Staff

The Center's first director was Roy Bryant, who moved from York, SC to live on site with his wife, Betty, and son, Johnny, who was 11. Johnny grew up fishing and boating on the lake, and in 1972 became facilities operations coordinator, a role he retains today.

Johnny hated to leave the farm, but he discovered an idyllic life fishing, boating and working with his father to maintain the executive training center for Duke Power. His father died in 1972 and his mother Betty assumed the director's role and Johnny came back home to manage the facilities.

He still lives adjacent to the Hollifield Leadership Center. Growing up on site and spending the majority of his career maintaining the facility gives Bryant a unique appreciation and orientation toward Hollifield.

"It's almost like this has been my life," he says. "When Duke Power put it up for sale I was horrified that I'd have to leave it. It's a blessing to still be here as a staff person for Hollifield Leadership Center."