Chloe Massaro is grateful for the opportunity to have grown up in Waynesville, finding a true sense of home in Western North Carolina. An alumna of the College of Charleston, she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications with a minor in Theater. Her journey with HART began through her daughter’s participation in the Academy at HART, fostering a meaningful connection with the organization. Chloe Massaro serves as the Vice President and Chair of the Nominating Committee at HART. Her true passion lies with the Academy at HART, where she finds great joy in collaborating with Sheila Sumpter and working alongside the talented youth involved in the program. Chloe Massaro is also a Guardian Ad Litem for the State of North Carolina, advocating for children in the states custody. In addition to her advocacy work, she is a Real Estate Broker and property manager with a passion for remodeling and transforming spaces.
Cady Hill is originally from Florida and moved to North Carolina in 2008 after college – and she’s been proud to call this place home ever since. These days, she lives in downtown Canton with her partner, Dustin, their three rescue Australian Shepherds, and a backyard flock of chickens that think they run the place.
Professionally, Cady has been with First Citizens Bank for over 16 years, with 13 of those spent as a commercial underwriter. With a background in risk analysis, financial strategy, and problem-solving, she’s excited about the opportunity to bring a thoughtful, business-minded perspective to the HART board – while also supporting the creative energy that makes this theater such a vital part of our community.
Tara Simonetto is a business strategist with a passion for theater. With a background in Management Consulting, she has a diverse skill set, with experience in operations, analytics, sales, program management, change management, and customer relationship management. She
has been a patron of HART ever since moving to Waynesville in 2021, and she joined the HART board to get involved and give back to a community that she loves. She serves on the Operations Committee, where she helps review and document existing theater programs and procedures.
Beth Henson grew up outside of Atlanta, and after years in Colorado fulfilled her wish of returning full-time to the South when she moved to Waynesville in early 2023. Beth has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a law degree from the University of Colorado (but her loyalty will always be for her beloved UGA Bulldogs). She has a background in public relations and event planning and has served for many years on various boards of directors in leadership positions. Beth currently works as a mediator, helping people reach a compromise rather than go to court. Beth is excited to devote her energy and efforts to one of her loves – theater and the arts – in her adopted hometown.
Diane and her husband have been enthusiastic HART supporters since moving to Western North Carolina in 2017. Diane’s life-long love of the arts began with elementary and school theatre productions, and she’s excited to help HART extend its reach throughout WNC. She seeks to advance HART’s mission to consistently offer challenging, stimulating and enriching productions, workshops and classes. She brings 35 years’ experience in executive, c-suite level marketing and communications, budgeting and change management, primarily in the financial services industry. She is also a freelance writer and editor and is passionate about gardening and sports. Diane sees HART is a critical contributor to the continued development of our region — and as a creative arts home for new generations of artists and leaders. She looks forward to helping HART identify new marketing opportunities, as well as sustain and strengthen its financial foundation.
Fritzie Wise received the Bachelor of Music Education in 1982 from Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Fritzie taught elementary and high school music for 30 years in the Haywood County School system before retiring in 2013.
Following retirement, Fritzie worked for American Advantage Insurance working with schools across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. She also has done interim music positions in Haywood County schools and First Methodist Church. Presently, Fritzie is an adjunct faculty member with the Western Carolina University Music Department. She also is an accomplished colored pencil artist specializing in pet portraits.
Fritzie lives in Maggie Valley with her husband Tim and their two cats Willow and Belle.
Josh Weeks is the head chef, creator, and owner of Waynesville’s Singletree Heritage Kitchen, an independent, chef-inspired restaurant that seeks to bring “the heritage and tradition of the Carolinas to your table through sensibly sourced, handcrafted foods and inviting service.” A North Carolina native who has lived in Western North Carolina since the mid-1990s, Josh highly values community stewardship and aspires to give back to the Waynesville and greater WNC community through Singletree’s vision and by supporting community pillars. For this reason, he joined the HART board in 2023. Josh is honored to have Singletree cater the theatre’s 40th Anniversary Gala and other events. He serves on the fundraising committee.
Kaye Sebastyn and her husband, Bill, moved to Haywood County in June of 2000. Kaye taught music and drama at Bethel Middle school from 2000-2010 and retired after 37 years of educating in 2010. She cared for her elderly parents until 2022. Kaye has been very involved in Haywood County arts, conservation, music performance (including Keyboards at Christmas), music ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church, local politics, and support of high school sports and music. Her previous board experiences have included the University of Iowa Women’s Athletic Council, Iowa Music Educators board, State of Iowa Judicia Nominating Committee, and Rotary International, Muscatine chapter.
Latisha Perkins is a long-time member of the Haywood County community. A theater lover since high school, Latisha values the role that theatrical arts play in enriching the community through the power of joy and escape from everyday life. She believes HART is a gem of our community, and has been attending HART shows for many years. With a career spanning 30 years in the financial industry, Latisha brings a strong financial acumen to the board, leveraging her experience in financial services and banking. She serves on the finance committee because she is passionate about ensuring the theater’s financial sustainability and developing strategies that will allow it to thrive for generations to come.
Mark James is a graduate of Southwestern Seminary with a Masters in Communications and a second Masters in Education. For twenty years Mark worked as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery in Nashville, TN. Additionally, Mark taught public speaking at a variety of universities and community colleges. On the side, he enjoys home design work and has had the opportunity to design multiple designer show houses and set design for HGTV. Mark discovered HART years ago when visiting Waynesville for long weekends away from Nashville and loved it so much he had to relocate here ASAP. He works with fundraising and events. Have an idea? Let him know!
Nora Shalaway Carpenter is an award-winning author, writing educator, and audio book narrator who now lives in the Asheville area. A life-long theater and arts supporter, she first got involved with HART in 2021 when her son Garek was cast as Winthrop in The Music Man. She joined the HART board to champion the organization and people who continue to give her son (and so many people) confidence and community. She’s also found a great community herself, particularly when she stepped out of her comfort zone and started taking HART’s tap classes. Nora serves on the Marketing Committee. She’d love to hear your innovative marketing ideas or help you discover how you can advertise your own business while supporting this wonderful nonprofit theater!
HART is seeking a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about the arts and committed to helping our organization grow and thrive. We welcome applicants from a variety of professional, cultural, and personal backgrounds who are eager to make a meaningful impact in our community.
We encourage applicants with expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas:
If you are passionate about the arts and want to help shape HART’s future, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to welcoming dedicated leaders who will help advance our mission and strengthen our impact in the community.
