The Cherokee Historical Association, a Native-led regional nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through educational programs, theatrical productions, and living history experiences, have shifted to a co-director leadership structure. The Board named Laura Blythe (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) and Lance Culpepper as the Executive Co-Directors of the organization on January 1, 2026, after the previous director left the organization in 2023 and the interim management team completed their term. Cherokee Historical Association’s board and staff are eager to implement the new leadership model, expecting that it will safeguard long-term organizational stability as Cherokee Historical Association moves ahead towards new programming initiatives.
Laura Blythe has been involved with Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) for nearly 25 years, beginning as a tour guide at Oconaluftee Indian Village when she was a teenager. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and has served as the Program Director of Cherokee Historical Association for 10 years. While acting as Program Director, she oversaw programming across CHA’s cultural campus.
Blythe holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University. She earned a certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from George Washington University, as well as certificates from the Right Path Leadership Program and the Pathways for Nonprofit Leadership.
In addition to her work at CHA, Blythe is on the Western Carolina University Cherokee Advisory Board, on the board of Color My Outdoors, a founding member of 7 Moons MTB, and a member of the Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee.
“My passion for this work comes from a lifetime of connection to Cherokee history, culture, and community. Leading Cherokee Historical Association is both a personal and professional honor, and as the first EBCI woman to serve as an Executive Director at CHA, I’m committed to ensuring our stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated with care, pride, and purpose,” Blyth shared.
In 2022, Lance Culpepper accepted the position of Operations Director at the CHA after nineteen years of nonprofit and outdoor drama experience. He spent fifteen years working with the Roanoke Island Historical Society where his work included acting as the Associate Producer of The Lost Colony, an outdoor drama. His professional affiliations include the Institute of Outdoor Theatre and the Southeastern Theatre Conference, serving as chair of the Outdoor Theatre Committee helping to present the National Conference on Outdoor Theatre annually.
Culpepper holds a certificate from Cherokee Path for Professionals by WNC Nonprofit Pathways.
“Being a part of CHA’s Executive Co-Director team during this pivotal and exciting time in our history is an honor. I look forward to advancing our mission of sharing Cherokee history and culture as we work to enhance the visitor experience and build a blueprint for the next 75 years,” Culpepper stated. He looks forward to continuing to support Cherokee Historical Association’s mission.
Story prepared from press release by reporter Becki Veach. Published in The Sylva Herald.
