Meet our hard-working staff and learn more about their history with the park and Friends of the Smokies.
Dana Soehn
President & CEO
Dana joined Friends in 2023 after serving as an NPS employee for more than 30 years. She began her career at GSMNP and held several roles at the park. For the last decade, she served on the park’s leadership team as Park Spokesperson. Dana obtained her B.S. from the University of Tennessee and her M.S. from West Virginia University. She lives in Gatlinburg where she and her husband raised their two sons.
Nan Jones
Finance Director & CFO
Nan joined Friends of the Smokies in 2001. She attended Carson-Newman University and Walters State Community College where she studied accounting, computer science, and business management.
Kathryn Hemphill
Chief Development Officer
Kathryn’s career at Friends includes nine years in the Special Events department before becoming Chief Development Officer in 2024. She earned her B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Tennessee and M.S. in Childhood Education from Hofstra University. Kathryn and her husband love exploring the Smokies with their two children.
Lauren Gass
Philanthropy Director
Lauren has worked for Friends of the Smokies since 2002. Her immense creativity and work ethic have positively impacted every facet of Friends in its mission to help the national park. She graduated from Samford University. Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, Jim, and sons Anderson and Link.
Lindsay Howell
Special Events Director
Lindsay joined Friends in 2022 with a professional background in events directing, hospitality, and sales management. She moved from Indiana to East Tennessee in 2005 for her love of the mountains. Lindsay and her husband have two daughters. She enjoys watching sports, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Jim Matheny
Communications Director
Jim joined Friends in 2024. He covered the national park as a longtime reporter for WBIR in Knoxville, where his journalism won 10 Emmys and several National Murrow Awards. Jim serves on the board of directors for the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association (GSMCA). The Zebulon, N.C., native earned his B.S. from East Carolina University and master’s from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Jim and his wife enjoy live music, the outdoors, and spoiling their dog.
David Aranda
Accounting Manager
David joined Friends in 2024. He earned an MBA and Bachelor of Accounting from Carson-Newman University. David’s background includes corporate accounting as well as experience in home construction with his father. David enjoys searching and exploring deserted places and imagining the grandeur they once held.
Krista Heilmeier
Development Manager
Krista joined Friends in 2018. She earned her B.A. in Piano Performance from Carson Newman University and is currently working on her MBA. She and her husband, Frankie, enjoy the outdoors and spending time with their dog, Rudy.
Amy Marshall
Special Events Manager
Amy joined Friends in 2024. She is a proud Clemson University graduate who majored in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management — Go Tigers! After living in Colorado for 11 years, she was excited to return to the Southeast and Western North Carolina. Amy loves being outdoors, delicious food, and checking items off her list. You can often find her laughing with family and friends.
Olivia Wright
Outreach Coordinator
Olivia joined Friends in 2023. She grew up in Asheville, N.C., and has visited the park throughout her life. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Development and is currently working on her master’s in Public Affairs at Western Carolina University. Olivia has worked at several environmental nonprofits. She enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Hannah Kincade
Development Associate
Hannah joined Friends in 2024 after she moved from Missouri to Tennessee. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations at Missouri State University and has worked in marketing, advertising and nonprofit efforts. Hannah enjoys all things art related whether it’s painting, sketching or sewing a quilt.
Debbie Speelman
Database & Accounting Associate
Debbie joined Friends in 2019. She is originally from Pennsylvania. After vacationing in the Smoky Mountains for years, she and her family made the move to Tennessee. Debbie enjoys camping, hiking, as well as spending time with her husband and their two children.