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Meet Our Board

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Executive Director

Rebecca Saunders

Rebecca earned a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and has built a diverse, hands-on career spanning more than 20 years. Her professional experience includes operating a small organic farm specializing in eggs and produce, managing social media platforms and websites for both local and national organizations, and working across multiple sectors including construction management, communications, advertising, and visual design.

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With decades of experience in small business and organizational leadership, Rebecca brings a broad, practical skill set to the board. Her background allows her to approach challenges creatively while maintaining a strong foundation in strategic planning, operations, and community engagement.

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Rebecca, her husband, and their two children relocated to Ferrum during the height of the pandemic after spending two years traveling the United States full-time. Having grown up in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio, the family knew they wanted to put down roots near the Blue Ridge Mountains and were grateful to find a home in Ferrum, where they continue to invest deeply in the local community.

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"To me, Ferrum Park embodies the true spirit of community and what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I've been all over the country, and there's something really special about Ferrum Park. Whether it's the land, the people, the history or the combination of all of them, I don't know - but when you visit, you'll feel it too."

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Vice-Executive Director & Secretary

Kathy Champney

Kathy was born in Port Huron, Michigan. Her life's journey had taken her to the Washington, DC metropolitan area where she became a special education elementary teacher. Her passion is for giving people, despite their differences, the opportunity to see the world. Her degrees include a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a masters degree in special education from John’s Hopkins. She and her husband relocated to Franklin County in 2021 when she retired.

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They have a farm in Burnt Chimney where we raise hogs, chickens and produce. She became involved with Friends of Ferrum Park because they are active participants in the Farm and Craft Market held on the park property weekly from late March through early November. She currently serve on the board of directors as secretary. 

 

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"I became involved when I learned about the park mission to not only protect the environment but also provide ADA accessibility as well as a playground that will allow all children, despite their differences, to play together. I am proud to be part of a group working so hard to provide a community space for future generations."

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Treasurer / Grant Proposal Director

Susan Selvage

Susan has an Associate Degree and worked as a Paralegal in Ohio for 10 years.  Since 1998 she has worked remotely as a Real Estate Title Insurance Underwriter for Investors Title then Fidelity National Title. 

She and her husband Vencil moved to Callaway in 1989 and then to Ferrum in 2000. Susan has raised goats for many years and was fortunate to find a larger place in Ferrum than her place in Callaway, which is the reason she moved.  

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"The Park adds layer of entertainment, education, and outreach for the community and those coming to the village for various reasons.  It has also become a destination site since it is part of the Crooked Road and will be part of the upcoming Moonshine Trail.  It gives the village and its members the opportunity to socialize, have meetings, hold events and markets whereas before, there was no place to get together at all." 

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Director of Community Engagement

Christina Inman

Christina was born in Florida and moved to Ferrum in 2001. She wanted to enjoy a safer, slower paced lifestyle with her children and to be closer to her grandparents. She is a very busy stay at home mother to her 8 amazing children. She is also a homeschooling Mama that loves spending time with her wonderful grandchildren.

Among many things, she enjoys crafting, photography, design work, learning, exploring, camping and decorating. She owns a small business that specializes in unique jewelry and gifts with one of her daughters. She is also The Market Manager at The Ferrum Farm & Craft Market.

Since she was a young girl she has given tireless hours of volunteer work to her community. Her dedication to be such a selfless, generous supporter for her community is uplifting! As a domestic violence warrior, she has overcome many challenges in her life, which is why she’s so committed to helping others.

She has a loving husband that supports her need to fulfill the goals she set in place for herself. With her crafting experience and eye for detail, she brings a creative mind to Ferrum Park. She wants Ferrum to shine bright and make an impact on everyone! She’s overjoyed to be a part of the Ferrum community. 

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"Ferrum Park is a safe place I can take my family where they are free to explore their surroundings. We use Ferrum Park for many things including picnics, nature walks, foraging, and homeschooling lessons. It’s one of my family’s favorite places to go and just BE FREE!"

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Advisor

Katrina Harrison

Kat was born in Franklin County in 1961. The oldest of 9 children to Billy and Barbara Boyd, she graduated 1979 from Franklin County High School. Married Randy Harrison, she was widowed in1986 after a tragic hunting accident. She attended National Business College for 2 years after the textile industry collapsed in 1991.  Kat worked for Franklin County in the IT Department for 12 years. She owned and operated her own business, Kat's Hidden Treasures, since March of 2000.  She became involved with Ferrum Forward in 2018 as one of its original members. Her desire to help improve her community has been her main motivation.

 

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"I feel proud of the things we have accomplished with no real budget and a handful of determined individuals.  Friends of Ferrum Parks core values are an extension of my own.   I support a sense of community. I believe that our generation is responsible for preserving nature's beauty for the next generation. We can fix the world we can work on our little corner of it. A  community that holds tight to traditions and its roots can only grow stronger."

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Intern

Eliza Saunders

Eliza is a 2024 graduate of Virginia Western University with a degree in Visual Design. 

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With deepest thanks to these community partners for their generous support:

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© 2026 by Friends of Ferrum Park

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Friends of Ferrum Park Inc.

PO Box 44

Ferrum, VA 24088

EIN: 93-2202112

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