Managing Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery

In this episode of Full Disclosure, we share an extraordinary story of resilience, leadership, and community effort in the face of disaster. Our hosts, Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm, are joined by Melissa Moore, CFO of Buncombe County, and Matt Evans, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, as they recount their experiences navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina.

Melissa and Matt share personal and professional accounts of the storm’s impact, from the harrowing challenges of managing emergency operations without communication systems to ensuring that first responders were fed, roads were cleared, and resources were distributed. Melissa reflects on stepping into her role at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) while Matt describes the importance of documenting every expense for FEMA reimbursement and the painstaking process of modeling the financial impacts of the disaster on the county’s tax base.

This episode shows the remarkable spirit of the Buncombe County community, where residents and local businesses rallied with heavy equipment, supplies, and sheer determination to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. 

Episode Images

Featured Guests

Melissa Moore is the Finance Director for Buncombe County Government, bringing over 15 years of experience in public finance and local government to her role. Since stepping into this position in September 2023, Melissa has focused on advancing financial strategies, managing government bonds, and ensuring sound budgetary processes that align with the County’s goals.

Prior to her current role, Melissa served as the Director of Finance for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, where she oversaw financial operations for over two years. Her extensive career includes key positions such as Assistant Director of Finance for the City of San Marcos, Texas, and Finance Program Manager at CPS Energy, one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in the nation.

Matt Evans, MPA, CLGBO, is the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Buncombe County Government, where he oversees debt issuance, financial forecasting, and the implementation of fiscal regulations to ensure the County’s financial health. With almost ten years of experience at Buncombe County, Matt has spearheaded initiatives ranging from managing multi-million-dollar grants to leading strategic financial planning and risk mitigation efforts.

An expert in public finance, Matt has presented on government reporting at the national Workday Rising conference and is a certified Workday Financials power user. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, where he was recognized as Public Management Student of the Year, and is passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in local government finance.