Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Tourism Authority welcomed a new chairperson – over the course of two government meetings.
Kenneth Hyde accepted the position from Debbie Beasley, who was believed to have resigned in August but was informed by new town attorney Leo Phillips that the proper steps were not taken.
That is not the case this go-around.
“I have been watching what you all have been doing,” said Hyde. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill. I hope I can do you all justice.”
The Town of Robbinsville Board of Aldermen called a special meeting Nov. 21. Beasley informed the council that she wishes to resign as chairperson of authority.
The authority meeting took place 30 minutes after the council meeting. The council waited for other tourism members. No members showed, so Beasley had to adjourn the meeting as chairperson.
Beasley officially resigned as chair and appointed Hyde to the position during the authority’s Nov. 28 meeting.
“I thank each and every one of you for helping me and I put my whole heart into it and enjoyed it,” said Beasley. “I’m right there as a volunteer. I’ll do anything I can to keep this little town alive.”
Beasley prefaced her farewell stating that as chairperson, Hyde is in charge of events for the town since there is no director.
Beasley was chairperson for five years. She said she liked giving the people of Robbinsville and tourists something fun to do. Some accomplishments during her time as chair were co-naming a street, Veterans Memorial Hill (East Main Street) and the tourism authority contributing to the Junaluska headstone.
The authority also needs two new board members and an assistant director, and potential members in the community were mentioned.
In addition to Hyde, the current board members are Brady Cody and Dirk Cody.
The board will pursue new members and an ad is listed in the Star for an assistant director.
Former director Karen Taylor resigned in 2022 and Beasley also took on those duties. Beasley said she did not want to step down, but felt like she had to after being questioned by Town of Robbinsville Mayor Shaun Adams.
According the Robbinsville Tourism Authority’s rules of procedure, the chair – an elected officer – is appointed to a 3-year term.
Elected officers serve for three years or until their successor is elected. No elected officer can serve more than a 3-year term.
Adams referenced the rules of procedure when asked for comment by the Star about why Beasley had to step down.