Katy Russo - President
A native of Hayesville, NC, Katy graduated from UNC Greensboro and spent the bulk of her career working in Human Resources before deciding to become a stay at home mom after the birth of her first son. Now a mother of two boys, Katy spends her time being an awesome mom, painting, cooking and serving for The Still Place. Katy, her husband Tim, their two boys, George and Henry, and Goldendoodle Frankie live in Hendersonville, NC but make the trip to Hayesville often to visit family. |
Markesha Bradley - Vice President
My Name is Markesha Bradley. I’m a mother of four, one of whom as gone to be with the Lord. I’ve always been a caregiver, especially since the age of 18 having a son with special medical needs. I’m a college graduate with an Associates Degree in Business Administration. I pride myself in being of any assistance I can to all special needs families being that I’ve traveled the same personal journey. Now that my journey is over, I would love to use my knowledge and many years of experience to help guide other families who may just be getting started. The Still Place gave my family and I the last normal Christmas we would ever have with all four of my children in 2020, and it was amazing! The peace and joy we felt is unmatched, and I want to help bring that feeling to all families of children who may be battling the fight of their lives. I’m excited for the future and can’t wait to be put to work! |
Jeanne Winter
Jeanne grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of seven children. Jeanne joined the US Air Force Reserves and upon returning from Basic Training and Schooling for Communications with a Top -Secret Clearance. She went on to study Mass Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, then worked in Radio and TV for 30 years, taking her from Milwaukee to Portland, Oregon and Northern California. Jeanne moved with her partner, Frank, to Hayesville, NC at the end of 2020. Shortly after, Frank and Jeanne began publishing Lake Chatuge Living magazine. Jeanne has volunteered for many organizations over the years, serving on several boards. She is a huge animal lover and enjoys travel, the outdoors and getting together with friends and family. |
Rachael Smith - Secretary
Rachael is a born and raised Floridian. She moved to Hayesville, North Carolina in 2021 with her husband and their two children. Rachael was eager to fulfill her passion for third-party reproduction after completing several gestational surrogacy journeys herself to help others complete their families by then pursuing a career change from an extensive background in Sales and Marketing, to now working as a Senior Director of Operations for a Surrogacy and Egg Donation Agency. She previously volunteered for 20 years with an animal rescue shelter, served 3 years on the Women United Board (an entity of United Way), and volunteered for the Veterans Support Fund. Rachael has earned the title of professional business people in 40 under 40 and was volunteer of the year in her senior year of high school. Rachael keeps quite busy as her children are actively involved in extracurricular activities. On the weekends, you can find Rachael and her family soaking up memories by doing fun day trips together. Additionally, Rachael has four fur-babies and thoroughly enjoys cooking and volunteering her time helping others. |
Tom Landis
Tom was born in Pennsylvania. Tom met his wife Kathy 40 years ago at the Hinton Center here in Hayesville. He has been active serving with nonprofits and coaching, mentoring, and teaching youth and adults in our local area for over 40 years. Tom can be found hanging out with Still Place Families at Fires Creek, feeding hundreds of meals every Wednesday night at his church or lending a listening ear to fathers at a Still Your Dad bereavement retreat. Tom wears many hats at The Still Place and in the Hayesville community. John S. Hindsman, Jr John S. Hindsman, Jr. is a native of Hayesville, NC, and serves as Senior Assistant District Attorney for the 43rd Prosecutorial District of North Carolina handling homicides, sexual assaults, human & drug trafficking cases, and high-profile cases for the five westernmost counties in NC, as well as administering Superior Court in the same. He is a member of the Clay County Early Intervention Team, an Eagle Scout, and recipient of the God & Country Award. Hindsman holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Minors in Business and Military Leadership from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, as well as a Juris Doctor from Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law in Raleigh, NC. He also serves as an Army Reserve Judge Advocate, holding the rank of Major, and is currently Interim Team Chief, S3 Operations Officer, and Special Victim’s Counsel for the 87th Legal Operations Detachment, Salt Lake City, UT. Hindsman’s previous assignments include Trial Counsel and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO; Chief of Justice and Deputy Group Judge Advocate for the Southeast Medical Area Readiness Group, Nashville, TN; and International Law Officer for the 402d Civil Affairs Battalion (Tactical), Ft. Buchanan, PR. He is a graduate of the Basic Officer Leader Course at the United States Army Infantry School at Ft. Moore, GA, The Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, Advanced Course, and Special Victim’s Counsel Course at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the United States’ Army Command and General Staff College’s Intermediate Level Education. His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster). |
Andrea Rix
After living in St. Augustine, Florida for 22 years, Andrea, her husband and two children have recently made their home in Templeton, Pennsylvania. She is passionate about helping families facing big battles find support, love and community as well as reducing isolation associated with a serious illness. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Speech and Communication Studies and Public Relations. After serving as an Event Planner for SMG for many years, Andrea found her passion working in the development field for nonprofits in various fundraising roles throughout her career including the Assistant Director of Development for River Garden Senior Services and Director of Annual Giving for Flagler College. In 2015, when her son, was diagnosed at age 3 with a brain tumor, all her efforts became focused on helping her family as well as other families dealing with brain tumors and childhood cancer navigate the many challenges associated with these illnesses through volunteerism. Andrea and her family discovered The Still Place in 2017 as a retreat family. The Still Place has fostered their families love for nature, adventure and exploration. The magic of the mountains and all who surround Compass Creek have provided them much inspiration and joy. Andrea is honored to be a part of offering these beautiful gifts to other families and to help nourish and grow The Still Place. Bayne Parker - Treasurer
Bayne lived in the metro Atlanta area his entire life until 4 years ago when he moved to North Carolina. When his wife, Betsy, retired from teaching in 2020, they put their retirement plan of living on Lake Chatuge in place. However, Bayne still continues working for Georgia's Own Credit Union, where he has been employed for 34 years. After studying Business Management at Georgia State University, Bayne started his banking career of 38 years. He has worked as a manager in various areas of the banking industry including collections, mortgage, lending , credit cards, fraud, and security.
Bayne has known about The Still Place before joining the board since his wife has been a volunteer for TSP for several years. Now, he is applying his experience and skills as a part of the TSP board. Bayne likes to be involved with his community. When his 2 children were growing up, he served in many activities they were involved in. As an empty nester, he now looks for ways to serve the Hayesville community. In addition, he enjoys boating, playing pickleball, traveling, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time with his family and friends. |
