Meet the Team

Jordan Campbell, Executive Director

Jordan Campbell is an emerging leader in the American arts and cultural sector, known for his strategic innovation. As Executive Director of the Gateway Regional Arts Center, he has achieved a 522% increase in the budget and tripled participant engagement, enhancing access to the arts in rural Appalachian Eastern Kentucky and setting new cultural standards nationwide.

Jordan holds an Ed.M. from Harvard, a BFA in Musical Theatre, and a BA in Political Science from Western Kentucky University, and studied West African Theatre & Dance in Ghana. At Harvard, he conducted research in arts education and launched the inaugural Harvard Veritas Play Festival.

A Helen Hayes Award-nominated stage actor, Jordan has performed globally and taught theatre to diverse audiences. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the arts as a tool for personal and societal transformation. He has contributed to discussions on youth voice and social justice in arts education.

Jordan's multifaceted career includes influential roles in the Obama administration, Americans for the Arts, and as Director of Research & Learning at Creative Generation, where he led over 50 projects connecting arts, youth, and civic engagement. He is also the Founder and Co-Chair of the Small Town America Institute for Rural Arts & Culture.

Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky, Jordan aims to drive impactful research and leadership in the field.

CONTACT JORDAN: director@grackentucky.org | (859) 295-7894

  • Bethany Goldy, Assistant Director

    Montgomery County native, Bethany Goldy, is entering her 7th year with GRAC. As Assistant Director she manages GRAC events & programming and acts as 2nd in command. From interim director to bartending GRAC events, Beth has done it all with a focus on fostering a sense of community across the region, a belief that everyone has the heart of an artist, and that the arts should be accessible for all.

    Coming from a 17 year background as an IT specialist, Beth first dipped her toes in the world of nonprofits with the Montgomery County History Museum before finding her eventual home at GRAC. She also moonlights as a receptionist at the Post Clinic as well as providing IT support and social media management for a local auction house.

    Outside of the GRAC, Beth enjoys trivia, reading, musical theatre, and video games.

    CONTACT BETH: info@grackentucky.org | (859) 295-7895

  • Jillian Kohr, Director of Education & Community Programs

    Jillian (Jill) Kohr is a Mt. Sterling native and recent graduate of Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She is currently enrolled in the Arts Administration Masters Program at The University of Kentucky.

    Her first love is the stage and her favorite roles she's played are Madame De La Grande Bouche (Beauty and the Beast) with Ramsey Theatre Company and Charon (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical) with WKU. She is an alumna of The Governor’s School for the Arts and is passionate about arts accessibility. She believes the arts can make a difference and break through barriers, which is what GRAC is all about. On the weekend Jill loves playing with her dogs, watching old movies, drinking iced coffee and catching up on the latest crime dramas.

    CONTACT JILL: jill@grackentucky.org | (859) 287-0279

  • Tyler Henderson, Manager of Operations

    Tyler is a local artist from Mt. Sterling, KY. Tyler graduated from Morehead State University in 2021 with a degree in Applied Physics. He has always had a passion for both science and art, though his heart truly lies in the world of artistic expression.

    After gaining valuable experience as a Full-Stack Software Developer, Tyler made the bold decision to pursue art full-time. At GRAC, he contributes to various aspects of the organization, including managing general operations, teaching a variety of art classes, and providing technical support for events.

    Tyler’s artistic style is primarily Surrealist, infused with elements of Claude Monet's impressionistic techniques. His work was showcased in his first solo exhibition at GRAC in October of 2022.

    CONTACT TYLER: tyler@grackentucky.org | (859) 287-1066

  • Jennifer Woods, Financial Manager

    Jennifer was born in Morehead and after 10 years in Florida and Texas, decided to move back home with her husband, Kevin, and their three dogs, Indy, Hank and Mabel. She also has an adult daughter, Avery who is a talented pastry chef.

    She has spent over 30 years in finance working for a large bank, then in local government finance.  She owned an antiques business for over 10 years and still loves to antique and thrift.

    She also has a dual licensure Bachelor's degree in K-8 and Special Education.

    Upon returning to Kentucky, Jennifer almost immediately signed up for classes at GRAC and was struck by how much the organization lives its mission. It's truly a magical place where "All the arts for all the people" comes to fruition when you walk in the doors.  

    CONTACT JENNIFER: jennifer@grackentucky.org

  • Kasey Vice, Executive Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

    Originally a native of New Orleans, Kasey Vice has called Louisiana, Florida, and Kentucky home over the years. Following Hurricane Katrina, she relocated to Florida, where she fostered a love for American Sign Language, later pursuing a degree in ASL Interpretation. Vice eventually obtained an ASL certification from Valencia State followed her AA from Eastern Kentucky.

    Kasey has a background in special education, having worked as a paraeducator for the Deaf/HH/blind. She has spent more than a decade as a barista, working as the manager of The Rooster's Whistle coffee truck. Passionate about fostering connections and community, Vice is grateful to have found a place at GRAC where she is able to support others who share a love for the arts.

    In her free time, Kasey enjoys yoga, weightlifting, dance, live music, and festivals. She also values quality time with her husband and dog. Together, they are embarking on an exciting project: building their own Japanese-style timber frame home in Jeffersonville, KY.

    CONTACT KASEY: kasey@grackentucky.org

  • Clarissa Arvin, ArtistYear Teaching Instructor

    Clarissa is an aspiring Appalachian artist. A former high school art teacher, Clarissa has a BA in Art from Eastern Kentucky University, and enjoys working with multi-media abstract art forms.

    As part of her service year, Clarissa works with all age groups and experience levels across Montgomery and surrounding counties, sharing her love for the arts. When she isn't planning art programs and events at GRAC, she can usually be found reading, painting, and spending time with her friends, family, and community. Clarissa's work will be featured in a forthcoming Spring 2025 solo exhibit at GRAC.

    CONTACT CLARISSA: clarissa@grackentucky.org

  • Joshua Prentice, Fellow

    Joshua is a poet who writes under the name Joshua Gray, For work, he's previously been a Web developer, Director of IT, and Director of Operations. He's also served on the Board of three arts nonprofits, most recently as President of the Board of the Berea Arts Council. 

    Joshua lives in Berea with his family, and will graduate with a Masters degree in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky in December 2024.

    CONTACT JOSHUA: joshua@grackentucky.org

  • Yu-Ming Hsu, Intern

    Yu-Ming was born in Taiwan and moved to Mt. Sterling where her husband is from in 2018. She graduated from National Taiwan University with a degree in Sociology and Philosophy. After graduation, she was an Insurance Manager at Nan Shan Life Insurance for many years. Before immigrating to the US, she also spent several years as an ESL Instructor, tutoring high school students preparing for college and studying abroad. 

    After participating in events at GRAC, Yu-Ming decided to join the staff as an Events Intern in 2024 as she enjoys assisting in the many cross-cultural events held at the art center. Outside of work, Yu-Ming enjoys reading, writing poetry, and photography. She hopes to resume playing the Guzheng (Chinese zither) and one day have her own concert.. 

    CONTACT YU-MING: yuming@grackentucky.org

  • Savannah Shrout, Desk Attendant

    Savannah is a student studying radiology at Bluegrass Community & Technical College while also serving as the Desk Attendant and all around helper at GRAC.

    Though, her favorite role is mommy to her daughter, Blake.

    CONTACT SAVANNAH: savannah@grackentucky.org

Board of Directors

  • Lori Wells, President

    Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

  • Cay Lane, Vice President

    Retired Executive Director, Gateway Regional Arts Center

  • Andrea Creekmore, Treasurer

    Eastern Region Vice Presdent of Nursing, CHI Saint Joseph Health

  • Josh Ingram, Secretary

    The Castle Jewelry

  • Italia Arias

    Production Control, Cooper Standard

    Local Fitness Instructor

  • Laura Grayson

    Manager, Asian Industry Kentucky

  • Jansje Huyck

    Founder, Summer Playhouse/Stock Theatre Program

  • Larry Kezele

    Owner, Ruth Hunt Candies

  • Danielle King, M.D.

    Primary Care, Mt. Sterling Clinic

  • Paige Murphy

    Landlord

  • Ginny Muse

    History Teacher, Montgomery County Schools

  • Perry Papka

    Fiscal Analyst, Legislative Research Commission

  • Tracy Pearce, Ex-Officio

    Tourism Director, Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Tourism; Producer/On-Air Announcer, Gateway Radio Works

  • Becky Bishop Priest

    Music & Education Advocate

  • Sallie Razor

    Music & Education Advocate

  • Tiffany Taul Scruggs

    Patient Outreach Manager, Sterling Health Care

    Onyx Rose Boutique

  • Akeem Scott

    Head Basketball Coach, Kentucky Christian University

  • Brittany Thompson

    Leadership Montgomery County

  • Tyler Wells

    Founder, Menifee Community Theatre Group

  • John Vice

    Landlord

    Musician