Team

Clark Bartee

Founder and Executive Director

Clark founded High Ground Outfitters in 2024 after years of prayer and seeing a need to directly serve pastors in the Southeast and Appalachian region.

From a young age he felt called to vocational ministry, for over 10 years he has served faithfully in various capacities from Church ministry to camp and retreat ministry.

Clark has guided fly fishing trips for over 7 years in Montana, Western North Carolina, Virginia, and East Tennessee. After several years seeing Christian leaders struggle personally in these environments it was time to offer something for servants and leaders in this region.

This ministry was built to keep leaders strong and healthy, provide space for leaders to find greater clarity, strong community, and be grounded in their sonship identity.

Clark lives in East Tennessee with his wife Hannah and their son, Boone.

Jeremy Jackson

Founder and executive director of ForCamps, an effort to strengthen camps across the nation who are serious about Christian formation.

Executive Coach in Business Made Simple, Small Business Flight Plan, Hero on a Mission, and Unreasonable Hospitality.

Holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit organizations from High Point University.

Lives in Colorado with his wife, Michelle, their two daughters – Violet and Lily, and a small dog with a big name – Moose.

Hear from Jeremy:

“I’ve spent over two decades dedicated to the work of Christian nonprofits, specifically Christian camp ministries. I understand the beauty and demands of ministry life. This is why I’m committed to seeing ministry leaders benefit from the vital services that High Ground Outfitters offers.

Everyone in the trenches of vocational ministry will benefit from quality time spent in Creation. Whether on the river bank, in the boat, or back at camp around the campfire, these are often the spaces where God meets us in deeply meaningful, transformative, and nurturing ways.

Consider signing up yourself, or the ministry leader in your life, for a day out of the office and on the river. Clark is the perfect guide to help you navigate the challenges of the river, and the challenges you may be facing in your important calling.”

Jordan Tatro

I fell in love with fly fishing in college, and after graduating I went to Montana with Clark to work for a ministry serving pastors and Kingdom leaders, taking them fly fishing and giving them a place to rest. Leaving Montana, I always carried a desire to bring that kind of experience back east. That’s why I wanted to help Clark launch High Ground Outfitters.

Ministry leaders today are facing a real sense of loneliness and isolation. They need encouragement, a place to rest, and time with the Father. Fly fishing has been that for me as I work in the marketplace, and I feel like I can help provide that same experience for others. I’m excited to be part of building this, but ultimately watching God work through this.

Thomas Faircloth

Principal Chair, C12 Western North Carolina

As the Principal Chair of C12 WNC, Thomas works daily alongside Christian business leaders, CEOs, and owners. Between leading in the marketplace and raising a family, getting outside into nature is something he deeply values—even if a busy schedule means those moments are hard-earned.

Though fly fishing is relatively new to Thomas, he quickly discovered the unique pull of the river. The rhythm of the water and the simple concentration of casting create just enough focus to relax without overcomplicating things—providing a rare chance to reflect and free the mind from the heavy burdens of leadership.

“Whether you’re leading a church or running a company, every leader needs dedicated time to retreat and step away from work and family demands. High Ground Outfitters offers an essential space for business leaders and ministers alike to disconnect so they can truly re-engage. I’m honored to stand alongside Clark and support this vital mission.”

Eric Feltman

Eric is an East Tennessee native and Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. His work centers on nature-based therapy, integrating fly fishing as a way to help clients engage in the healing process.

“I’ve seen both personally and professionally how God can use fly fishing, and how impactful time on the water can be for the soul. I joined High Ground Outfitters out of a deep love for the local church and a desire to support those faithfully serving and ministering to the community.

As a therapist, I know how heavy the burden of caring for others can be, and how critical it is for ministry leaders to step away in order to find rest. We are lucky enough to live in one of the best places in the world to enjoy the gifts of fly fishing.

My hope is that through the ministry of High ground, more people would encounter the presence of God in creation, experience deep restoration, and be strengthened to continue the work He’s called them to.