Board Members
Brendon Kroner - President
One of the founders of the Harpers Ferry Highland Games and the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society. Brendon is a local whos goal is to spread rich Celtic culture throughout the community. The first Highland Games event took place in his front yard and has now grown into an annual festival at Sam Michaels's Park.
Chad Gauthier - Vice President
One of the Founders of the Harpers Ferry Highland Games and the Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society. Chad is a well known local in the Harpers Ferry area and an involved dedicated member of its community. Chad is the owner of several businesses in Harpers Ferry including the Barn of Harpers Ferry, home to the annual Highland Games Kick-off Party and many other HFCCS fundraising events.
Jill Lauterborn - Secretary and Board Member
A dedicated board member with a passion for Celtic culture Jill ensures the charity runs smoothly. Jill is a valued member of the team and is also a key member of the event planning committee.
Ashley Pease - Board Member
Starting as a volunteer Ashley was recognized as a valued and tenacious member of the team. She quickly moved up the ranks to join the board of HFCCS as one of its hardest working and most dedicated members. Ashley also sits on the planning committee as our volunteer coordinator and social media manager.
Amanda Kroner - Board Member
A dedicated board member and essential part of the Highland Games planning team Amanda has supported the organization from the beginning.
Maura Greene- Treasurer
Our newest addition to the board Maura helps keep our finances organized and has proved to be a huge asset to the team. We are happy to have her on board and her presence will only make it easier for the organization to better support our financial missions for community.
MEET OUR SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING MANAGER
Since joining the board of the nonprofit, all-volunteer
Harpers Ferry Celtic Culture Society (HFCCS) in 2023,
Ashley Pease has consistently stepped into fast-moving
or uncertain moments to establish clarity and direction.
“Though my roles have changed over the years,” she
says, “my drive to help others has not.” From her start as
volunteer coordinator through her roles as social media
and marketing manager and now athletics coordinator,
Ashley has brought an instinct for prioritizing what
matters most to help strengthen the organization and
spur the Harpers Ferry Highland Games’ impressive
growth. “My hope is that others will want to be a part of
making the games a bigger and better event each year,”
she says, “to raise money for worthy causes while
celebrating Celtic culture.”
How did you learn about the Harpers Ferry Celtic
Culture Society?
I first heard about HFCCS from reading a post on the Harpers Ferry Highland Games Facebook
page, which I started following after having attended the first public Highland Games at The
Barn of Harpers Ferry.
Describe your role as social media and marketing manager.
I create the posts and ads for our Facebook and Instagram pages for both the HFCCS and HFHG,
interact with those who contact the pages with comments or questions, and ensure our growing
community is provided with information about upcoming events.
How has your role evolved as the Highland Games has grown?
In 2022 I signed up to be an HFHG volunteer. Unfortunately, the games that year were canceled
due to a hurricane coming up the coast. Within a few months I joined the HFCCS planning
committee as the volunteer coordinator. After the 2023 Highland Games I was offered a HFCCS
board position and became the new social media and marketing coordinator. This year I’ve
stepped away from the role of volunteer coordinator and become the new athletics coordinator.
What factors have made the games such a success?
It is a weekend-long family-friendly event centered on food, music and vendors and gives one an
opportunity to learn about Celtic culture, whether a part of your heritage or not.
How do you manage so many “moving parts”?
It is a team effort. We have an amazing group of volunteers.
What has surprised you most about volunteering with HFCCS?
It’s eye-opening how much work goes into putting the events together, not to mention the
number of people to make it successful.
How has volunteering changed you as a person?
It has made me a lot more tired. Just kidding! It gives me hope seeing so many people willing to
donate their skills and time just for the good of it.
Is there a moment or memory that captures why this work matters to you?
At the 2024 games, during my daily run taking care of festival duties, I met a mom and her
young daughter (age 5 or 6) visiting the Highland cows. “I didn’t even know they were really
real!” the girl exclaimed, and her mom was just as eager to see them. It shows that we are not
only able to put on this event and make a difference in the community, but also seeing memories
made.
What sorts of roles exist for those curious about volunteering?
If you’re looking to jump in as an HFCCS member, we have space on the planning board that
puts on the Highland Games. Or if you’re looking to volunteer during the games, on the first
weekend of October, we’re happy to have you on the team doing ticket sales, gate entry, security,
merchandise sales, directing parking, overseeing the kids’ area, driving the shuttle cart, etc. If
you’re willing to help, we’ll give you something to do!
What kinds of skills or personalities thrive in the respective volunteer roles?
Anyone with a willingness to help and work with others has an opportunity to thrive here. We
really are about teamwork.
What would you say to someone on the fence about volunteering?
It’s an opportunity to get out on the weekend and do good by giving back to the community, and
you’ll get some perks along the way. Volunteers receive a T-shirt, free admission to the festival
and snacks. This year we held special raffles for volunteers. We also offer a $1,000 scholarship
to graduating high school seniors from Jefferson and Berkeley Counties who volunteer at the
games. Plus you’ll meet some really great people!
