Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Willard moved to Boone in 2008, but his roots run deep in Watauga County. His great-grandfather and namesake, Willard Watson I, was a well-known toy carver, moonshiner, and dancer.
Willard has a Masters in Appalachian Studies with a concentration on Sustainability and a Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Development both from Appalachian State University. Since 2010 Willard has been an active member of the High Country community through volunteerism and event planning. He has worn many hats in the area with a variety of organizations such as the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, Sustain Appalachian, Center 45 Climbing & Fitness, F.A.R.M. Cafe, High Country Local First, the Watauga Food Council, and the High Country Beer Fest. His academic and volunteer passions intersect on the topic of cultural preservation and community development through the creative arts.
He is also a member of the 2020-2022 class of the William C. Fridays Fellowship for Human Relations.
When not organizing events, Willard spends his time cooking, reading comics, playing electric bass, and spending time with his partner Lauren and their English bulldog Banksy.