Staff and Board of Directors
Dedicated Artisans, Business People, Volunteers, & Professionals
Our Staff
Beth Holland, Sales Associate
Beth, born in Jackson and reared in Capitol City and in Columbus, is an enthusiastic appreciator of handcraft and the creativity, talent, and passion of Craftsmen’s Guild artisans.
She worked as a reporter, columnist, editorial writer, and editor at news organizations in New England, Mississippi, and New York before returning to Jackson in the fall of 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi State University and a master’s in journalism from Boston University.
Beth is a lover of family gatherings, Delta sunsets, the writings of Eudora Welty and Willie Morris, oyster po’boys, fresh tomatoes, and cheese straws. Her two daughters live in Washington, D.C., and Hudson, N.Y.
You will find her in the Gallery at the Bill Waller Craft Center and she is most glad to be of help!
Betsy Ross, Executive Director
As Executive Director of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi, Betsy's role is multifaceted, blending leadership, financial management, and community engagement.
Betsy's visionary outlook includes providing leadership for the Guild and serving as the organization's public face, raising its visibility both at a local and state level.
In addition, Betsy is responsible for fiscal oversight and the organization's financial health. She also is responsible for building and nurturing solid relationships with Guild members.
Betsy grew up in Jackson and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a B.S. in elementary education. Actively pursuing a career in teaching, she quickly moved into the gifted education classroom and worked for the Madison County School District for 12 years.
Betsy lives in Madison with her husband and two children.
Elaine Ross, Intern Grant Writer and Development Coordinator
Elaine serves as the Grant Writer and Development Coordinator for the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi while also acting as the temporary assistant to the Executive Director, Betsy Ross. Elaine's role is dynamic, encompassing grant writing, development initiatives, and administrative support.
Currently pursuing a degree in geology at Mississippi State University, Elaine brings a unique perspective to her work, blending scientific insight with her passion for the arts and crafts community. Her academic background enhances her analytical and research skills, which are essential in her grant writing and development efforts.
Elaine was raised in Madison and has always been passionate about the natural world and the arts. Her commitment to the Guild reflects her dedication to promoting and preserving Mississippi's rich cultural heritage.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the work of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.
Half of the board is composed of Guild artisan members and the other half is composed of business people and community volunteers.
Members serve three-year, staggered terms.
OFFICERS
Debby DeLashmet, President
Rhonda Blasingame, Secretary
Elizabeth Montambault, Treasurer
Carolyn Hudson, Standards Chair
CRAFTSMEN
Linda Beasley
Phil Brown
Alma Ellis
Ila Hallmark
Paul Meek
Kit White
Jim Piggot
PATRONS
Brian Beckham
Jenny Berryhill
Kim Cooper
Joe Dove
Corey Ellison
Otie Heubach
Ray Lewis
Susan Marquez
Elizabeth Rivers
Mike Stevens
Marion Wofford
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