Board of Directors and Staff

The Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center staff and board are comprised of outdoor lovers, camp counselors, nature experts and educators. We thrive on interaction with our community, and we seek out opportunities to work and play alongside our neighbors.

Staff

Kyle Simpson - Executive Director

Kyle became the Executive Director of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center in May of 2025.

Since starting his first position in conservation in 2003 at LBJ National Historical Park, Kyle has held a number of roles spanning the federal, state, and nonprofit sectors. He served as the Sanctuary Manager, and later the Executive Director, of the Chattanooga Audubon Society from 2012 to 2019 and as the Programs Manager for the Central Virginia Land Conservancy between 2020 and 2025.

He holds a Masters of Science in Parks & Resource Management from Slippery Rock University and a B.A. from Southwestern University.

Kyle says, “I am humbled to be trusted with this opportunity and inspired by the legacy and example of this organization in our community."

I know that this mission and this place matter because I've seen my family benefit from their presence. Our children, who both attended Bedford Hills Elementary School next door, have each attended camp here, spent time with friends here, and created wonderful memories at this special place. In the months and years ahead, I will ask for your help, your ideas, and your best for one another as we work to keep and grow Camp Kum-Ba-Yah as a place of exploration, growth, and welcome for all.

The warmth of community and a good space to gather brings out the best in all of us.”

You can reach Kyle at (434) 515-2225 or email director@ckby.org.

Gage McAngus - Programs Director

Gage has been the Programs Director at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center since February of 2022. He leads our year round educational programs to include school visits, summer camp, teambuilding activities, and rentals.

Gage first experienced the joys of camp life at a young age at Camp Gravatt in Aiken, SC. While earning his teaching certificate in Charleston, SC, he served as a summer camp counselor and camp technician for the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. After serving as a public school teacher and administrator for the past thirteen years in Greenville, SC, he moved to Lynchburg with his wife, a Lynchburg native, and their two children.

Having learned about the rich history of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah and its value and importance in the community, he remains honored to serve as the Programs Director. Through both summer and year-round programming, he hopes to provide accessibility and enjoyment for anyone who wants to experience the benefits of the outdoors.

If you would like more information regarding programs or rentals, please call (434)-384-5732 or email programs@ckby.org.

Kerry Silva - Director of Finance

Kerry Silva joined Camp Kum‑Ba‑Yah Nature Center as Director of Finance in April 2026 after several years of service as CKBY’s volunteer Board Treasurer. In that role, she strengthened financial reporting systems, supported major capital planning, and helped guide the organization through a period of growth and renewed community investment.

Kerry brings extensive experience in operations and financial oversight from her work in engineering in the aerospace industry and military, and nonprofit governance. Her background includes managing complex projects, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and developing efficient administrative systems - skills that directly support CKBY’s year‑round programming, scholarship administration, and long‑range planning. She is passionate about building strong organizational systems and continuously improving processes so mission‑driven programs can thrive.

As Director of Finance, Kerry oversees budgeting, financial management, and operational systems that keep CKBY’s 47‑acre campus and summer camp running smoothly. She works closely with families receiving scholarships, helping remove financial and logistical barriers so that every child can participate fully in camp and school‑year programs.

Kerry is also a proud camp mom. Her family’s connection to CKBY deepens her commitment to ensuring that the camp remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all children to explore, learn, and grow.

You can reach Kerry at 434-439-2004 or finance@ckby.org.