Board of Directors and Staff

Board of Directors 

Bill Bodine

Melissa Busse: Board Secretary

Suzanna Davies: Board President

Patrick Haley

Laura Hamilton

Emily Joseph

Vivian Miller

Randy Nelson: Board Vice President

David Perault

CeCe Potekhen

L. Vincent Sawyer, Jr.

David Sheaffer

Kerry Silva: Board Treasurer

Sarah Sojka

Drake Watts

Phebe Wescott

Executive Director

Kyle Simpson

Kyle became the Executive Director of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center in May of 2025.

Since starting his first position in conservation in 2003 at LBJ National Historical Park, Kyle has held a number of roles spanning the federal, state, and nonprofit sectors. He served as the Sanctuary Manager, and later the Executive Director, of the Chattanooga Audubon Society from 2012 to 2019 and as the Programs Manager for the Central Virginia Land Conservancy between 2020 and 2025.

He holds a Masters of Science in Parks & Resource Management from Slippery Rock University and a B.A. from Southwestern University. 

Kyle says, “I am humbled to be trusted with this opportunity and inspired by the legacy and example of this organization in our community."

I know that this mission and this place matter because I've seen my family benefit from their presence. Our children, who both attended Bedford Hills Elementary School next door, have each attended camp here, spent time with friends here, and created wonderful memories at this special place. In the months and years ahead, I will ask for your help, your ideas, and your best for one another as we work to keep and grow Camp Kum-Ba-Yah as a place of exploration, growth, and welcome for all.

The warmth of community and a good space to gather brings out the best in all of us.”

You can reach Kyle at (434) 384-1755 or email director@ckby.org.

Programs Director

Gage McAngus

We are thrilled to have Gage begin his 3rd year as Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Programs Director. He leads our year round educational programs to include school visits, summer camp, teambuilding activities, and rentals.

Gage first experienced the joys of camp life at a young age at Camp Gravatt in Aiken, SC. While earning his teaching certificate in Charleston, SC, he served as a summer camp counselor and camp technician for the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. After serving as a public school teacher and administrator for the past thirteen years in Greenville, SC, he moved to Lynchburg with his wife, a Lynchburg native, and their two children.

Having learned about the rich history of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah and its value and importance in the community, he remains honored to serve as the Programs Director. Through both summer and year-round programming, he hopes to provide accessibility and enjoyment for anyone who wants to experience the benefits of the outdoors.

If you would like more information regarding programs or rentals, please call (434)-384-5732 or email programs@ckby.org.

Environmental Educator

Lilly Smith

Having moved to Virginia in 2013 from Syracuse, NY, Lilly is no stranger to Lynchburg and its great outdoors.

Her love for the world and desire to take care of it began while living in Syracuse when she was assigned to take the family recycling to the curb. "I can remember one of my favorite activities to do was analyze all of the recycling materials we had from that week and, with the help of my imagination, create something no one else had before,” says Lilly. Alongside her affinity for recycling materials, she also loved to play softball and volleyball, went on numerous hiking and fishing experiences and could often be found jumping on her families trampoline with the sprinkler underneath to cool off on a hot day.

A graduate from E.C. Glass in 2018, she chose to stay local to complete her Bachelors of Science Degree at the University of Lynchburg (‘22). While there Lilly was the President of the Commuter Student Association (CSA), an athlete on their collegiate volleyball team and an active member of the Lynchburg Sustainability Society (LESS). Presented with a wonderful opportunity to be the Graduate Assistant for Historic Sandusky, Lilly decided to continue her education by completing her Masters of Science Education at the University of Lynchburg (‘24).

Prior to joining our team, Lilly served as an Environmental Educator for The James River Association, was an intern with Lynchburg Grows and Claytor Nature Center, and this summer lead a team of undergraduate students in Costa Rica to conduct water quality testing and analysis. Now as a part of our team, she is looking forward to serving and formulating a deeper connection with the community and students that visit Camp Kum-Ba-Yah!

If you would like more information regarding field trips, please call Lilly Smith at (434)-384-5732 or email educate@ckby.org.