for services including Pre-ETS (Pre-employment transition services), Project SEARCH, Work Adjustment, and Supported Employment (Adult Services).
Phone
Board of
Directors
WestBridge Vocational has an all volunteer Board of Trustees comprised of a members representing business, education and healthcare throughout western North Carolina. If you are interested in serving on our board, please contact us.
Current Board of Directors
Lisa Sizemore – Chair
Abigail Clayton – Vice Chair
Dr. William Brothers – Secretary/Treasurer
Patricia Bryson-Wink
Sue Evans
Janet Robe
Dr. Wes Stone
Joe Rigdon – CEO/Ex Officio