Board of Directors

The Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is the producing organization of The Lost Colony. Founded on January 8, 1932 its mission statement is: “The mission of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA) is to commemorate the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. This mission is primarily accomplished by the annual production of the symphonic outdoor drama The Lost Colony, and through educationally engaging events and programs.”

Officers

• Chairman: Cindy McGann, Southern Shores
• Vice-Chair: Joseph R. Stewart, Raleigh
• Treasurer: Taylor Sugg, Kitty Hawk
• Secretary: Gary Pearce, Raleigh
• General Counsel: Casey Varnell, Kitty Hawk
• Historian: lebame houston, Manteo

Directors

• Ann-Cabell Baum, Raleigh
• Frank Daniels IV, Southern Pines
• Jennifer Dixon, Manteo
• Fin Gaddy, Manteo
• Harvey Godwin, Lumberton
• John Graham, Greensboro
• Melissa Harrison, Powells Point
• Zee Lamb, Kitty Hawk
• Mike Meekins, Manteo
• John M. Robbins III, Manteo
• Constance H. Rose, Manteo
• Dr. Benjamin F. Speller, Jr., Edenton
• Amy Tankard, Exmore, VA
• Monica Thibodeau, Duck
• Johnny Tillett, Raleigh

Ex-Officio Designees

• Designee, Roy Cooper, Governor, State of NC ~ Chanda Branch, Raleigh
• Designee, Dr. Catherine Truitt, Superintendent of Public Instruction ~ Dr. Sue Burgess, Nags Head
• Designee, Secretary of Natural & Cultural Resources ~ Dr. Darin Waters, Raleigh
• Designee, Senate President Pro Tempore ~ Andrew Tripp, Raleigh
• Designee, Dare County Board of Commissioners ~ Robert Woodard, Kill Devil Hills
• Designee, Tim Moore, North Carolina Speaker of the House ~ Nancy Strickland Chavis, Pembroke

RIHA Board Meeting Schedule 2026

Roanoke Island Historical Association Board Meetings are usually held at the Lost Colony Building located within Ft. Raleigh National Historical Site unless otherwise noted.

• February 28th, 2026 10:00am (Town Mortgage Kitty Hawk) (Zoom & In Person)
• June 6th, 2026 10:00am (Lost Colony Administrative Offices) (In Person Only)
• August 29th, 2026 10:00am (Zoom)
• November 21st, 2026 10:00am (Zoom)