A recent board meeting for The Historic Masonic Theatre's Board of Directors in the third floor Westrock Community Room. From left to right: Bruce Loving, Outgoing Board President; David Hipes, Jana Baehman, Teresa Hammond, JJ Musgrove, Executive Director; Holly Mestemacher on Zoom, Michael Foster, Makayla Nobels, and Steve Metzler. Not pictured: Gayle Hillert, Ben Snedegar, Chuck Unroe and Wendy Hudler. Photo courtesy of The Historic Masonic Theatre

Historic Masonic Theatre Announces Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board Members   Clifton Forge, VA (July 30, 2026) - The Historic Masonic Theatre & Masonic Amphitheatre is proud to announce the members of the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board for the July 2026–July 2029 term. The Foundation Board meets monthly with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to discuss the Theatre's budget, operations, and long-term strategic initiatives. Board Officers Teresa Hammond, President Ms. Hammond served as the Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for 16 years before retiring in 2024. She also served as the Interim Executive Director for the Historic Masonic Theatre from November 2024 to June 2026. She now serves on the Theatre Board in addition to the Board of Directors for Connections Plus Healthcare + Hospice. Ms. Hammond previously served on the Board of Directors for Alleghany Regional Hospital; Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce; the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Board of Directors and was a small business owner for 10 years. Holly Mestemacher, Vice President 
Ms. Mestemacher is a Clifton Forge resident committed to strengthening the community through public service and volunteerism. Professionally, she serves as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of West Virginia, representing the State in criminal appeals before the West Virginia Supreme Court. Through her volunteer work, including with the Historic Masonic Theatre, she supports organizations that enrich the quality of life throughout the region. Ms. Mestemacher is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Theatre's Board of Directors, where she can help preserve and support its continued growth as a center for arts, culture, and community engagement. Jana Baehman, Secretary 
Ms. Baehman moved to the area from Wisconsin six years ago. She lives in Rockbridge County and works for Smurfit Westrock. Although she was initially based at the Covington mill, she now works from her home office in Richmond. "Ever since our first visit to the area while deciding whether to relocate, I was drawn to the Theatre. I love the historic building and, more importantly, what it adds to the community. I look forward to being part of its continued growth and positive impact on the communities we serve." Michael Foster, Treasurer 
Mr. Foster is the co-owner, with his wife, Ann, of Jack Mason's Tavern & Brewery. A graduate of the University of Virginia, he spent his professional career in finance leadership roles. Board Members Gayle Hillert, Past President 
Ms. Hillert and her husband, John, moved to the Alleghany Highlands 20 years ago and became involved in the Historic Masonic Theatre's renovation. Her professional background includes education, training, quilt shop owner, marketing, and product management. Gayle feels honored to be part of the Theatre's Board of Directors and enjoys volunteering for the Theatre as well as other local community organizations. David Hipes 
After a 40-year career in banking, Mr. Hipes retired in 2023 as Vice President of Mortgage Lending with Truist. His connection to the Historic Masonic Theatre dates back to the mid-to-late 1970s, when the Theatre operated as the Stonewall. "I worked as a projectionist and also filled in at concessions, as a janitor, and as a handyman, so I got to know her ins and outs pretty well! I'm honored to be asked to rejoin the Historic Masonic Theatre Board as we guide her into the future." Steve Metzler 
Now retired, Mr. Metzler moved to the Alleghany Highlands in 1983 to begin his career as a young engineer at the then-Westvaco paper mill. "I knew the Theatre in its early days, and now, after its beautiful restoration, it's simply a centerpiece of the community and one of the finest performance spaces in the region. I am honored to serve as a board member and to help shape its future." Makayla Nobles
 Ms. Nobles serves as the Events & Special Projects Coordinator for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, where she plans and coordinates events that promote tourism, support local businesses, and attract visitors to the region. She believes the Historic Masonic Theatre is one of the Alleghany Highlands' greatest attractions and an important part of what makes the region a wonderful place to visit and live. "I am honored to serve as a board member and am excited to support the Theatre's mission of providing arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences for our community." Benjamin Snedegar 
An Alleghany Highlands native who currently resides in Covington, Mr. Snedegar is a graduate of Western Carolina University. He has taught choir at Covington Middle School for the past five years, previously teaching at Clifton Middle School, and has experience directing school musicals. This coming school year, he will begin teaching choir at Alleghany High School. Mr. Snedegar is honored to join the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board and support the local arts community. Chuck Unroe, Board Member Mr. Unroe, born in C&O Hospital in Clifton Forge, grew up in the Alleghany Highlands. He has been Clifton Forge Town Manager since November 2020. After living in Richmond for a number of years, he moved back to the area and worked at Nicely Funeral Home for 13 years.  He now manages the various and oftentimes challenging projects of the Town. “The Historic Masonic Theatre is not only a gem of Clifton Forge but also a gem of the entire Alleghany Highlands. I feel honored to be a part of the effort to keep the Theatre strong and healthy”. Leading the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board into the new fiscal year, Teresa Hammond commented, “I am honored and excited to serve as President of the Board for our Theatre. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members, staff, volunteers, and community to support the arts and help our Theatre continue to thrive. Together, we will foster the creativity, collaboration, and community that make our Theatre such a special place.”

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