Currituck Outer Banks Tourism Staff

Tameron Kugler
Director of Travel & Tourism
Michele Ellis
Public Relations Coordinator
Alex Perry
Marketing & Communications
Nancy Garris
Visitor Relations Coordinator
Jill Landen
Whalehead Site Manager / Curator
Samantha Payne
Promotions & Events Coordinator
Elaine Goodwin
Visitor Relations / Group Tours, Whalehead
Chandler Sawyer
Currituck Maritime Museum Manager
Robert Smith
Supervisor, Visitor Centers
Beverly Chappell
Creative Director
John Warner
Videographer
Kaye Beasley
Social Media & Retail Coordinator
Tameron Kugler
Director of Travel & Tourism

Even though I grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Hickory, NC, Currituck has always held a special place in my heart. My mom’s folks are from Hertford, NC, and every summer, my sister and I would spend a month on my aunt and uncle’s farm there. It was a family tradition to gather up a whole “passel” of us cousins every summer and head on down to the Outer Banks for a week of sun and fun! I didn’t realize until later how much “fun” it was for my mom and aunts to keep us clean and fed for the week! I never thought that I would actually have the opportunity to live in Currituck. It has so much natural beauty to offer to residents and visitors alike. I am proud to call Currituck home and to have had the privilege of living from the NC mountains to the sea.

Michele Ellis
Public Relations Coordinator

I moved to Currituck County in 2002 due to a military transfer for my husband who served in the Navy at that time. I am the mother of three wonderful children and love hanging out on Currituck’s 4×4 Beach. We love grilling out on the beach with friends and family, while the kids ride the waves on their boogie boards but my favorite part of the day is gazing at the Wild Spanish Mustang as they roam up and down the span of beach in Carova.

Alex Perry
Marketing & Communications

Details

Nancy Garris
Visitor Relations Coordinator

Provides customer service to visitors at the Moyock Welcome Center and Currituck Outer Banks Visitor Center (Corolla). Assists in the development of information programs and promote attributes of the area. Tracks fulfillment of all mail, phone, and internet inquiries.

Jill Landen
Whalehead Site Manager / Curator

Details

Samantha Payne
Promotions & Events Coordinator

In my role with the Currituck County Department of Travel & Tourism, I coordinate annual and signature events, along with managing rentals of the Whalehead property for weddings and other celebrations. I started my career with the department as a high school intern at Whalehead in 2012 when I was 14 years old. I’m a native of Currituck County, with my roots tracing back to the area since 1614. My love for the county’s history, people, and tourism impact inspires me in my role every day.

Elaine Goodwin
Visitor Relations / Group Tours, Whalehead
Chandler Sawyer
Currituck Maritime Museum Manager

I am an 11th generation native of Currituck County and could not imagine living anywhere else in the world.  My family were some of the founding fathers of this county and I am proud to be deeply rooted in the history of our area.  I received my Batchelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University and have held positions with the NCWRC, NCDMF, and was the caretaker of Pine Island Hunt Club for 10 years.  I grew up hunting and fishing here and take great pride in the cultural history of Currituck.  As a lifelong duck hunting guide and decoy carver, I am passionate about keeping our traditions alive and sharing our way of life to the public at the Maritime Museum.

Robert Smith
Supervisor, Visitor Centers

Over the years I have found Currituck County to be a delightful place to visit and work. There is an abundance of great history and future potential here. The beauty of the landscape, the waterways and the amazing people who live here, help create an experience like no other. I am excited to have recently joined Travel & Tourism, where I will be able to assist others in experiencing the awesomeness of Currituck County for themselves.

Beverly Chappell
Creative Director

Beverly Chappell is the new Creative Director for Currituck Travel and Tourism. Her main role will be creating all the print collateral, print ads, digital ads and graphic design content that is used for Currituck Travel and Tourism marketing and promotional efforts. She graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and has a real love and passion for design and for the County of Currituck.

John Warner
Videographer
Kaye Beasley
Social Media & Retail Coordinator

My adult life has been spent in this beautiful area.  After graduating from Chowan College, we moved to Currituck where all of my children attended and graduated from Currituck County Schools.  My constant companion is my camera… I am an avid photographer and from sunrise to sunset, I love to photograph all of the beauty that our area has to offer.  The loves of my life are my family… my husband, my children and my grandchildren.  I love my job in tourism… I have the opportunity to share and promote our area through social media marketing, our website and other online advertising. In addition, I oversee the visitor center retail operations.