Jeff Connell
Center Director
jeff35@vt.edu | 423.791.4303
Jeff joins us excited about the opportunities and potential at the Center. He brings years of experience in youth camping. He is excited about the potential that the Center holds. Jeff has a Bachelors Degree from Albany State University and a Master’s of Divinity in Education.
Mike Besneatte
Maintenance Director
Mike comes to us with a wealth of experience from being the grounds keeper at a school to being a mechanic. He works hard to keep our grounds beautiful and loves his work. It has been a dream of Mike’s to go to summer camp.
abbigail moore
Program Director
abbigail20@vt.edu | 276.258.7026
Abbie was born and raised in Southwest Virginia and grew up attending programs at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center. Abbie has been working professionally in the field of youth development since the start of her career and has a Master’s Degree from Clemson University in Youth Development Leadership. Abbie’s favorite programs are the Southwest District Teen Leadership Council and being the 4-H Center Advisor on the State 4-H Cabinet.
justin harris
Outdoor Program Specliast
justin25@vt.edu
Justin Harris was born and raised in the Abingdon, VA area. He graduated from Emory & Henry College in 2008 after studying biology and herpetology. He and his wife, Brittany, have a son, Elijah. Justin loves hiking, fly fishing, and photographing snakes. He loves the hobbies of raising poison dart frogs and playing drums for local churches.
Jessica Bowman
Program Assistant, JAM Coordinator
jessica27@vt.edu | 276.258.7026
Jessica is from Carroll County and grew up participating in the 4-H Program. Jessica has been on summer staff for two years & has a passion for animal care education. She has now been hired to be a year-round program assistant to oversee the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and support other programming efforts. Jessica is a student and hopes to attend Emory & Henry to pursue a degree in Sports Management.
REBECCA MULLINS
Finances & Events Coordinator
rebeccam1415@vt.edu | 276.676.6180
Rebecca is the Events Director at SWVA 4-H and is delighted to help you plan your future events. Whether it’s a retreat, a birthday party, a reunion, etc., she is happy to help it be the most memorable and enjoyable experience. Rebecca has a background in teaching, so she is experienced in group management and activities. She graduated from Clinch Valley College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UVA Wise. Her master’s degree as a Reading Specialist was acquired from Emory & Henry College.
Chancey Voysey
Food Services Coordinator
Chancey is a trained chef with years of experience in the kitchen. He is excited to use his skills to make our retreats a dining experience.