Staff
Christy Wood
Executive Director
Christy took over the Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of Commerce on October 1, 2020. She is an industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, special events and non-profit leadership. She has served as the executive director of the Hillsboro, Kansas Chamber of
Commerce and Convention & Visitor Bureau, Alumni Director at Colorado State University-Pueblo, and Marketing Manager for Downtown Mesa Association.
She relocated from the greater Phoenix area where she lived for more than 10 years. Christy has two adult children and two sisters, one of which is her twin. She loves visiting her family, wine, hiking, kayaking, reading, and running.
"Burnsville is an amazing community with an abundance of beauty and natural resources. There is so much here and I am excited about the opportunities Burnsville offers, becoming a part of the community, and truly making a difference."
Pete Krulder
Member Services
After serving in the Army for 20 years, Pete retired, moved to Florida and started his second career in the Florida Park Service where he was a park ranger and a park manager. Pete has a son and grandson who live in Albuquerque, NM. He moved to Burnsville in 2020 where he can enjoy all of the outdoor activities he loves.
Volunteers
The Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated group of volunteers that serve the community by staffing the Visitor Center and helping community members and visitors learn about all of the activities, shopping, restaurants and sites in the town and county.
Diane Burckley
Diane and her family started building a house in Burnsville in 1982 and then made the move in 1984 when construction was complete. They wanted a change of pace and a place that would allow them to enjoy life. She retired after more than 30 years as a dental hygienist and now keeps busy working from home. Diane has a daughter, Denise, who is the owner of Main Street Shoes and grandson, Logan, in town as well as a daughter in Asheville.
Christine Grubbs
Originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin, Christine lived five years in Manassas Virginia, and recently moved to Burnsville. She worked as an Aviation Electronics Technician with a national air carrier for 20 years. After aviation Christine turned her love for photography into a business, Redfox Creations, artistic photography. She has volunteered with the Manassas visitors center and the Manassas Museum for 5 years as well as being a vendor and assistant at the local farmers market. Christine loves to be an active member of community and looks forward to being a part of the visitor center team.
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 to Yancey County in 1986. Jim worked as an agent for the NC Farm Bureau for 39 years. He has 3 successful adult daughters, 3 grandsons, and married Lucy Doll in 2020.
Natalie Gideon
Natalie grew up in Wallace, NC. She spent more than 30 years in the banking industry and has had her North Carolina Real Estate license since 2009. She currently works as a buyers agent for Thurston & Associates and is licensed to sell real estate in Tennessee as well. Natalie has two sons in Wilmington, NC. She grew up in a small town and appreciates small town values and wants to do her part to make our businesses grow.
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.
Gail Crisp
Gail has worked as an RN in public health and NICU for many years. She grew up in Burnsville and has lived here most of her life. She is currently retired and loves volunteering and sharing informaiton about our county. Gail has three grown children and five grandchildren who she loves dearly.
Kat Bauer
Gigi Kay
Gigi loves volunteering, animals, and quiliting.