TEAM

Sallie Abreu (Development Committee) began her love of music and dance at age four with Ann Boyer at her school of dance. She loves her hometown of Danville and wants to be a part of bringing exceptional talent to the region.

Lisa Aikins (Development Committee, Program Committee, Chair) is retired after 36 years in the pharma chemical research industry.  Her love of music started in third grade at Gibson Middle School and continued in church handbell choirs and concert bands at Langston and GWHS, playing clarinet and glockenspiel. 

Kristen Barker (President, Development Committee, Program Committee, Chair) is a pediatric occupational therapist and co-founder/co-owner of the Center for Pediatric Therapies and Building Blocks Center for Children with Autism. A love of dance has led her to being a fitness instructor and to having leading and supporting roles in musical theater.

Mira Becher (Program Committee) has a love for the arts that has driven her to serve on numerous boards from South Carolina to New York.

Lin Benefield (Arrangements Committee) was smitten by classical music as a nine-year-old when someone gave her the LPs titled, “Music of the Great Composers” and “Great Classical Music.” She has been a choir singer and handbell ringer at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church since moving to Danville 22 years ago from Atlanta.

Charles Crumpler (Co-Treasurer, Membership Committee) is a native of Music City (Nashville, TN) and has always found a way to make music a part of his life, including a stint as a disc jockey during his college years. He is an avid supporter of live music performances of all types and is forever ready to attend a concert, such as hearing the Roanoke College Choir sing (his son is a member) or taking his other son to see the Mountain Goats.

Lanie Davis (Marketing/Publicity) is the Public Information Officer at Danville Public Schools. Her love of live music and performing arts began as a young girl, when her parents took her to her first concert, the Backstreet Boys, and enrolled her in dance classes at age five. She’s an avid supporter of school music programs and all forms of art and entertainment.

Justin Ferrell (Arrangements Committee, Membership Committee) has a background in orchestra and a passion for arts.  He joined DCA to help promote its mission.

Dr. Connie Fletcher (Arrangements) is the former Director of Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute and currently provides clinical services at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). She has loved music since early childhood and finds it food for the soul.

Cedric J. Hairston (Vice President, Marketing/Publicity Committee, Program Committee) is a former band director at Dan River High School and currently serves as the Supervisor for Title I/Instructional Programs for Pittsylvania County Schools. His goal in life is to modify a quote from Sir Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts of America, with “Try to leave the Danville arts community a little better than he found it.”

Carmen Kesel (Marketing/Publicity Committee) is the Director of Marketing for Caesars Virginia in Danville. She has worked for the gaming and hospitality industry for over 17 years. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Health Sciences. Carmen’s passion for the performing and visual arts dates to her youth as a member of the tournament drama teams, yearbook staff, and broadcasting committees.

Dr. Janet Laughlin (Marketing/Publicity Committee Co-Chair, Secretary, Grant Writing) joined the DCA Board in 2020, having previously served on the DRMC/Sovah Health, Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, and Boys & Girls Club Boards.  She earned her Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from ODU and was a member of the leadership team at both DCC and Averett University before retiring.

Bernice Moore (Membership Committee) is an employee ofDanville Parks & Recreation Department, who enjoys working with sponsors and volunteers of special events. She is frequently seen at Racin’ & Tastin’, Festival in the Park, Danville Harvest Jubilee and Bright Leaf Brewfest.

Dr. Janet Phillips (Program Committee) is an Associate Professor of Music and Band Director at Averett University. She attended Danville city schools and knew by the eighth grade that she would have a life in music. Janet is happy to give back to the community that gave her so much in her youth.

Reginal Purvis (Arrangements Committee) is the former Director of Bands at George Washington High School.  He is currently serving as the Director of Fine Arts Instructional Support Music Concentration with the Danville Public School System.  He enjoys seeing students have opportunities to explore, create, and express their talents through the musical arts.

Jane Reid (Marketing Committee) is a retired Firm Administrator for a local accounting firm. For a number of years, she has been privileged to be a part of productions with local theatre companies. Participation in theatre, an appreciation of other art forms, along with a love of books has provided her excellent venues to relax and learn simultaneously. 

Russell Scruggs (Grants & Outreach Coordinator) is a retired Professor of History at Danville Community College and a retired Minister of Music at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church.

Jean Carol Harper Vernon (Program Committee) is a singer and a learner all the way from Polly Wolly Doodle All Day to Un Bel Di.

Joyce Wilburn (Marketing/Publicity Committee Co-Chair) is the former editor of Evince magazine and leads walking tours in Danville’s historic districts.  Her love of music was sparked decades ago by a Richmond Symphony Orchestra visit to her fifth-grade class.

Teresa Wiseman (Development Committee) is the General Manager of Danville Toyota. Giving back to the community that she loves so dearly is extremely important to her, and is a major focal point at Danville Toyota. Teresa’s love of music and production began in early childhood, and has highly influenced her throughout life.