Josh Bryson, Chairman of the Board
Josh Bryson is a dedicated community leader and communications professional based in Highlands, NC. As Publisher and Editor of The Highlander newspaper, he is a committed advocate for local journalism, driving community engagement and ensuring that Plateau residents are well informed about important issues and events.
Josh brings more than twenty years of experience in marketing, communications, and event management. He has played key leadership roles at Florida State University and the College of Charleston. Since returning home, he has worked at Bryson Enterprises and the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation.
At FSU, he oversaw major event operations and managed multimillion-dollar budgets for the athletic program. At the College of Charleston, he led comprehensive operations and branding for the athletics department, launched a collegiate sports network in partnership with national broadcasters, and oversaw the construction of the TD Arena.
Deeply committed to community engagement, Josh currently serves as President of the Rotary Club of Highlands, Chairman of the Board of the Counseling Center of Highlands, and an active member of the Highlands School Booster Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management from Chowan University, where he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015.
Tom Joyner, Treasurer, had a 40-year career in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health. His last position was Chief of the Behavioral Health Division for the City of Jacksonville, Florida. Tom and his wife Judy have a son who is a firefighter and a daughter who works in IT with a special crimes unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Tom is currently Treasurer of the CPCH Board, Secretary of the Scaly Mountain/Sky Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and an active volunteer with the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. Additionally, he is a car enthusiast, who enjoys hiking and photography.
Jane Jerry, Jane Jerry was a museum director in Providence, Houston, Nashville, and Dublin, Ireland prior to moving to Highlands in 2010 to be the Executive Director of The Bascom Visual Arts Center. Following her retirement in 2013, she’s become a community volunteer, serving on the Boards of The Literacy and Learning Center and Counseling and Psychotherapy Center of Highlands as well as the Bel Canto Committee. “I am so grateful to live in a beautiful community that celebrates the arts and values the health and well-being of its residents.”
Lester Norris, a native of Macon County, spent the last 29 years in Community Recreation, first working as an Athletic Director and eventually becoming the County Recreation Director for Rabun County, GA. In February 2012, Lester came to Highlands to become the Town of Highlands’ Recreation Director. Also in 2012 Lester and his wife received guardianship of two wonderful children Haley Small then 8 years old and now a Senior at Highlands School and Gavin Small, then 4 years old and now an 8th grader. Hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, golf, pickleball, working on the farm, and just about anything outdoors.
Helene Siegel and her husband Rick moved to Highlands in 1997, where they owned and operated the 4 ½ Street Inn Bed and Breakfast until it was sold in December 2016. Currently, she organizes the volunteers at the Bookworm, serves on the boards of the Hudson Library, and is on the Highlands Planning Board. She also serves as Secretary of her HOA at Shelby Place. “Highlands is a truly unique community, offering beauty, culture, and fellowship. It is my joy to give back to a place I have so proudly called home for the last twenty-four years.”
Gerri Tulley has had a 40-year career in nursing as a critical care nurse, nurse practitioner, and nurse educator. She has two daughters: Amy, a website conversion optimizer in Chicago, and Erin, an online journalist covering politics in Washington DC. Upon retiring in 2012, Gerri became involved in her Highlands Community serving on the Counseling and Psychotherapy Board, UKIRK Board at WCU, the Bear Task Force, PEO, Mission Ministry, and TEFAP at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. She also serves as an officer in Highlands’ Democratic Precinct. She enjoys tennis, hiking, and biking in her leisure time.
Betty Morris has lived in our area for 41 years. She is very active in the Cashiers community. Betty serves on the board for Literacy Council of Cashiers, Hampton Learning Center and Preschool, Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, and the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. Betty also serves on the Vestry for Christ Anglican Church and is a Stephen Ministry Leader. She volunteers in several senior citizen programs and with tutoring. Betty also is a substitute teacher and helps to organize the City on a Hill Angel Tree Project and Backpack project. Betty is a former early childhood educator and director of music.
Betty Morris has been a valued resident of our area for 41 years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Cashiers community. Through her extensive involvement in local organizations, Betty has become an integral part of community life, fostering growth, support, and opportunity for residents of all ages.
Kara Hardy, originally from Orlando, Florida, grew up visiting the Highlands and Cashiers area, where her grandparents first discovered the region in the early 1960s. Those early visits inspired a lifelong love for the mountains and the community she now calls home. She has worked in human resources and finance for Jackson County Public Schools, and as operations manager for Dutchmans Designs. She currently serves as a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty and continues to own Hand for Hire LLC, specializing in professional organizing and virtual assistance. Kara enjoys volunteering, traveling, singing, dancing, playing the violin, and pickleball. “I believe true healing begins with compassion, connection, and the courage to care for one another.