The Northern Outer Banks Tourism Staff
Welcome to the Northern Outer Banks! Our dedicated tourism team is passionate about showcasing everything that makes this stretch of North Carolina’s coast an unforgettable destination. We’re here to support local businesses, inspire visitors, and ensure everyone experiences the unique charm, natural beauty, and vibrant community of the Outer Banks. Contact our team so we can help you craft an exceptional experience.
Tameron Kugler
Director of Travel & Tourism
Even though I grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Hickory, NC, Currituck has always held a special place in my heart. My mom’s folks are from Hertford, NC, and every summer, my sister and I would spend a month on my aunt and uncle’s farm there. It was a family tradition to gather up a whole “passel” of us cousins every summer and head on down to the Outer Banks for a week of sun and fun! I didn’t realize until later how much “fun” it was for my mom and aunts to keep us clean and fed for the week! I never thought that I would actually have the opportunity to live in Currituck. It has so much natural beauty to offer to residents and visitors alike. I am proud to call Currituck home and to have had the privilege of living from the NC mountains to the sea.
Alex Perry
Marketing & Communications
As a Northeastern North Carolina native and a proud Currituck County resident for the past 15 years, I cherish the unique charm of the Northern Outer Banks. Serving as Marketing and Communications Director allows me to share the beauty, heritage, and community spirit of this region I love. It’s a joy to promote a place that feels like home and to help tell the stories that make Currituck so special.
Michele Ellis
Public Relations Coordinator
I moved to Currituck County in 2002 due to a military transfer for my husband who served in the Navy at that time. I am the mother of three wonderful children and love hanging out on Currituck’s 4×4 Beach. We love grilling out on the beach with friends and family, while the kids ride the waves on their boogie boards but my favorite part of the day is gazing at the Wild Spanish Mustang as they roam up and down the span of beach in Carova.
Beverly Chappell
Creative Director
Beverly Chappell is the new Creative Director for Currituck Travel and Tourism. Her main role will be creating all the print collateral, print ads, digital ads and graphic design content that is used for Currituck Travel and Tourism marketing and promotional efforts. She graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and has a real love and passion for design and for the County of Currituck.
Kaye Beasley
Social Media & Retail Coordinator
My adult life has been spent in this beautiful area. After graduating from Chowan College, we moved to Currituck where all of my children attended and graduated from Currituck County Schools. My constant companion is my camera… I am an avid photographer and from sunrise to sunset, I love to photograph all of the beauty that our area has to offer. The loves of my life are my family… my husband, my children and my grandchildren. I love my job in tourism… I have the opportunity to share and promote our area through social media marketing, our website and other online advertising. In addition, I oversee the visitor center retail operations.
John Warner
Director of Photography
As a Director of Photography, I love the craft of visual storytelling—shaping light, composition, and movement to bring each project’s vision to life. Every frame is an opportunity to create emotion and meaning, and I thrive on the collaboration that makes that possible. Whether it’s capturing natural beauty or designing cinematic sequences, this role allows me to combine creativity and technical precision in a way that never stops inspiring me.
Chris Hooper
Visitor Relations Coordinator (Corolla)
Provides customer service to visitors at the The Northern Outer Banks Visitor Center (Corolla). Assists in the development of information programs and promote attributes of the area. Tracks fulfillment of all mail, phone, and internet inquiries.
Robert Smith
Supervisor, Visitor Centers
Over the years I have found Currituck County to be a delightful place to visit and work. There is an abundance of great history and future potential here. The beauty of the landscape, the waterways and the amazing people who live here, help create an experience like no other. I am excited to have recently joined Travel & Tourism, where I will be able to assist others in experiencing the awesomeness of Currituck County for themselves.
Chandler Sawyer
Manager, Currituck Maritime Museum
I am an 11th generation native of Currituck County and could not imagine living anywhere else in the world. My family were some of the founding fathers of this county and I am proud to be deeply rooted in the history of our area. I received my Batchelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University and have held positions with the NCWRC, NCDMF, and was the caretaker of Pine Island Hunt Club for 10 years. I grew up hunting and fishing here and take great pride in the cultural history of Currituck. As a lifelong duck hunting guide and decoy carver, I am passionate about keeping our traditions alive and sharing our way of life to the public at the Maritime Museum.
Samantha Payne
Visitor Relations / Group Tours, Whalehead
I started my career with the department as a high school intern at Whalehead in 2012 when I was 14 years old. I’m a native of Currituck County, with my roots tracing back to the area since 1614. My love for the county’s history, people, and tourism impact inspires me in my role every day
