The Board
Darren Whatley, Chair
James Kimmel
Erik Selness
Jeanne Dowdle
Cindy Trevathan
Rick Goodstein, Vice Chair
Phyllis Davis, Treasurer
Dennis Leftwich, Vice Treasurer
Kathryn Hendrickson, Secretary
Debi Bock
Kristen Robinson
Our Team
Jeanne Piazza
Executive Director
Jeanne Piazza arrived at the PAC in September of 2024 with over 20 years of experience in the performing arts. Her career has been dedicated to fostering creativity, developing diverse programming, and nurturing artistic talent across disciplines. Jeanne has a history of building strong partnerships with both artists and stakeholders and helped to strategically increase audience engagement and financial stability at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa where she began her career in 2003. Jeanne is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to both live and work in the community of Highlands, a place that she has loved for many, many years.
828-526-9047 ext 103
ExecutiveDirector@HighlandsPerformingArts.com
Charlotte Muir
Director of Development
Charlotte Muir has worked with nonprofits in Highlands for the past decade. She holds a Master’s degree in Arts Administration and is passionate about advancing organizations that bring arts, education, and community engagement to the region. Charlotte moved to Highlands from Vail, where she served as Theatre Director for the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. Her background in the performing arts continues to shape her commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
828-352-1204
cmuir@HighlandsPerformingArts.com
Lee Trevathan
Director of Operations and Community Outreach
Lee Trevathan is a classically trained actor with nearly 20 years professional experience as an actor and teacher in London, New York, Chicago and Houston. She received her B.F.A. (Hons) in Acting from London’s International Drama School, Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. Along with acting, Lee found great joy being a Teaching Artist for the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX. She taught Voice and Movement technique in their Conservatory program and worked with foreign doctors in the Houston Medical Center with Alley Articulated. Lee is very happy with her move to the beautiful town of Highlands and looks forward to the exciting and creative opportunities it will bring through work with the PAC.
828-526-9047 ext. 102
ltrevathan@HighlandsPerformingArts.com
Erik Bishop
Technical Director and Facility Manager
Erik Bishop started his life in the Theatre Arts over 30 years ago in Los Angeles, CA. He attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts. After spending 8 years in New York City pursuing his career as an actor as well as multiple aspects of design and the technical Theatre Arts; he then moved to Savannah, Georgia helping to found the Savannah Repertory Theatre, eastern Georgia’s only Actors Equity affiliated Theatre Company. He was the theatre companies Technical Director for six years before moving to Highlands to become Technical Director and Facility Manager of the new Highlands PAC.
828-526-9047 ext. 109
ejbishop@HighlandsPerformingArts.com
Marissa Hayes
Bookkeeping and Support Manager
Marissa Hayes has always had a love for the arts from a young age but only fully immersed herself in the performing arts world in college. She received her degree in Theatre from the University of Alabama in 2019, where she cultivated a love of stage management. Since graduating, Marissa most notably was the production manager for Woodstock Arts in Woodstock, Georgia, before moving up to Highlands. After many months of helping wherever she was needed, Marissa is incredibly pleased to become a permanent fixture as the Performing Arts Center’s Support Specialist. She is excited to continue working and learning with the wonderful folks who call this special place home!
828-526-9047
mhayes@HighlandsPerformingArts.com
Jackie Mehaffey
Box Office and Customer Service Associate
Jackie Mehaffey serves as the Box Office and Customer Service Associate at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. With a warm and welcoming approach, Jackie assists patrons with ticketing, guest services, and event support, helping ensure every visitor enjoys an exceptional experience at the PAC. Known for her friendly demeanor and dedication to customer care, she plays an important role in creating a positive and engaging atmosphere for audiences and community members alike.
828-526-9047 ext. 109
jmehaffey@HighlandsPerformingArts.com