Meet our team
Empowered by volunteers
The Board of Directors
TJ Phillips
President
TJ Phillips moved his family to Hot Springs 5 years ago, but first fell in love with the town (and his future wife) after having been brought to Hot Springs on their first date. He grew up in rural Vermont, a northern Appalachian community that, like Hot Springs, was also a stop along the Appalachian Trail.
As a business owner and consultant, TJ has nearly 30 years of experience in various aspects of IT and finance. Over that time he has consulted for a long list of businesses, municipalities, federal agencies, and other non-profit groups, as well as having served in leadership roles in a variety of other organizations. TJ is also a member of the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department and sees his role at RHSA as another way to help serve his community.
Mary Helen Adamson
Vice President
Mary Helen Adamson relocated to the Hot Springs area 25 years ago after graduating from college. Since then, she has become a dedicated community member, a mom, and a successful business owner. Mary Helen runs Hot Springs Getaway, a vacation rental and property management business, and also serves as an event planner for the Magnolia House in Hot Springs.
Benjamin Ray
Treasurer
Ben Ray moved to Hot Springs in 2020 by accident. He thought he was just going for a hike to get away from Charlotte for a weekend, but he fell in love with the Hot Springs community immediately and never left. Ben works remotely for LPL Financial as a Program Manager in the Infrastructure & Operations area focusing on data center migrations.
Mary Dixon
Secretary
Mary Dixon and her family have deep roots in Hot Springs, where they have lived for 34 years, raising a family and farming. In 1992, her family established Broadwing Farm, growing and selling a variety of products to local communities. In 2008, the farm expanded its offerings to include overnight stays through Broadwing Farm Cabins.
From 2011 to 2021, Mary served on the board of Friends of Hot Springs Library, helping lead efforts to raise funds for a permanent home for the library, thanks to the generosity of the community and the support of FHSL.
Chris Donochod
Director
Chris Donochod is an owner of Big Pillow Brewing in Hot Springs. He is an avid hiker, kayaker and rafter and co-founder of the French Broad River Festival which took place in Hot Springs from 1998 to 2021.
Jodie Orozco
Director
Jodie Orozco resides in the Hot Springs area and assists RHSA with governance and fundraising. Her prior leadership roles on volunteer boards have equipped her with substantial experience in nonprofit financial management, logistics, marketing, and community relations.
Kevin Reese
Director
Kevin Reese is a proud sixth-generation native of Hot Springs. For over a decade, he explored the country as a touring musician alongside long-time collaborator Pierce Edens, sharing their unique blend of boot-scuffing, Appalachian-fried folk-rock. He now works at the intersection of arts, public service, and digital storytelling—coordinating at Azule (an arts nonprofit), serving as Public Information Officer for the Town of Hot Springs, and leading the technology platform at Million Memory Project.
Ex Officio Seat
The Ex Officio seat on the RHSA Board is reserved for the elected Mayor of Hot Springs. In the mayor’s absence, an elected Alderman may be designated to serve in their place. This structure ensures ongoing communication, collaboration, and transparency between RHSA and the Town of Hot Springs as we work together to support long-term recovery and community resilience.
Mayor Abby Norton
Ex Officio
Abby Norton spent 12 years with the Hot Springs Health Program and 20 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She currently serves as mayor of Hot Springs, NC.