The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce &
Visitor Center Staff
Todd is the Executive Director of the Chamber, and became the leader of the Chamber Team on June 23, 2025. Vinyard brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, public service, and nonprofit leadership to the role. A Jackson County resident, Vinyard most recently served as Director of Communications for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), where he led statewide marketing and legislative advocacy efforts that restored and expanded the organization’s recurring state funding. He also served as President of the Sylva Rotary Club and Vice Chair of the Jackson County Public Schools Foundation. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University and has been widely recognized for his collaborative approach and passion for local development.
Holly started working as the chamber's Assistant Director on June 23, 2025. She is a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in economic development, event coordination, marketing, and small business support. Bryant currently serves as the Director of the Small Business Center at Tri-County Community College, where she has provided counseling, programming, and outreach to help new and existing entrepreneurs thrive. Her dynamic background includes work with real estate, nonprofit fundraising, and higher education event management.
Belinda is the chamber's Office Manager and became a full-time staff member in 2022. Belinda is a terrific addition to the Chamber Team and works daily to promote members and the community through positive engagement with guests. Belinda is the primary leader for recruitment, retention, billing and guest services. Belinda is also responsible for implementing new and improved merchandise. Belinda brings a wealth of knowledge about the area to our chamber that will be valuable to us as a staff, as well as our chamber members and visitors. We're so lucky to have someone on board with her expertise regarding small business training and coaching, as well as providing local resources and connections.
Tom Frazier
Tom has worked part-time with the Chamber since 2021, joining our team after a stellar career at Western Carolina University. After his retirement from WCU, Tom has worked with us to provide valuable information to locals and guests, as well as input and assistance with graphic design, photography and printing. He also provides our direct-line contact with Santa Claus during the holidays!
Tammy Haskett
Tammy has worked part-time with the Chamber since 2023, joining our team after retiring from Western Carolina University in 2017 after 32 years. Tammy worked in Continuing Education as Elderhostel Coordinator before moving to Alumni Affairs as Director of Alumni Affairs in 2000. Tammy finished her career as Director of Orientation Programs from 2003 through 2017. Tammy has worked with us to provide valuable information to locals and guests. Her and husband Mark are the co-festival coordinators for Sylva's largest festival, Greening Up the Mountains, each April.
Julie is the Executive Director of the Chamber, and has been the amazing leader of the Chamber Team since 1999. Her enthusiasm for the area is contagious, and she and the Chamber Team produce quality events for guests and locals to enjoy, while supporting the local community. Julie is a co-founder of the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, Concerts on the Creek, July 4 Festivities (since 2015), Friends Night Out, and worked to establish Jackson County as the NC Trout Capital. She has also served as a pivotal member of many local, regional and state boards and committees including the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority and Main Street Sylva Association. Julie is a full-time team member and responsible for all chamber and visitor center operations.
Julie is retiring on July 4, 2025. You can read the press release HERE, the letter to members HERE, and her resignation letter HERE.
Kelly is the Assistant Chamber Director, and has been providing stellar member and guest service since 2014. Kelly helps coordinate team efforts for all the Chamber's printed and online publications, website & social media engagement. He is the co-producer of all Chamber events including the July 4 Festivities, Concerts on the Creek and Friends Night Out and works tirelessly to market the area and our chamber members. Kelly has served on many local boards and committees over the years, including Greening Up the Mountains, the Town of Webster and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Kelly is an experienced photographer, graphic designer, editor, writer, and a valuable full-time team member.
Kelly is retiring on July 4, 2025. You can read the press release HERE, the letter to members HERE, and his resignation letter HERE.
2025 Chamber Ambassadors
The Chamber Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as our primary liaison to new chamber members. Considered the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassador Team plays an essential role in member communication and retention, and each Ambassador is charged with conveying member needs, questions and concerns to Chamber staff, and keeping our Chamber in line with our members’ desires. Upon their appointment, each Ambassador makes a commitment to build lasting relationships with the Chamber membership, particularly new members, in order to build a loyal, committed membership base that will continue to support, participate in and invest in the Chamber.
Ambassadors actively promote membership in the Chamber, facilitate networking among members and encourage meaningful participation and involvement in Chamber programs in order to enhance the membership benefits received by each member, strengthen member commitment and increase long-term member retention.
Here are our 2025 Chamber Ambassadors and the chamber businesses they are associated with:
Marne Harris, Chair, SCC Small Business Center
Patricia Stanberry, Vice Chair, Apple Realty
Steve Baxley, Secretary, Baxley's Chocolates
Laurie Bryson, Balsam Falls Brewing
Rob Burns, Carly & Cass, Carly & Cass DIY Studio
Patrick Dowling, ServisFirst Bank
Lexie Franklin, First Bank
Chad Gerrety, WCU Athletics
Matthew Ridley, Future Home Loans
Matt Saenger, BalsamWest
Megan Orr-Sheets, Nightstar Lodging
Michele Smith, Smith and Morgan Law
Chris Stuckey, WestBridge Vocational, Inc.
Patricia Bryson-Wink, State Farm Insurance
Here is our 2025 Board of Directors:
Erica Bullock, Chair
Trenia Sims, Treasurer
Rich Anderson
Marne Harris
Jon Henson
Michael Hopkins
Nicole Owen
Rich Price
Bobby Richardson
Patricia Stanberry
The Chamber Board of Directors conducts board meetings via Zoom, typically on the 4th Thursday of most months. If you would like to be added to the agenda, please contact toddvinyardjccc@gmail.com at least 15 days in advance.
