Clara Newman is deeply engaged in local cultural life and preservation efforts. Her husband, Chip Newman, is a Natchez native and longtime commercial real estate developer with deep family roots in the area. Over the past several decades, Chip has revitalized historic and commercial properties across Mississippi, always with a passion for honoring local character and history. Together, Clara and Chip are restoring The Briars (c. 1818), a landmark estate known for its early 19th-century architecture, focusing on historical accuracy and craftsmanship. They joined LHN to protect and reintroduce The Briars as a living piece of Natchez’s past and future, opening it for cultural programs and private events.

Tammy Pack is a former trial attorney turned leading expert in luxury real estate and marketing. A seven-time ICON Award winner with eXp Realty, she has become a premier voice in high-end real estate marketing and entrepreneurship. Wes Pack brings a complementary background in custom home building, national marketing, and design. His experience spans software development, engineering, and the visual arts, including a mastery of sculpting and architectural detail. Together, Tammy and Wes run Absolute Charm, one of Texas’s most successful boutique B&B and real estate companies—now proudly representing historic homes in Natchez. They fulfilled Tammy’s lifelong dream by restoring Holly Hedges (c. 1796), carefully preserving its historic architecture while modernizing its systems. The couple joined Living History Natchez to help share the city’s beauty and layered history with visitors, blending professional polish with heartfelt hospitality.

Laine Berry is an acclaimed couture designer who expanded from global fashion success to architectural history and historic preservation. She is a sought-after speaker and creative force behind Our Restoration Nation, a platform celebrating America’s historic homes and the people who restore them. Kevin Berry is a veteran creative director, marketing strategist with decades of experience leading national brand campaigns, political messaging, and grassroots initiatives. He is the owner of AdWorks Concepts & Design, a marketing firm serving clients across the U.S. and internationally. Together, Laine and Kevin are members of the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and are restoring Hope Farm (c. 1775)—one of Natchez’s most iconic and storied homes. They are completely hands-on when restoring homes and have been recognized for their outstanding work both locally and nationally. Their partnership blends Laine’s artistic vision with Kevin’s strategic insight. They joined Living History Natchez to infuse the collective effort with creativity, energy, and a fresh approach to honoring the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Brian Rutledge, a seventh-generation Natchezian, serves as treasurer of the Mississippi Heritage Trust and is chief of staff at the state’s only academic medical center.  His leadership bridges the worlds of heritage, public service, and community well-being. Robb Gray, policy director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and former state tourism director for Oklahoma, has a national reputation for advancing policy, historic preservation, and place-based storytelling that uplifts community pride and power. He also serves on the board of the Historic Natchez Foundation and Mississippi Heritage Trust. Together, Brian and Robb have restored several historic Mississippi properties, most notably Propinquity (c. 1800), a Federal-style landmark along the Natchez Trace, earning preservation awards for their meticulous and community-centered work. They joined LHN to help Natchez tell its stories in ways that honor heritage, center community, and build bridges to the future.

Mary Beth Beasley, a Senior Vice President at Concordia Bank & Trust Company, brings over 35 years of leadership in financial services and an unwavering commitment to Natchez civic life. She serves on the board of the Natchez Festival of Music and is an active member of numerous local institutions, including Rotary and the Historic Natchez Foundation. Carl Beasley, a current Federal Aviation Administration group manager and a former Marine Corps officer, is also a skilled amateur woodworker and craftsman. Together, they are preserving Ravenna (c. 1836), maintaining its architectural integrity while creating a welcoming cultural gathering place. They joined LHN to foster deeper community connection and help showcase Natchez’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Charlotte Copeland has over three decades of experience in Natchez’s historic real estate market. She now lends her deep expertise to Tate & Company, a family-owned firm that’s rooted in local knowledge and personalized service. A passionate preservationist, she has meticulously restored Sweet Auburn (c. 1833), a Greek Revival gem, opening it for private tours and events. Charlotte is widely respected for her leadership in safeguarding Natchez’s historic homes and for mentoring the next generation of preservation-minded homeowners. She joined LHN to bring together longtime residents and new voices, ensuring Natchez’s history is honored, shared, and carried forward.