Board of Directors

President

Christie Chandler

Christie Chandler is a wife, mother, and artist living in Eufaula, Alabama. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Management, she married and moved abroad, living in Johannesburg, Paris, and London. She credits motherhood with opening the door to creativity. In her late 30’s, Christie went to art school in London, which transformed her life. She is a painter, debut author, vlogger, and animal lover. Christie and her husband have settled on a farm where the land and wildlife are her inspiration. She is passionate about rural revitalization through the arts, and recently founded Bluff City Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to community enrichment. YouTube channel: Oakhaven Creative Retreat Facebook: Christie Naramore Chandler Instagram: Oakhaven Creative Retreat

Vice President

Dee Bennett, Fundraising

Dee is a professor at Troy University in the area of Instructional Leadership and Administration and completing research related to leadership development as well as community engagement for literacy. During her 25 years in the field of education, Dee has been employed as a school psychometrist and early childhood teacher. She is the Co-founder of SHORT the Squirrel Literacy Initiative and is an active member of the Eufaula Heritage Association, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and the Troy University alumni club. Dee was selected as a Troy University Alumni of the Year and an Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni of the Year. Dee has been recognized by This is Alabama as one of 25 Women Who Shape the State. Dee and her husband, Commissioner Jason Bennett, live in Eufaula with daughters Bailey and Betsy.

Treasurer

John Adams Gray, Financial Planning

John Adams graduated from The Lakeside School in 2018, and Auburn University in 2022 with a degree in Agricultural Business and Economics. John Adams was born and raised in Eufaula, AL and is dedicated to helping this town develop. His goal is the help promote local talent and drive development throughout the community.

Secretary

Savannah Dunson, Project Manager

Savannah is the Owner of Plans to Prosper Interior Design + Project Coordination, LLC (P2P) – a business sustained by the need for assistance and general organization during the building process. In addition to plan production for new and remodeled spaces, P2P specializes in Kitchen and Bath Design and overall Space Planning as it relates to residential and light commercial applications. Savannah also has over 20 years of sales experience as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Savannah is married to Andrew Dunson, Owner of Dunson Lawn & Landscape, and they have two children: Sawyer and Martha Jane.

Troy Davis, Creative Director

Troy was born in Naples, Florida. His early training was with Karen Mishler of the Carol Burnett Show. After high school Troy earned a theatre scholarship to Florida State University and continued from there to earn his bachelors degree from University of Florida. Troy received his Masters of Fine Arts from Florida State University in Dance Performance. After College Troy accepted a contract from Walt Disney World Entertainment to perform in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast where he enjoyed a fifteen year run as acting dance captain and lead. Troy has enjoyed the opportunity to perform in dance and television. Troy is the creator of Movement Arts Studio and the owner the Eufaula Hardware in Eufaula, AL.

Artist Development

Rachel Kurtz

Rachel Kurtz is a local artist, and Eufaula native. She graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Art. She now lives in Dothan where she is owner of Southern Strokes Art (paint & sip studio), The Velvet Art Gallery, which is a collective of 20 artists from around the Wiregrass, and The Velvet Peach Boutique. She’s active in the arts community and is excited to see Eufaula’s art scene continue to bloom and grow.

Design and Production

Kim Beaty

Kim Beaty is a graduate of Troy State University where she was a majorette with the Sound of the South. She taught 33 years in the classroom and was named 1995 AISA Teacher of the Year, 2011 ALABAMA Sweet 16 Teacher of the Year, and 2021 AISA Teacher of the Year. She was selected as Mrs. South Alabama in 1996. Mrs. Beaty is a member of Pierian and the Eufaula Little Theatre. Her favorite acting role was playing M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. She has 3 beautiful daughters and 4 fabulous grandchildren. Kim and her husband Dan have made Eufaula their home for 22 years.