Staff Members

Friends of SWVA

  • Paula Hurt

    Director of Finance and Administration

  • Erin Simons

    Artisan Engagement Specialist

  • Jen Otey

    Outdoor Recreation Development Manager

  • Jessica Lawrence

    Outdoor Recreation Development Manager

  • Ryan Vaughan

    Marketing Manager

  • Kim Davis is the executive director of Friends of Southwest Virginia.

    Kim Davis

    Executive Director

  • Tina Murray

    Deputy Director of Operations

  • Gwyn Hill

    Administrative Assistant

Paula Hurt

Director of Finance and Administration

Erin Simons

Artisan Engagement Specialist

Jen Otey

Outdoor Recreation Development Manager

Jessica Lawrence

Outdoor Recreation Development Manager

Ryan Vaughan

Marketing Manager

Kim Davis is the executive director of Friends of Southwest Virginia.

Kim Davis

Executive Director

SWVA Cultural Heritage Foundation, Friends of SWVA, ‘Round the Moutain

A native of Bristol, Kim is a seasoned marketing and tourism professional with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit, communications, event management, and marketing arenas.  Kim served as a Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Visit Knoxville, before moving back to her hometown seven years ago to serve as the Director of Marketing for the Birthplace of Country Music.  At BCM, Kim was responsible for the marketing and communications for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and Radio Bristol.    

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and Public Relations from the University of Tennessee, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Louisiana State University. 

As executive director, Kim will lead the Friends of Southwest Virginia team to work with our partners throughout the region to help advance community development and tourism initiatives.

Tina Murray

Deputy Director of Operations

Born and raised in Abingdon, Virginia I began working for the Town of Abingdon- the Parks and Recreation Department- in my early teens. My roots are here. These mountains and its people are important to me and bring my soul alive!  My husband Kirk fondly refers to our little town as the “Cultural Gem of the Appalachian Mountains”, a title I believe very suiting.

Following my graduation from Katharine Gibbs in NYC, I began my professional career with The Pittston Company in Greenwich, Connecticut. There I honed my business skills and eventually relocated back home to Southwest Virginia.  I enjoyed a long career in the coal industry with Alpha Natural Resources and Contura Energy serving in the transportation and logistics field, assisting customers all over the globe.  Working with coal miners has given me such strong respect and love for the people of this area and our heritage.

I have spent my personal life as an “aspiring artist”, enjoying every form of media from clays to glass and doing commission pieces in oil and acrylics.  When I’m not working at the Cultural Center, you can find me hiking the Appalachian Trail with our two Standard Poodles, Bear and Saban Grace,  or enjoying a beautiful day at our little boathouse on South Holston Lake with my Kirk and our Irish Setter Charlie.

Spread love everywhere you go, let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.  – Mother Theresa

Gwyn Hill

Administrative Assistant

Friends of Southwest Virginia

Gwyn was born and raised in the south; however, after a camping trip to Abingdon, VA, she and her family fell in love with Southwest Virginia. Shortly after returning home, they moved to Damascus, VA.

Gwyn has a passion for baking and cooking which stems from her mother and grandmothers, who always encouraged her to bake with them.  Her biggest accomplishment thus far is owning and operating a café.

With more than 20 years in the industry Gwyn brings years of food and beverage experience and knowledge to the leadership team at the SWVA Cultural Center.  Gwyn’s commitment and desire is to provide the best customer experience while leading a team of strong servers by giving them all the proper tools and guidance. Gwyn graduated from I.T.T. Technical Institute in Maitland, FL with a Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management.

Outside of her day-to-day duties at Friends of SWVA, you can find Gwyn baking something up, on the trails hiking or in the woods hunting.

THE CROOKED ROAD (A Partner 501(c)(3))

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