Leadership

Andrew Oocumma is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and has been the Chair of the Cherokee Historical Association Board of Directors since 2023. He is the Vice President of Operations with Kituwah Global Government Group, LLC (KG3); a wholly owned economic enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

Laura is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Laura is deeply committed to the preservation and prosperity of Cherokee culture. She has been involved with Cherokee Historical Association for 23 years, starting as a tour guide at Oconaluftee Indian Village when she was just a teenager. Now, as Program Director, Laura creates programs and exhibits that portray authentic Cherokee culture. She created the Youth Mentorship Program at Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Art Market at Mountainside Theatre.

Laura’s other passions include outdoor adventures, which she has been able to blend seamlessly with her DEI efforts. She participates in the Diversify Whitewater events held at NOC, hosts Cherokee cultural tours on Fire Mountain Trails, and helped spearhead the EBCI Remember the Remained bicycle ride. She is a Board Member of the Color My Outdoors initiative, and regularly leads BIPOC affinity rides. Recently, Laura founded 7 Moons MTB with six other local women to help eliminate barriers to biking and teach others how to ride.

Additionally, Laura is a member of the Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee and recently led a DEI retreat in Cherokee for members of the Atlanta Braves Foundation. She’s also on the Western Carolina University Cherokee Advisory Board. In her free time, Laura volunteers with Tahnee’s Kids Foundation, Right Path projects, and local youth sports groups.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Carolina, a certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from George Washington University, and a certificate from the Right Path Leadership Program.

Lance Culpepper joined the CHA staff in April of 2022. He first began his career in outdoor drama in the late 1990’s, moving into television production, and back into
outdoor drama in 2007. Since coming on board at CHA, he has worked to combine the retail and concessions components of Oconaluftee Indian Village and Unto These Hills, into a unified system.

Previously he was on the staff of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), producers of THE LOST COLONY outdoor drama, for 14 years. He served as the Associate Producer for THE LOST COLONY from 2012 to 2021. During his time with RIHA, Lance served on the Education Committee and developed educational programming such as arts camps, matinee performances, and school tours.

Lance’s professional affiliations include the Museum Store Association and Southeastern
Theatre Conference.

A graduate of Marshall University, Marina began her professional career as an actress.She was the Artistic Director for Theatre West Virginia before accpeting her current position in 2012. She has performed, directed, coached, and established three training schools for actors. She interned with Lorimar Telepicutres in LA and co-directed the world premiere of Rocket Boys, the Musical. In 2019 the Institute of Outdoor Theatre recognized Marina with the Mark R. Sumner  Award, a national award exemplifying the highest standards of American outdoor drama. She and her husband Tom and son Morgan reside in Whittier, NC.

Dustin is an enrolled member of the Muskogee Creek Nation and a graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University. Originally from Oklahoma, Dustin has resided on the Qualla Boundary for the past 16 years and has been an active part of Cherokee Historical Association for that time. He’s portrayed multiple roles in Unto These Hills and worked as a historic interpreter at Oconaluftee Indian Village. Dustin is a former member of the Thunderbird Theatre and a founding member of the American Indian Repertoire Theatre of Lawrence, Kansas.

Chelsey Moore is a graduate of Marshall University. She began her journey with Cherokee Historical Association as the Production Stage Manager of Unto These Hills and then transitioned into administrative work at the main office. Chelsey manages our social media pages, grant applications, individual memberships and corporate sponsorships.