Rebecca Frye
President
Board of Directors

Rebecca is a 2002 magna cum laude graduate of Ferrum College where she received a B.S. in Psychology and Business. More importantly, Ferrum is where she identified her love for civic engagement and philanthropy. It was at Ferrum that she received the faculty designated Caitlin Jr. Citizenship Award for her leadership and involvement in Greek life, student government, and academic clubs, as well as resident advising. Rebecca has carried this passion for community service through her adult life by participating in committee and board work with local, regional, and industry organizations including the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, Miriam’s House, Madison Heights Baptist Church, WNRN, and multiple LCS Parent Teacher organizations. She is currently a Product Manager at L3Harris Technologies, Inc. where she leverages her industry knowledge of mission critical communications, psychology of teams, and project management skills to build partnerships and develop new solutions for first responders. Rebecca was introduced to the Junior League of Lynchburg in 2016 when one of her friends recommended the League as a place to engage with community non-profits and learn more about leadership and board service. Rebecca has been married to her best guy Nick, since 2008 and together they have one son, Ian. These two gentlemen are the perfect companions for movie and game nights, family pranks, seeing live music, and traveling! I joined the League to meet other women who are interested in bettering our community!  

Samantha Citty
President Elect
Board of Directors

Sam a native of North Carolina, is a wife and mom of two. She is currently employed with Liberty University as the Director of Quality Control for Online Academy and currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Central Virginia and member of the Lynchburg chapter of Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. In addition to keeping busy in these roles Sam enjoys hanging out with her family and attending Heritage High School events (Number One Big Orange Country), shopping at the community market, reading, and supporting our local nonprofits. According to the Clifton Strengths finder Sam’s strength is Harmony. She has a passion for trying to find commonalities among people from diverse backgrounds and come together to find solutions to complicated problems. 

As Sam and her family returned to Lynchburg in 2018 she was in search of something to help her branch out and The Junior League did just that in addition to providing her opportunities for leadership and a chance to step out of her comfort zone and meet new people. Sam is a 2021 recipient of the Junior League ROSE award. She states the most important thing she has learned from the League is that It’s more about the mission than about ourselves. It’s very easy to get caught up with ourselves and our motivations that we have a tendency to forget the reason why we’ve joined. This League is about the community and the members I serve as a leader.  

Cara Levinson
Treasurer
Board of Directors

Cara is a graduate of James Madison University where she earned her Bachelors in Accounting and her Masters of Science in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) currently employed with Brown Edwards as a Tax Manager. Cara graduated from the Leadership Lynchburg program with the Business alliance. Cara enjoys going to the movies, knitting, and spending time with her cats. She first became interested in joining the League as she wanted to get more involved in the community and meet new people. As a member of the League Cara shares she has learned that you can take chances and try new experiences and there will be people to help you. One thing that encourages her about this organization is knowing you get out of it what you put into it, so you should continue to push yourself.

Baylee Leazer
Secretary
Board of Directors

A long-time Lynchburg local, Baylee believes in the importance of giving back to the community that raised her. Baylee graduated from Sweet Briar College in 2018 with a Bachelors in History and Psychology before continuing her studies at the University of Lynchburg, where she graduated with a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. She currently is a Resident in Counseling; graduate of University of Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College. Baylee has been a recipient of Virginia Counseling Association Pete Warren Fellow (2020) and Virginia Counseling Association Michelle Dowdy Emerging Leader, Helen K. Mull Graduate Fellow in Psychology (Sweet Briar College), Nancy Baldwin Leadership Scholarship and Academic Excellence Award (Sweet Briar College), Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honors Society. Baylee notes her strengths are her passion and organizational skills and takes an interest in crocheting/knitting, yoga, reading, playing video games, spending time with her husband and our two cat-children. Baylee is also a certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200).

Baylee’s interest in volunteering started at a young age, serving as a volunteer for local 4-H groups for nearly 13 years. She served on Summer Staff at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center as a High Ropes Instructor, later serving as Head High Ropes Instructor where she donned the nickname Little Duck (a nickname that she wears with pride). Baylee joined the League to be a part of positive change in the Lynchburg community, as well as share space with some of the most talented, devoted, and caring women in the community. Baylee joined the League to give back to her community and to be a part of change that is desperately needed in our area. From her experiences so far in League she has learned the importance of taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture.

Dana Whitted
Nominating Director Board of Directors

Dana H. Whitted is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the Salem VA Health Care System. Dana has been practicing with her LCSW in the Healthcare industry for over 15 years and holds her NASW Virginia Certificate of Completion for Clinical Supervision. Dana serves as the Nominating Chair for the Lynchburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; New Member Co-Chair for the Junior League of Lynchburg, Virginia; Scholarship Chair, Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention of Central Virginia (CHAP), and Secretary for the Board of Directors for the Miller Home for Girls. Her professional engagements are the Social Work New Employee Orientation Committee Chair; Member, Dementia Committee; and

Member, Salem VA Employee Engagement Committee at the Salem VA Healthcare System. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), NASW – VA Chapter & Metro DC Chapter, Lynchburg Chapter of Clinical Social Workers, National Notary Association, and American Association of Notaries.

As you can see, Dana is an ambitious professional with a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others. Dana recently launched Position in Purpose Consulting, LLC; a Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Supervision and Notary Public service. During her career she has been honored to be recognized by her employer and the community for her hard work and dedication to the City of Lynchburg and surrounding counties. Dana has been awarded the Employee of the Month, Top Hat Award, Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award, Irene Grant Award (Social Worker of the Year- 2020), Spotlight on High Reliability Organization, and Friday Kudos; just to name a few.

When Dana is not working or giving back to her community, she is spending time with her supportive and loving husband, Adrian “AJ,” and their twin one year old girls Alana and Ava. Dana loves being a new mom and seeing her twin daughters journey unfold. Dana is passionate about uplifting and giving back to her community. Dana stated that JLL allows her to fulfill this purpose by engaging in her community in ways she would have never thought about and with women she would have never met if not joining the League. 

Alexis Scott
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Board of Directors

Alexis currently is the Equity and Inclusion Intern with the University of Lynchburg, and will graduate in August 2024 with a Masters of Social Work and is in the process of career searching!  In addition she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a Minor in Animal Science from North Carolina State University. Alexis is a compassionate leader that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the workplace and the community. In all areas she diligently works to achieve organizational and personal goals by striving for excellence in assigned responsibilities and always seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. Additionally she feels that shared experiences help foster a culture of mindfulness, learning, and growth. Alexis has received such recognitions as Honorable Mentions Award (University of Lynchburg – February 2024) CARE Award Nominee (Booster – May 2023) and Champion of the Month (Booster – March 2023).

Among this significant work listed, Alexis has a love for travel and likes to explore new places and cultures. She has been to 38 states and 8 different countries! Alexis also loves animals and just getting outdoors and is indeed a huge Taylor Swift fan! Alexis shares her strengths are the ability to embody and embrace both gratitude and servitude in all the work she does. Alexis feels that growth challenges her to become the best version of herself so that she can serve others and make positive changes in the community. As a strong advocate for DEIB and social justice issues, a current active member encouraged Alexis to join the League. Alexis was a part of the 2023-2024 new member class and joined the League encouraged to connect with other women in the community in hopes of using her talents to lead efforts in DEIB and create friendships along the way! 

Zaysha Walker
Executive Vice President
Board of Directors/Management Team

Zaysha joined the Junior League of Lynchburg in 2019 and is currently serving as Finance Vice President. She previously served as Chair of the Fund Development Committee and Treasurer. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2016. Outside of the League, Zaysha is currently employed as a Project Engineer at BWX Technologies, Inc. and enjoys volunteering with local schools and organizations to support STEM activities. Zaysha joined the League when she was new to the Lynchburg area, stating that she wanted to make connections while also being able to give back to the community. “Not only did I find a great community of women to serve with, I also ended up refining my leadership skills.” She reports that she has learned the importance of clear communication as a part of being in the League, stating that it is crucial to keep others informed and that it can also help build a layer of trust between members and committees. Her advice to new and current League members? “Be open and as present as possible! JLL is knocking on 100 years of service and we have a wealth of knowledge from current and sustained members. Not only is the league here to help better the community, it is also here to help train us to be better leaders.”

Randall Watts
Sustainer Director Board of Directors

Randall Johnson Watts is originally from LaGrange, GA. Randall earned her Bachelors of Arts degree from then Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, VA in 1977 with a History major and an English Literature Minor. Randall is married to John A. Watts, Jr. and together they have three children (Catherine, Libba and Drake Watts). Randall retired from Watts Petroleum Corporation in 2023 as the Secretary and Treasurer of that company.

Randall has held the following positions in the Junior League of Lynchburg as the Past-President (1990-91), Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Blaze Editor. Randall currently serves on the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center Art Division Board, Miriam’s House Board, Randolph College Trustee (2015 – 2023), Virginia School of the Arts, past President, and the Children’s and Youth Choir of Central VA, Board. Randall is the Music Committee Chair for St. John’s Episcopal Church and sings Alto in the choir. She is the past president and current Treasurer of the Boxwood Garden Club. Randall has received the YWCA Women in the Arts Award and continues to be an active and influential member of the Lynchburg community. Randall initially joined the League to meet new people and get involved and she feels the most important thing she has learned from the League is the value of training volunteers.

Bethanie Mickles Executive Vice President- Elect Management Team

Bethanie an attorney is a 2005 summa cum laude graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, NC where she received her Juris Doctorate and Master of Library Science degrees respectively. Bethanie also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She presently serves as a Hearings Officer and Administrative Law Judge for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in Richmond, VA, and previously served the Commonwealth as Magistrate of the 24th Judicial District of Virginia. Bethanie is the proud Owner and Artistic Director of World of Dance Performing Arts Company since 2006 and was named Businesswoman of the Year by Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority in 2021. With her dance company, she has performed locally, nationally, and internationally from New York and Las Vegas to Nigeria and India. 

In addition to the Junior League of Lynchburg, she is also a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Roanoke Chapter of Chums, Incorporated, Lynchburg (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Top Ladies of Distinction Inc – Central Virginia Chapter, Continental Societies, Inc, the League of Women Voters – Lynchburg, Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority, Life Member of CGXC Multicultural Sorority, Aakrisht Indian Dance Group, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Bethanie greatly enjoys competing in beauty pageants and modeling. She presently holds the beauty pageant titles of Classic Miss Greater Richmond American Star Achievement 2024 and Ms. US Virgin Islands Universe United Miss 2024. She was introduced to the Junior League of Lynchburg in 2015 when her girls’ mentoring and dance program was a recipient of one of the League’s Community Grants. Bethanie states “I was very impressed by the work that the League did on behalf of women and girls in the Central Virginia community and wanted to be a part of the League’s strong legacy of service.” Bethanie’s strength is multitasking! She wears many hats and has numerous interests and activities yet always in place where she needs to be and prepared for the task at hand; possesses true time management at its finest.

Mease Brockman Finance Vice President Management Team

Mease is currently employed as Analyst for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and is a recipient of the Former Active Duty in the Army (Paratrooper Badge, Combat Veteran). Mease enjoys walking her dogs and participating in CrossFit. Mease notes her strength is feeling comfortable in any group she is a part of. Mease sought to join the League from her desire to get involved in the community and surround herself with those with a common service goal. As a member of the 2023-2024 new member class and since joining She feels the best way to solve a problem is to brainstorm it outload with the group. Mease notes there are so many details she never considered that were brought up by others, which helped us be successful in our New Member Project.

Juleigh Brown Membership Vice President Management Team

Juleigh is a transplant to Lynchburg, originally from Virginia Beach, VA. She and her husband have planted roots and made Lynchburg their community for the past 5 years now. Juleigh is currently employed as the Deputy Registrar for the City of Lynchburg. She enjoys knitting, antiquing, and listening to live music. Juleigh notes her strength as the ability to adapt to serve in any scenario under pressure, crisis management. Juleigh states she joined the League to find community and an outlet to serve and connect with her neighbors outside of her daily job. While being a League member Juleigh has learned that everyone has a purpose & something to bring to the table. No matter where you are in life there is a place for you in the League.

Taylor Bell Community Vice President Management Team

Taylor is currently employed at Lynchburg General Hospital as an Anesthesia Tech in the Operating Room. She is a wife and mother of two amazing children and feels the badge of Motherhood that has been bestowed upon her she wears proudly. Taylor enjoys reading, watching True crime documentaries, and playing with her children. Taylor’s laughter and willingness to help shines through and is seen as one of her great strengths. Taylor joined the League as she wanted to surround herself with inspiring people and make lifelong connections and friendships with like-minded women. From her experience in the League she has learned everyone has a gift and talent that can make a difference no matter how small you might think it is.

Jess Winn Communications Vice President Management Team

Dr. Jessica Winn is a clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist with 18 years of clinical experience. She has acted as the Director of Clinical Training for a Partial Hospitalization Program and taught full-time in the Doctoral Clinical Psychology Department, and Counseling & Family Studies Dept. for the past 6 years, 3 residentially, at Liberty University. Her clinical training spans working with toddlers, children, and teens individually and in groups, families, and adults and couples in a diverse range of treatment milieux. Dr. Winn’s practice has included clinical work in schools, group homes, substance use rehabilitation clinics, psychological assessment offices and case management programs, at home-based programs, and in a partial hospitalization clinic treating post-psychiatrically institutionalized populations. Her research has focused on evidence-based treatment of and for severe and persistently mentally ill individuals, with additional interests in culture and diversity-integrated assessment and practice, family systems, pre-marital & couple’s psychotherapy, and co-parenting in the 21st century. Jess is a veteran of the United States Navy and has joined the JLL for fellowship with other career women and to serve her community.