Staff

Operations Coordinator

Stephanie Barrett is the Operations Coordinator at the Earl Scruggs Center. She oversees special events, programming, group/school tours, merchandising, and marketing at the Center. Stephanie graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Food Service Management with a double minor in Sports Entertainment & Event Management and Beverage Management. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband and son. Stephanie believes that challenges make life interesting, but overcoming those challenges makes life meaningful.

Fun Fact: Stephanie trained with many classical pastry chefs and has an associates degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.

Assistant Director

Zach Dressel grew up in Monroe, NC, and moved to western North Carolina in 2013 to begin his undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University.

After six years and two degrees (B.S. in Applied and Public History and M.A. in Museum Studies), Zach fell in love with the region, and remained to take on the position of Curatorial Assistant at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. During his time in Blowing Rock, Zach learned best practices for exhibit, collections, and museum management, while growing his affinity for Appalachian traditional music and history.

Zach has a passion for music, beginning with piano lessons at age five that progressed into thirteen years of playing guitar and singing. Outside of music, Zach has a passion for the outdoors as an avid angler and amateur hiker. He likes to spend spring and summer days searching for the best place to put a line in, whether or not the fish are biting.

Guest Services & Volunteer Coordinator

Melody Gamble works in Guest Services at the Earl Scruggs Center. She welcomes the guests, sells tickets and merchandise, and answers the phone.

Melody graduated from Xenia High School in Xenia, Ohio in 1978 and moved to Shelby shortly thereafter. She began working at the Center just prior to our grand opening in January of 2014. When Melody is not at the Center, she enjoys spending time with her family (especially her granddaughters, Georgia and Evelyn!) and taking trips with her friends.

Fun Fact: Melody enjoys playing cards and board games with her friends.

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Mary Beth Martin is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of the Earl Scruggs Center to engage visitors from the community and the world as a cultural destination, gathering place, and educational resource. She guides the vision and strategy and is responsible for developing community relationships and support.

Prior to joining the Earl Scruggs Center team, Mary Beth served Gardner-Webb University as Assistant Vice President for University Advancement. She holds a degree in political science from North Carolina State University and an M.B.A. from Gardner-Webb University. She is a graduate of the IBMA’s Leadership Bluegrass program, class of 2019 (the best class ever), and Leadership Cleveland County.

Outside of work, Mary Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and taking sunrise walks in their little town of Lattimore, NC. She is inspired by everyday people who tirelessly work to make their communities better places to live and aspires to be counted as such one day.

Fun fact: Mary Beth is a beekeeper and at one time, had 12 hives in her apiary.

Operations Manager

Jenifer Roberts is the Operations Manager at the Earl Scruggs Center. She handles financial needs of the organization and memberships. Jenifer has been with the Center since 2014. Prior to the Center, she worked in the investment industry for 10 years. Jenifer majored in Music at Crown College in Powell, TN. She can play the piano and flute. When she is not at the Earl Scruggs Center, Jenifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys. She also enjoys gardening and taking care of their animals.

Fun Fact: Jenifer enjoys saltwater fishing at the Shallotte River.

Guest Services

Sandy Smith is a Guest Services representative at the Earl Scruggs Center. She helps the guests with ticket and merchandise purchases, gives visitor information about the area, and answers the phone. After retirement, Sandy worked for the Uptown Shelby Association and the Chamber of Commerce where she focused on travel and tourism. During this time, she was awarded the Main Street Champion and the Paul Limrick Volunteer of the Year Award. When not at the Center, Sandy is a day tripper around the state of North Carolina and travels the nation. Sandy loves meeting the diverse guests who visit the Earl Scruggs Center.

Fun Fact: Sandy is a certified scuba diver and once owned a touring company.