Specialties

Team Builder, Real Estate development, conservation oriented developments, Traditional Neighborhood developments, Planning and development, Property Owner Association Management President for several over past 30 years, General Contracting, Project Management, Real Estate brokerage

Professional Experience

John Portman and Associates Architect/Developer Atlanta 1972- 1976
Martin Downs Real Estate Project Manager 1976-1979
President of Lewis- Killoren Properties from 1979-1982
Executive Vice President of E. Speer and Associates 1982-1990
Walt Disney Imagineering 1993-1998
- General Manager for The Celebration Company 1993-1998
- VP of Community Development 1990-1998
Co-Founding Partner of Celebration Associates 1997-2010
Chairman and CEO for Clear Springs Development Company 2000-2010, (As Celebration Associates employee/partner in charge)

Favorite Places in the Region

The Jackson River, wonderful trout fishing
Green Valley Plantation for its Pheasant hunts, quail hunts
Kayaking on Jackson River

Favorite Places Outside the Region

Ft Lauderdale Florida, where I grew up, offshore fishing, The Bahamas Islands for fishing and diving

Community Involvement

Chairman of Board of Directors, Bath Community Hospital
Chairman/ Vice Chairman of ULI Community Development Council 1997-2006

Family

Married to Ellen Killoren since 1979 31 years
Children
Kerry Killoren Michaels - born 1982 Graduate University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill BA 2004, and Notre Dame MBA 2006. Lives in Corona del Mar, CA
Katie Killoren - born 1985 Graduate North Carolina State University BA 2007, works on Capitol Hill, DC
Patrick Killoren - 1988 Graduate Virginia Tech 2010, works on Capitol Hill, DC

Charles Adams is a founding principal of Celebration Associates and currently serves as the firm's managing partner with oversight of all of Celebration's projects and relationships.

Previously, Charles served as a Vice President for The Celebration Company and Walt Disney Imagineering and was a key player in the design and development of Celebration, Florida, and Little Lake Bryan near Orlando. He also played an instrumental role in planning residential development at EuroDisney near Paris, France.

Prior to joining The Walt Disney Company in 1990, he worked with Trammell Crow Residential developing luxury apartment communities in and around Orlando, Daytona, and Jacksonville, Florida.

Charles served from 1997 to 2004 as an Independent Director for CNL Hotels and Resorts, a $6 billion public, non-listed real estate investment trust based in Orlando, and also served as a Council Member on the Resort/Recreation Development Council for the Urban Land Institute. He has served on multiple not-for-profit board of directors including the Celebration Foundation, President's Advisory Board for Marriage and Family Matters, Bath Community Hospital, and the Bath County Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Charles serves as a Director for the Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust, Baldwin Center for Preservation Development and Mount Washington Resort Foundation.

Charles received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Louisiana at Monroe. He resides in Hot Springs, Virginia with his wife Lauren, three daughters Morgan, Mimi and Sadie and son Charley.

Ryan's path to Bath County began with his grandparent's purchase of Sleepy Hollow in Dunn's Gap in the early 60's. He spent summers with siblings and cousins roaming the woods and creeks between Sleepy Hollow and the Jackson River. Ryan's parents bought a farm in Warm Springs in 1968 and Bath became their home. In 1985 Ryan and his wife Mary Harding moved to Warm Springs with a newborn daughter, leaving banking and teaching careers behind in Atlanta.

Ryan joined his father in their small real estate and insurance firm, Clarkson & Wallace, and renovated an older home in Warm Springs next to his family's farm. Twenty-five years later with a son and daughter grown and on their own, Mary and Ryan moved ten miles north to Spring Hollow Farm on the Jackson River where pets such as goats, chickens, dogs, honey bees and a trout hatchery keep them busy.

Ryan's hobbies of hiking, fly-fishing, running and cycling have led him to every corner of Bath and Highland Counties. His first hand knowledge of the land makes his work a labor of love.

Specialties

Detailed knowledge of our area's land, farms and homes. Ability to connect people with the real estate location they see in their mind's eye

Professional Experience

Five years of commercial lending with a regional bank out of Atlanta, Ga.
Twenty-five years of Real Estate sales in Bath and Highland Counties.
Twenty-five years of Property and Casualty Insurance brokerage
Twenty-five years of Vacation rental and Property Managements services

Favorite Places in the Region

Anywhere in, on, under, or beside the Jackson River learning more about all the life that dwells there. Two secret rock outcropping on ridgeline peaks where you can see 60 miles in any direction

Favorite Places Outside the Region

Bonefish and tarpon flats of the Caribbean

Community Involvement

Ryan's community involvement has been widespread and continuous in leadership roles with the Valley Conservation Council, Soil & Water Conservation District, Bolar Ruritans, Chamber of Commerce, Warm Springs Presbyterian Church and Young Life. Ryan founded the Jackson River Restoration Foundation to assist landowners with riparian projects, water quality monitoring and trout habitat improvement. Ryan also volunteers his services designing conservation easements for landowner donations to The Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Family

Ryan's parents and Father-in-law live nearby in Warm Springs. Ryan and Mary Harding have a 26 year old daughter, Mary Cabell, who lives in Asheville, NC and a 23 year old son, William, who is out of school and headed to Argentina to study oenology and viticulture.

Specialties

Certified Public Accountant, Specializing in Commercial & Residential Real Estate Development, Commercial & Residential Construction, Property Owner's Associations & Non-Profit organizations.

Professional Experience

Mike Hahaj is a licensed C.P.A. and the Regional Controller for Celebration Associates having joined the company in 2002. Mike currently lives in Hot Springs, Virginia, the location of Homestead Preserve, with wife Charity and twin sons Benjamin Michael and Samuel Andrew.

Having served as Controller for Homestead Preserve since its inception, Mike is also the controller for Bundoran Farm and has assisted with the Bretton Woods project. His responsibilities include the financial and accounting management of multiple development companies, a residential and commercial construction company and a real estate general brokerage. Before moving to Hot Springs, Mike lived in Raleigh, North Carolina serving as the Controller for Governors Club Development Corporation from 2002-2004.

Mike graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting, is member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Additionally, Mike serves as a Director and the Treasurer of the Bath County Airport Authority.

Favorite Places in the Region

Bath County is certainly tops on the list and both Charity and I enjoy time at the Outer Banks, NC specifically Ocracoke Island where I enjoy the great beaches along with its surf and sound fishing.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

The Ozark Mountains of Arkansas where I spent my childhood, trout fishing and small mouth bass fishing. Chicago, where parents and extended family is from, great food, music and overall great city.

Community Involvement

Board Member and Treasurer of Ingalls Field Airport in Bath County; Board Member and Treasurer for Virginia Hot Springs Preservation Trust.

Family

Married to Charity, wife of 8 years. Twin Sons Ben and Sam 5 years old, born 07/06/05, 15 year old Boston terrier and 2-year-old Border Collie. Majority of close family lives in Wilmington, N.C. We couldn't be happier being able to spend time with close friends and family here in Bath and in Wilmington. We are always getting together to create great food and laugh with friends, combined with the beauty of the mountain, who could ask for more.

Specialties

I would guess you could say my specialty is "people". I love people and readily identify with their dreams, hopes, joys, and concerns. I genuinely care for people and understand that we are all God's creation. We all have histories; backgrounds that have developed us into the persons we are today. I take pride in recognizing those issues that help me to relate and hopefully provide guidance and support when needed.

Professional Experience

Office Administration - Human Resources Manager- Bacova Guild, Ltd/Burlington Industries, 20 years.

Favorite Places in the Region

I would have to say my home. Other places I've seen are beautiful, but I'm always excited to return home! Being born and raised here, with family ties, lifelong friends and commitments, I am forever appreciative of my surroundings. I love walking in the woods behind my house, watching deer, squirrels, and other wildlife. I love the four seasons here, which foretell the various holidays and events. There is a sense of serenity and peace here that I have not found anywhere else.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

I would have to say the beach. Although, only for a little while. Again, it's because of the vastness of the ocean and the serenity it offers.

Community Involvement

Most of my time outside of work is spent with family and in my church. I am a Sunday School Teacher, Finance Chairperson for the Administrative Board, Praise & Worship Team Member, and choir member, as well as being active with fundraisers for our small church.

Family

My husband Len and I have four grown children and two daughters-in-law whom we adore. We try to spend as much time with them as possible. I am also very close with my four brothers and two sisters. We have a strong sense of family! Although miles separate us, we still have a strong family bond which our parents instilled in us.

Professional Experience

I have been in real estate sales for the past 10 years or so. I started with HP in 2005 and before that practiced with Clarkson & Wallace in Warm Springs. Recently, I became the Executive Director of The VHS Preservation Trust.

Favorite Places in the Region

There are so many wonderful spots in our region but I would have to say my favorite is in my back yard at Spring Hollow Farm. No need to be anywhere else.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

Flag Rock is a special venue with views in all directions. It has been a gathering spot for my family celebrations over many years.

Community Involvement

I have been active in our community serving on the board of the local library, the Bath County Chamber of Commerce, the PTA, both garden clubs, an herb guild, The Bath County Christmas Mother program and The Bolar Ruritans. My love of gardening and fresh foods led me to become the current co -manager of the Bath County Farmers Market.

Family

I enjoy sharing my love and enthusiasm for Bath County with other people. I have raised my children here and lived in Bath for the past 26 years. We moved here from Atlanta to be closer to family and to enjoy a simpler way of life. It was the best decision we ever made. We live on a beautiful farm on the Jackson River and raise trout, goats, bees, hens and Great Pyrenees.

Specialties

Site planning for residential communities, graphic communication i.e. developing drawings, images to convey design ideas, concepts, project management, implementation of technology in the design, planning, development, i.e. software solutions, GPS.

Professional Experience

3 years Des Plaines Park District, Des Plaines, IL - designing parks, playgrounds, managing park district development projects. 1 Year City of Cottage Grove, Cottage Grove, MN - assistant city planner, develop landscape ordinance, city entry corridor improvement projects, prepared area neighborhood plans. 5 years LandDesign, Charlotte, NC - project manager, worked on a variety of public and private sector projects, prepared master plans for residential and mixed use communities, multi-family communities, prepared construction documents retail, and mixed use developments. 6 years ColeJenest & Stone, Charlotte, NC - project manager prepared master plans for residential and mixed-use projects. Managed multidisciplinary teams on private and public sector projects, managed projects through the process from design conception, to construction document preparation, regulatory approvals, and construction administration.

Favorite Places in the Region

For outdoor pursuits - Blue ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, Flag Rock Trail, and Warm Springs Mountain. For Civic, culture, entertainment etc...- Charlottesville, Lexington.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

My home state of Michigan because of family, friends, lakes, sand dunes, Michigan State University. Outer Banks, NC, Charleston, SC

Community Involvement

Assist local groups by providing design ideas, concepts drawings for various projects; Valley Elementary Skate Park, Bath County HS girls softball field, Garth Newell signage concepts, Bath Community Hospital facility planning, member of the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council.

Family

Married, have two children Maxwell 6 yrs, and Samantha 8 yrs, live in Lexington, VA.

Specialties

Technology Strategy and Planning, Community Development, Technology Provider Alliance and Relationship Management, Technology "lingo" interpreter to my colleagues and clients, Geek.

Professional Experience

Amy Westwood is a Development Associate with Celebration Associates and the Director of Technology. In this role, Amy is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation and oversight of technology components for Celebration Associates' community development and technology advisory initiatives.

Previously, Amy served as Director of Technology for The Celebration Company and Walt Disney Imagineering and led the Technology cornerstone efforts in Celebration, Florida.

Prior to joining The Celebration Company in 1995, she worked for Vista-United Telecommunications, the telecommunications division of The Walt Disney Company, where she held a variety of business development, operations, customer service and telecommunications planning roles for The Walt Disney Company entities in Florida, California and New York.

Favorite Places in the Region

Every place that our company has touched; especially The Dairy Complex, which was transformed by the talent, passion and stewardship of our team.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

Any beach, Any where. I have visited beaches from The Turks and Caicos to Hawaii. I love them all.

Community Involvement

Sister To Sister Outreach Ministry, Orlando Warriors on Water, Hubbard House volunteer.

Family

I have been married to Tom since 1987 and we have two daughters, Savanna and Madison. Savanna is in Graduate School at The Florida State University in Tallahassee and Madison will be joining her there as a Junior after finishing two years of playing volleyball and studying at Indian River State College in Ft. Pierce.

Specialties

Resort and residential real estate sales; training and managing sales teams; relationship/corporate alliance management

Professional Experience

Ten years of real estate sales and management experience; twenty years in the hospitality/service industry

Favorite Places in the Region

The Homestead Ski area, Flag Rock, Lake Moomaw, The Jackson River

Favorite Places Outside the Region

The beautiful towns of Lexington and Charlottesville, VA; My family farm in Highland County; My favorite east coast ski resort, Snowshoe, WVA.

Community Involvement

Garth Newell Patron; Christmas Mother program

Family

I was married on the Casino lawn at The Homestead Resort; I constructed and lived in the first home ever built within Homestead Preserve; my daughter (now four) was the first child born and raised in the HSP community. I have a wonderful wife, Katie and two amazing children, Hayden and Abigail.

Bath County, Virginia has been a destination for two and a half centuries for those who have come to take its healing waters or simply to rejuvenate amongst the unparalleled mountain splendor. I am fortunate not only to have grown up and now make my home here, but to also continue my family's heritage here, which began in the mid 1700s. My mother's family has deep roots in Bath and Highland counties, including my grandfather Cleek, who was the last operating proprietor of the Warm Springs Mills, now, the Gristmill Inn and Restaurant in Warm Springs. My father's family has also been in Bath County for generations, and my grandfather Snead who honed his skills on our family farm, continues to hold the PGA record for most all time PGA tournament wins.

Between both my and my husband's time in college I have lived in Durango, CO, Richmond, VA, Harrisburg, PA and Charlottesville, VA. While I enjoyed my time in all of these places I am glad that we have been able to return to our roots. After my husband graduated from law school we returned home and lived for several years in his mother's family home place, which was built in 1778 by a relative who had been captured as a child by the Shawnee and later returned following the end of the French and Indian War. We now have built our own home on Warm Springs Mountain at McGraw Gap, which was once part of an Indian trail that was traveled by the same raiding party that captured my husband's relative.

Favorite Places in the Region

My favorite destination locally is Warm Springs Mountain. It is the dominant topographical feature of Bath County and is a constantly changing palette of seasonal beauty, abundant wildlife and unparalleled vistas. A very close second would have to be one of the magnificent local streams such as the Jackson River, Roaring Run or the Cascades stream where my grandfather and his brother used to guide guests of the Homestead and where my husband and I were engaged. Looking beyond local destinations I would have to say that my most memorable trip was my honeymoon in Switzerland. We hiked extensively daily in and out of Alpine towns and farms and enjoyed learning from the devotion that the Swiss have for respecting and actively enjoying their wonderful environment.

Family

I enjoy hiking with our dachshund and yellow lab or kayaking on the Jackson River. I also enjoy working in our kitchen garden, perennial beds and tending our flock of 15 hens. We make every effort to raise our plants and animals naturally. Perhaps my favorite pursuit is cooking with our homegrown or locally sourced ingredients and entertaining with friends and family. Be sure to stop by and see me at the Milk House Market and I will be glad to assist you with your entertaining needs and show you our extensive collection of local and Virginia products.

Specialties

I like to get things done. I treat people the way I would like to be treated. I have never met a stranger. I like to think that I am dependable and "happy go lucky". I like to grow vegetables of all kinds.

Professional Experience

School of hard knocks. I was raised on a farm, have always enjoyed being outside. I have a lot of hands on experience in several fields such as plumbing, farming, property management, landscaping. Jack-of-all-trades.

Favorite Places in the Region

I was born in Hot Springs, VA and I love the Warm Springs Valley. I don't plan to ever leave here. I also like Highland County for it's openness and farms.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

I like the Outer Banks of NC. I don't like cities at all and I hate stoplights.

Community Involvement

I am active in the Warm Springs Presbyterian Church. I like to help older people with task that they can no longer do. I am on the board of the Warm Springs Cemetery as well.

Family

I'm married to Diane and we have been married for 22 years. We have two children; Monja is 17 and Tyler is 14 and they attend Bath County High School. They both love it here and hope to return one day after college. My parents are both Bath County natives.

Specialties

I love to plan events large and small - from a weekend vacation itinerary to a large event like the Parade of Homes. I like to be organized but you wouldn't think so by looking at my office (or my house) at the moment! I was once told I have a "servant's heart" and I do my best to take care of our owners, clients and guests.

Professional Experience

When I was 6 or 7, I pulled my purple wagon door-to-door selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts and from then on I have been in the customer service business! I have managed restaurants, created programs for and managed community centers, owned several home-based businesses and worked in real estate for over 15 years. While most of my real estate experience has been in support roles, I have been licensed since 2004.

Favorite Places in the Region

Spending the day at Lake Moomaw; rocking on my front porch with a good book; sipping wine with friends by a bonfire; spending the day antiquing in Staunton, Lexington, or Lewisburg.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

Any new city, (Chicago is my favorite) - the history, the architecture, the restaurants and the shows; the Big Island of Hawaii - the smell of plumeria is intoxicating; Harper's Ferry, WV and the view from Loudoun Heights; Loudoun County, VA - my home "town".

Community Involvement

I "shop 'til I drop" for the Bath County Christmas Mother - it is the best job ever! I bake treats for the Bolar Fire Department's fundraisers - Espresso Brownie Bites are the favorite. And I volunteer at the Bath County Farmer's Market - where food and friends come together!

Family

I came to Bath County in 1998 to be near my parents when they retired. My son, Derek, is a graduate of Fork Union Military Academy and has recently enlisted in the U.S. Army. I have a sister who lives in Orlando with her husband and their two sons.

Specialties

I like to serve others with a smile. I find it very satisfying and I like knowing that a smile or a kind word can change someone's day for the better. I am a people person and don't like conflict. Therefore I seem to be a liaison or the go between person; I really enjoy interacting with all types of people and I try to focus on the positive side of things.

Professional Experience

Worked in several hospitality service positions before my 10-year stint at a textile manufacturing company where I worked as a design technician. Started at Homestead Preserve as Marketing Specialist for 3 years before transferring to Celebration Associates. In my current position I serve as Office Manager and Marketing Coordinator and (also serve as Executive Assistant to Charles Adams).

Favorite Places in the Region

I grew up in the little village of Bacova (in Bath County) so it will always be a place with special memories of childhood fun. So many good lifetime friends came from those days. I moved to a nearby city, Staunton, a few years ago and I love it there, but Bath County will always be near and dear to my heart and the place I call home.

Favorite Places Outside the Region

I love to go different places and see new things. Because I live in the mountains I often travel to beaches on vacations and getaways. Some of my favorite places are the Caribbean Islands. A great place to relax and get rejuvenated! Another favorite place is northern California. It's not only beautiful there but it is home to my son, his wife and my grandson. How can I not love it there?

Community Involvement

Because Bath County is such a close knit community it seems everyone knows each other and are always ready to give a helping hand whether it be for personal causes or an event where volunteers are needed. I enjoy helping in these areas.

Family

I am blessed to have the most wonderful family ever. Along with my mother and three sisters, I have three children who are now grown and on their own. Justin and Shawnda live about an hour from me and Clinton has married and lives in California with wife Nicole and their son, my grandson, Mason. In addition, my "work" family is very important to me. It is amazing to be able to work with such talented and awesome people.