From Randy Schulte, president, DuBose Board of Directors
Following an extensive national search, the DuBose Conference Center Board of Directors is pleased and excited to announce that the next Executive Director of the DuBose Conference Center will be James Stratt Byars IV. Mr. Byars comes to DuBose from Camp McDowell in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Stratt has extensive experience collaborating with a board of directors. He has successful leadership experience in key managerial roles from development and finances to facilities and staff management. Importantly, his experiences in conference, retreat, and summer camp programming make him an excellent choice to serve as Executive Director of DuBose Conference Center. Following is Stratt’s own introduction as he anticipates his start with DuBose in mid-March:
Dear DuBose Community:
I am delighted for the opportunity to serve as the next Executive Director of DuBose. DuBose is a place of rich history and proud tradition, and it is an honor to be called to serve this ministry in this way. For generations families and individuals have found respite, solace, and home on Monteagle Mountain at DuBose, and my wife Carrie and I are thrilled to join in that chorus with you.
For the past five years, Carrie and I have served in various capacities at Camp McDowell in the Diocese of Alabama. I had the privilege of directing both the summer camp program and the hospitality department. Before heading to nursing school, Carrie was the Assistant Director of the McDowell Environmental Center. Previous to my time at Camp McDowell, I spent two years working in parish youth ministry at St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands in downtown Birmingham. These experiences have gifted me with the tools to be successful at DuBose, and I am incredibly excited to listen, discern, and grow with you as we continue to provide a place of welcome for all people at DuBose.
I cannot wait to experience the thrills of Camp Gailor-Maxon. I am prepared to entrench myself in the common life of all three Episcopal dioceses of Tennessee. And I am ready to meet each and every one of you that hold DuBose as a special place in your heart.
Please join us in welcoming Stratt and Carrie to DuBose.