John Neville Boyle, a 29-year resident of the area, has been elected to a two-year term as president of the FENCE board of directors.

Boyle brings a unique set of characteristics to his role as board chair of the nature and equestrian organization. He was one of the original members of the Blue Ridge Hunter and Jumper Association, served as president for many years and was on the original group that formed the annual year-end Blue Ridge Classic Horse Show.

He served on the board of directors of FENCE during its formative years. A supporter of conservation efforts he served as treasurer of the Pacolet Area Conservancy. He was also a board member and vice-president of the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club during Tom Moscas tenure as president. During that time he worked on the committee that studied the archives of the TRHC to insure the original mission of the TRHC was being met.

Boyle also served as horse show chairman and as joint chairman with Linda Lee Reynolds, secured the second USEF rated Horse Show for TRHC now held in July. He has also been a board member for Tryon Hounds and a finance committee member of St. John the Baptist Church.

A long time equestrian, Boyle shows in the adult jumper division and is a Recognized Steward for the U.S. Equestrian Federation. A vice-president of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., he is married to Cindy Boyle, also a senior vice president of the firm.

They have two daughters, Cole, a vice-president of sales for Relix Magazine in New York City and Mary, who is pursuing a masters in biology education degree. Both daughters attended Polk County schools and the Boyles appreciate the nature and science educational programs provided for students by FENCE.

For more information on FENCE programs, call 828-859-9021 or visit www.fence.org.