Staff & Information Hosts
Staff
Juliana Walker
Executive Director
Juliana Walker joined the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce in October of 2025. A Mitchell County native, Juliana brings a deep appreciation for Western North Carolina and a strong passion for supporting local businesses, economic development, and community connection. She began her career in local media, working in radio and journalism, and earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and her graduate degree in Interactive Media from Elon University. She later spent more than four years with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she specialized in communications, storytelling, and member engagement. In her role with the Yancey Chamber, Juliana focuses on strengthening member services, supporting tourism and small business growth, and helping position Yancey County as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Outside of work, Juliana enjoys exploring the outdoors, supporting local restaurants and shops, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets.
Information Hosts
Chris Carter
Chris has a degree in fine art, sings with the community chorus and is currently the President of the Yancy History Association Board. She has been in Burnsville and volunteering with the Chamber since 2008. Chris decided to volunteer with the Chamber and Visitor Center because the staff in the office was so helpful when she and her husband first moved to town and were building their home. She wanted to pay it forward.
Jim Parlier
Born in Raleigh, NC, Jim moved to Florida as an infant. He returned to North Carolina in 1973 and moved to Yancey County in 1986. Jim worked as an agent for the NC Farm Bureau for 39 years. He has three successful adult daughters, all who grew up in Yancey County. They frequently return to visit the place they love. Jim also has three grandsons.
Natalie Gideon
Natalie, a native of Wallace, NC, brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry and has held her North Carolina Real Estate license since 2009. She currently serves as the Broker-In-Charge at RE/MAX Results in downtown Burnsville. In addition to her North Carolina license, Natalie is also licensed to sell real estate in Tennessee and Georgia. Having grown up in a small town, she deeply values the importance of community and is committed to fostering growth and success for local businesses.
Hope Martin
Both Hope and her husband Larry served in the Air Force. After he retired, they moved to Burnsville and have lived here for 26 years. Hope has been serving the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center as a volunteer for 22 years. Her husband accuses her of being 'stubborn as a mule' and she has a daughter living in Austin, TX.
Job Openings
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