Our Valuable Team Members

Karen Holt
Karen HoltDirector of Events, Sales & Operations
She oversees every detail of the conference center and client experience, beginning with the initial introduction.  Her goal is to allow the clients to enjoy every minute of their event, knowing that every detail is handled.  She has a passion for service and creating an experience for guests that is unique to each individual and each event. She leads a team of remarkable event specialists who are committed to the values of Whitehead Manor.

Karen realized that she had found a home at Whitehead Manor when she saw the value placed on providing that sincere southern hospitality and warmth in a truly unique and beautiful natural environment.

Karen credits the event management experience at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and customer relations and retail management positions with the US Postal service with enhancing the skills that allow her to orchestrate successful events and sales.

Karen enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Ashton Ward
Ashton WardSocial Events Director
She joined our team in August of 2014 with a desire to work with weddings and social events. Her sparkling personality, true southern hospitality along with her genuine desire for our guests to have their dreams fulfilled has taken social events to a new level at Whitehead.

Ashton’s favorite part of the wedding day is when couples decide to have a “first look” and get to spend a moment alone soaking in that special moment with each other without anyone around.

Ashton is a Virginia Tech alumni, where she played softball, and received both her undergraduate and Master’s degree.

Ashton enjoys concerts, hiking, traveling with friends, her mom’s home cooking, Virginia Tech football games and spending time with her 3-year-old Pit bull mix named Annie. She also admits that her day is not complete without an iced latte in her hand!