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Andrew Schmidt |
Advancement Analyst |
andrew.schmidt@kanuga.org |
239 |
Andrew Schmidt
Advancement Analyst
A graduate of the University of the South, Andrew Schmidt brings seven years of nonprofit fundraising experience to his role as an advancement analyst for Kanuga. His responsibilities include providing thoughtful and timely analysis of Kanuga’s fundraising programs and activities and supporting donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. He works closely with members of the institutional advancement department and committee, board members and volunteers.
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Anita Whitmire Boan |
Housekeeping Manager |
anita.whitmire@kanuga.org |
233 |
Anita Whitmire Boan
Housekeeping Manager
Anita Whitmire Boan brought her passions for cleaning, organizing and helping others to Kanuga's housekeeping department in 1995 and was promoted to manager four years later. Under her cheerful but disciplined leadership, Kanuga consistently maintains an A sanitation grade from the N.C. Division of Public Health. She especially loves getting to know guests and seeing her staff embrace the value of teamwork.
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Ann Jeffcoat Corbin |
Reservations Associate |
ann.corbin@kanuga.org |
228 |
Ann Jeffcoat Corbin
Reservations Associate
Ann Jeffcoat Corbin joined the reservations team in 2011 but has been a familiar face at Kanuga much longer. She grew up attending Summer Guest Period with her family for 29 of the past 30 years. She also held several roles on summer staff including wait staff, children’s program director and assistant staff coordinator. Fluent in Spanish, she is a graduate of the College of Charleston where she majored in Spanish and minored in hospitality and tourism.
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Barry Phillips |
Director of Food Service |
barry.phillips@kanuga.org |
231 |
Barry Phillips
Director of Food Service
Barry Phillips came to Kanuga in 1994 as the assistant manager of the kitchen and was promoted to food services director in 2000. Embracing Kanuga's committment to environmental stewardship, he works with local produce distributors to supply Kanuga's dining hall with seasonal locally grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible. “I love the peaceful Christian community at Kanuga,” he says. “I enjoy ensuring that guests enjoy every aspect of Kanuga, but especially the food and service they receive while here.”
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Bethany Frazier |
Youth Events Program Director |
bethany.frazier@kanuga.org |
276 |
Bethany Frazier
Youth Events Program Director
Bethany Frazier loves helping young people and youth leaders build community in a safe, fun environment. She is responsible for organizing Youth Week, Winterlight and off-season rentals of Camp Kanuga and the Bob Campbell Youth Campus. Before joining the Kanuga staff in 2009, she served as the director of recreation at Bonclarken, a Presbyterian camp and conference center in nearby Flat Rock, N.C., where she hired, trained and supervised summer program staff as well as directed waterfront and high adventure programs. Bethany graduated from Erskine College with a degree in special education. She is active in the community as a Red Cross first-aid, CPR and lifeguarding instructor.
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Chris Lynn |
Adult Conferences Program Director |
chris.lynn@kanuga.org |
267 |
Chris Lynn
Adult Conferences Program Director
Chris Lynn officially joined the staff as the adult conferences program director in 2012, but she has been actively involved in the success of Kanuga's conferences for more than 15 years. She served for many years on Kanuga’s program committee, most recently as chair of the Christian formation planning team. Since 1996 she has been involved with the success of Kanuga’s Christian Formation Conference as staff, workshop leader or coordinator. She brings to Kanuga 21 years of experience as director of Christian formation at the Church of the Advent in Spartanburg. She is responsible for planning and orchestrating Kanuga-sponsored events including the Bowen Conference, Lansing Lee Conference, Knitting and Quilting Retreat, Renewal Conference and Fly-fishing Retreat.
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Christine Murawski |
Mountain Trail Outdoor School Program Director |
christine.murawski@kanuga.org |
281 |
Christine Murawski
Mountain Trail Outdoor School Program Director
Christine Murawski joined Kanuga's Mountain Trail Outdoor School as an instructor in 2008 and was quickly recognized for her skill with rock climbing, teambuilding, high ropes and other high adventure activities. She served as Kanuga’s adventure programs manager and directing Kanuga Trailblazers for three years before stepping into the role of MTOS program director in 2012. Her eye for risk management has afforded Kanuga an impressive safety record as she continues to oversee the care, maintenance, and inspection of our climbing and ropes facilities and the training of the associated staff. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and has an extensive background in outdoor education and adventure activities.
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David Schnitzer |
Camp Kanuga Director |
david.schnitzer@kanuga.org |
279 |
David Schnitzer
Camp Kanuga Director
David Schnitzer loves camp! He has 11 years of full-time professional camping and youth ministry experience but has worked at camp every summer since he was 15. Before coming to Kanuga in 2012, he was the program director for Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, Ga., where he created two leadership development programs for teenagers, grew the staff by more than 100 percent and organized training programs for more than 130 staff members. A graduate of the University of Georgia and the National Outdoor Leadership School, he is in the process of completing a master’s degree in Christian leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. An avid outdoorsman, he is the author of Great American Outdoors, Nature at its Best. Click here to learn more about David.
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Eden Lewis |
Guest Period Program Director |
eden.lewis@kanuga.org |
283 |
Eden Lewis
Guest Period Program Director
Eden Lewis has helped coordinate Kanuga-sponsored conferences and guest periods since 2009. A former counselor at Camp Kanuga, she spent several years coordinating and leading programs for high school and middle school students at churches in Winston-Salem, N.C., and St. Augustine, Fla. A graduate of Flager College, she has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in youth ministry. She loves both the guest and staff communities at Kanuga and views her job as the ministry of hospitality.
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Eric George |
Assistant Director of Guest Services |
eric.george@kanuga.org |
288 |
Eric George
Assistant Director of Guest Services
Eric George joined the Kanuga staff in 2011. He enjoys helping with conference and retreat planning, logistics and coordination and serving as the residential life director for summer conference center staff. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Bible and communications, he spent four years as a resident life assistant for a Christian school in South Korea, where he provided a family-like atmosphere for students and facilitated activities. Previously, he worked at the Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock where he wore many hats, including lifeguard, guest services, recreation and maintenance staff member.
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Gary Giniat |
Director of Advancement |
gary.giniat@kanuga.org |
240 |
Gary Giniat
Director of Advancement
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Gary Giniat (pronounced “Jeanette”) brings proven expertise across the advancement spectrum—from non-profit marketing and building earned income to increasing charitable contributions. Gary is responsible for planning and overseeing all of Kanuga’s advancement programs—both development and communications functions—as well as assisting in the growth of all of Kanuga’s revenue producing areas from camps to conferences. Before joining Kanuga, Gary’s 30-year career has spanned from 10 years marketing at the St. Petersburg (FL) Times and eight years in senior leadership roles at Chicago Children’s Museum to being the executive director of Asheville’s Pack Square Conservancy reopening the new 6.5 acre park.
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Hoyle Adams |
Director of Group Sales |
hoyle.adams@kanuga.org |
218 |
Hoyle Adams
Director of Group Sales
As Kanuga's director of group sales, Hoyle Adams is a signature matchmaker. He takes the time to really get to know nonprofits, businesses and other organizations before hooking them up with just the right services to make each meeting a roaring success. With more than 20 years on the Kanuga staff, he has fulfilled a variety of roles including assisant director of guest services, director of guest services and director of reservations. "It's awesome to provide hospitality for adults, youth, children, groups, campers and anyone visiting one of our campuses to focus on their reason for gathering and to get away from their world for a positive, educational experience," he says.
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Jason Merritt |
Communications Manager |
jason.merritt@kanuga.org |
224 |
Jason Merritt
Communications Manager
Jason Merritt joined the Kanuga staff in 2011 and now oversees all marketing and communications materials. His work includes advertising, print and electronic newsletters, website (kanuga.org), social media, public relations and the organization’s overall brand image. With a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida's School of Journalism, Jason specializes in communications strategy, graphic design, photography and videography. Before moving to Western North Carolina in 2009 he held variety of communications and grassroots advocacy positions with AARP Florida where he developed a deep appreciation for the personal and spiritual satisfaction found in non-profit work.
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Jill Mallin |
Interim Director of Guest Services |
jill.mallin@kanuga.org |
285 |
Jill Mallin
Interim Director of Guest Services
Jill Mallin came to Kanuga’s guest services department in 2010 with a background in recreation, resort management and event planning. She has worked in a variety of hospitality settings including the YMCA, Pinehurst Resort, Grove Park Inn and The Ritz-Carlton. Always wanting to make guests' visits enjoyable, she enjoys working behind the scenes to make events look effortlessly put together.
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Jimmy Haden |
Vice President of Hospitality and Sales |
jimmy.haden@kanuga.org |
227 |
Jimmy Haden
Vice President of Hospitality and Sales
After more than 24 years on staff, there aren't many parts of Kanuga that Jimmy Haden hasn't touched. Waiting tables, lifeguarding, hauling trash, setting up for and cleaning up after events — he knows firsthand how all the parts fit together to keep Kanuga's ministry of hospitality running smoothly. As the head of Kanuga's hospitality and sales team, he makes sure the Guest Services, Food Services, Guest Period Programming, Adult Conferences, Group Sales and Reservations departments work together seamlessly to give guests a transformational experience from their initial reservation through check out day.
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Jodi Calabrese |
Retail Operations Manager |
jodi.calabrese@kanuga.org |
241 |
Jodi Calabrese
Retail Operations Manager
SInce 2010, Jodi Calabrese has overseen merchandising, budgeting, staffing and other day-to-day operations for Kanuga’s five retail outlets: the bookstore, Charlie’s Canteen, the Camp Kanuga store, the Bear’s Den at the Bob Campbell Youth Campus and online sales. A former a buyer for the May Company and Belk, she brings more than 20 years of retail experience to Kanuga. “I enjoy the combination of doing what I love (retail buying) and the hospitality aspect of this job," she says. "I am able to show immediate results in the changes that I have made and that is very satisfying. I also really love the natural beauty here and feel like I am serving God in a positive way by helping Kanuga succeed."
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Kate Bakko |
Reservations Associate |
kate.bakko@kanuga.org |
282 |
Kate Bakko
Reservations Associate
On the Kanuga staff since 2003, Kate Bakko is a familiar voice and friendly face to many guests as they plan a trip to and arrive at Kanuga. She spent three years as a part-time Front Desk clerk before taking a full-time role in reservations in 2006. She brings an extensive background in the human services field, having spent 24 years working with adults with disabilities. "I enjoy watching what Kanuga means to so many of our guests and hope our mission will continue to inspire people to find peace in our community for years to come," she says.
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Katherine Parnell |
Camp Bob Program Director |
katherine.parnell@kanuga.org |
264 |
Katherine Parnell
Camp Bob Program Director
Katherine "KP" Parnell first came to Camp Bob, Kanuga's outreach summer camp, as a counselor in 2009 and has been growing and developing with the program ever since. With a bachelors degree in theatre education and a minor in English from nearby Brevard College, KP brings her spirit and energy to Camp Bob's youth, volunteers, sponsors and staff yearround. After just one week of experiencing Camp Bob, she knew that her life had changed and she felt a powerful connection with those who come through the program. “Camp Bob is a very energetic and supportive atmosphere, it allows everyone to be themselves and gives them the opportunity to try new experiences and grow not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Parnell is also a graduate of Brevard College's Institute for Women in Leadership.
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Kim Watson |
Vice President of Finance and Operations |
kim.watson@kanuga.org |
214 |
Kim Watson
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Kim Watson has served as Kanuga's chief financial officer since 2006, building financial discipline and lead the planning and budgeting processes across Kanuga. A certified public accountant, she previously served as vice president of finance at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, S.C. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the College of Charleston and more than 20 years of experience in the accounting industry.
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Laura Messerly |
Expedition Programs Director |
laura.messerly@kanuga.org |
263 |
Laura Messerly
Expedition Programs Director
Laura Messerly is Kanuga’s Expedition Programs Director. Between directing Kanuga Trailblazers in the summer and serving as a lead instructor for Mountain Trail Outdoor School during the autumn, winter and spring, Laura shares her love of the outdoors with youth and adults throughout the year. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Washington College and discovered her passion for outdoor education while working for Anglican Youthworks in Australia, leading students backpacking, canoeing, abseiling (rappelling) and more! She has worked for Sandy Cove Ministries in North East, MD as well as Black Rock Retreat, near Lancaster, PA as an instructor/facilitator. Laura completed a Master’s in Outdoor Education at Southern Adventist University near Chattanooga, TN and most recently spent a year working amongst the Redwoods at Mount Hermon Camp and Conference Center in Santa Cruz, CA.
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LeeAnne Martin |
Vice President of Youth Programs |
leeanne.martin@kanuga.org |
321 |
LeeAnne Martin
Vice President of Youth Programs
LeeAnne Martin joined the Kanuga staff in 2001 as an instructor at the Mountain Trail Outdoor School. Since then, she has directed the outdoor school, Kanuga Trailblazers and various aspects of all of Kanuga's camping and outdoor education programs. An award-winning educator, she has served on the Southeast council for the Association for Experiential Education and continually works to strengthen Kanuga's youth programs.
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Linda Kelly |
Assistant Director of Guest Services |
linda.kelly@kanuga.org |
262 |
Linda Kelly
Assistant Director of Guest Services
Linda Kelly fell in love with Kanuga as a child attending summer camp here. That love was rekindled as an adult when she helped plan parish retreats for Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish in Clemson, S.C. She joined the staff in 2012 as an assistant director of guest services and her responsibilities include group event planning, hospitality and chapel and worship support. She brings a love of people and extensive organizational and event planning skills from her most recent work as director of members services for a local retirement community, where she was responsible for scheduling and coordinating all member-related events.
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Marcella Thompson |
Controller |
marcella.thompson@kanuga.org |
217 |
Marcella Thompson
Controller
Marcella Thompson signed on as Kanuga’s controller in 2011 and enjoys working where she can join two of her passions ― accounting and providing excellent customer service. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery and received the accounting achievement award from the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants in 1997. Her extensive accounting background includes serving as a manager for one of the largest CPA firms in the Southeast and as the controller for the largest nursing home in the state of Alabama. She enjoys meeting the challenges brought on by handling the day to day accounting needs of Kanuga.
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Monica Phillips |
MTOS Assistant Program Director |
monica.phillips@kanuga.org |
277 |
Monica Phillips
MTOS Assistant Program Director
Monica Phillips joined the full-time staff as the assistant program director for Kanuga's Mountain Trail Outdoor School after a successful summer as Camp Kanuga’s assistant director and registrar. With a degree in communications and public relations from Appalachian State University, she brings a love of teaching, nature and working with children. She has worked with children since the age of 14, first as a dance instructor and YMCA camp counselor and more recently as an orphanage volunteer in Takeo, Cambodia, and as a teacher in South Korea.
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Nicole Bentley |
Reservations Director |
nicole.bentley@kanuga.org |
284 |
Nicole Bentley
Reservations Director
Nicole Bentley fell in love with Kanuga as a summer staffer from 2001-2005. A graduate of Hollins University, she took on a full-time role in reservations in 2005 and was promoted to director in 2011, overseeing all reservations associates and staff at the Front Desk of the Kanuga Lake Inn. The primary resource for Summer Guest Period reservations, she enjoys helping guests continue or start their summer tradition at Kanuga. With a flair for tie-dye, she occasionally can be found helping children and adults create colorful works of wearable art.
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Paul Bockoven |
Director of Information Technology |
paul.bockoven@kanuga.org |
315 |
Paul Bockoven
Director of Information Technology
Paul Bockoven is responsible for keeping all of Kanuga's computer hardware, software, telecommunications and internet services running smoothly. He brings a passion for problem solving and an extensive knowledge of Kanuga's network. He spent 15 years serving Kanuga's camping and outdoor education programs in various roles and was instrumental in developing the Mountain Trail Outdoor School, Camp Kanuga, Camp Bob and Kanuga Trailblazers before pursuing an IT career.
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Ricky Varnadore |
Director of Property |
ricky.varnadore@kanuga.org |
221 |
Ricky Varnadore
Director of Property
Ricky Varnadore joined Kanuga's property department in 1999, became the maintenance manager in 2006 and head of the entire department in 2011. He oversees the team of people responsible for taking care of all of Kanuga's buildings, landscaping and wastewater treatment facilities. While he is comfortable in all areas of construction, maintenance and renovations, he has a gained a true mastery of the complex field of electrical wiring.
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Sandy McKinney |
Reservations Associate |
sandy.mckinney@kanuga.org |
222 |
Sandy McKinney
Reservations Associate
Sandy McKinney has been a valued member of Kanuga's reservations department since 2001. She loves working with Kanuga guests, especially teens, and is particularly proud when they leave with that unmistakable “Kanuga glow.”
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Stan Hubbard |
President |
stan.hubbard@kanuga.org |
212 |
Stan Hubbard
President
Stan Hubbard has considered himself the luckiest man in the world since 2005 when he moved to Kanuga and took the helm as president. He oversees many aspects of Kanuga's daily operations and collaborates with Kanuga's Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors to form policies and strategies. He especially enjoys welcoming guests and thanking all of the wonderful people who support Kanuga's ministry. Previously he spent 31 years as a management consultant and business executive, primarily in the financial services industry. He credits a 1989 Kanuga conference with kindling his interest in lay ministry.
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Quilters can choose to make a Barn Raising Log Cabin Quilt (above) or the Courthouse Steps Table Runner (right). Both designs will utilize a new log cabin trim tool, designed by instructor Janet Houts.
COORDINATOR: Varian Brandon has been knitting since she was 8 and has been almost continuously working with yarn and needles since a trip to Scotland after college. Recently, she was the top American winner in an international design competition sponsored by Jamieson and Smith Woolbrokers. She lives in Atlanta where she uses her needles (and graph paper and computer) to design hand-knitted sweaters.
CHAPLAIN: The Rev. Jennifer Deaton serves as chaplain for St. Andrew's Episcopal School and priest associate at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, Miss. An avid knitter, she maintains the blog Preach One, Purl Two.
