Board of Directors
KYLE CASE, President
Kyle is a Caldwell County native who grew up in the Gamewell area. He has always had a passion for the arts and is honored to be a part of the ongoing work at the WNC Sculpture Center. Professionally, Kyle has served as a Community & Economic Development Administrator for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments since January 2024. In this role, he works closely with local government partners to provide assistance with grant writing, grant administration, and project development. He has previously worked on community and economic development roles with the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Appalachian Regional Commission Program and with the City of Lenoir's Main Street Program and has additional experience in hospitality management, real estate, small-scale agriculture, and small business ownership. Kyle earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his Master's in Public Administration from Appalachian State University.
ANDREW MASSEY, Vice President
Andrew is originally from Eastern NC but is proud to have called Lenoir his home since 2011. Since that time, he has made a name for himself in the local music scene by playing with numerous local bands (Sycamore Bones, Andrew Massey & the Midnight Americans), curating arts events, hosting songwriter classes, and promoting music festivals. Professionally, he works for the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department.
CHERYL COBB, Secretary
Cheryl was born and raised in New England. She earned degrees in plant genetics and physiology from Penn State and Oregon State and worked as a researcher and technical communicator for nearly four decades. She and her husband Jimmie retired to Yadkin Valley in 2012, where they enjoy spending time with family, fly fishing, and hiking in the mountains. A strong supporter of the arts, she believes the sculpture center is an important addition to the existing historical attractions along the Hwy 268 Scenic Byway, as well as the region's art community.
SUSAN ROWE, Treasurer
Susan came to Caldwell County after completing her degree in Financial Management from Clemson University. She worked for several local firms in the accounting field. Susan has served on the boards of many non-profits over the years, including Caldwell Arts Council, Patterson School Foundation, Davenport A+ School PTA, School for Young Children, and Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention. She has two daughters: Merrill White, a welder here in Happy Valley, and Rebecca White, an RN in Greenville, South Carolina, and grandson, Silas. Susan is excited to devote her time to the WNC Sculpture Center as Board Treasurer.
NATE CHESTNUT, Board Member
Nate has called Appalachia home in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. He earned a Degree in Parks & Recreation Management at ASU and spent 6 years working as a property director for the Girl Scouts. Nate now works as a Clerk for UNC Health Caldwell. As a WNCSC board member, Nate works with facilities, the sculpture park and trails, and programs and events. His special interest to date is to provide more shade in the spacious Sculpture Park, for the comfort of visitors. Nate and his wife Biz are avid folk-art collectors, and enjoy creating art, gardening, and experiencing Appalachian culture by visiting towns, museums, and festivals.
GARRETT WILLIAMS, Board Member
Garrett Williams is a maker at heart—of ideas, and things that work better than they did yesterday. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Science at Appalachian State University. He has spent years in hands-on, problem-solving roles spanning brewing and production management, electrical work, and custom fabrication and welding. He currently works as a building maintenance technician with the City of Lenoir’s Public Works Department. Outside of work, Garrett enjoys playing music and creating digital art. Along the way, he’s developed a strong appreciation for where structure meets creativity.
THOMAS THIELEMANN, Board Member
Thomas is originally from Griffin, Georgia. He studied painting at Georgia Southern University, then in Bisbee, Arizona and went on to earn an MFA from Radford University, where he met his wife, Lynda Lea Bonkemeyer. Together they moved to Lenoir in 2000. He is currently the Director of the Fine Arts program at Caldwell Community College and has taught at CCCTI for more than twenty years. Thomas makes work with his wife at Moonhead Studio. His work is primarily a combination of painting, printmaking, graphic arts, and collage. To see more of their work, visit www.moonheadstudio.com
KATE WURTZEL, Board Member
Kate is originally from McAllen, Texas and moved to the Western North Carolina with her family a little more than 5 years ago. She has a long history of working in the arts and is excited to be part of the WNC Sculpture Center’s continued efforts. She holds both a Masters and PhD in Art Education from the University of North Texas, and an undergraduate degree in Art History. Kate previously worked at Appalachian State University as an Art Education professor and taught studio classes occasionally. She has an ongoing art practice herself, and currently works as a realtor in Boone. Her passion for the arts started at a young age, continuing into adulthood as she taught art in both museums and public schools. Kate is particularly excited to help with the education efforts at WNCSC and touch hearts of all ages. She strongly believes in the power of exposure/access for all, and looks forward to contributing her energy at the beautiful Western North Carolina Sculpture Center.
