History Cherokee announced this week that long-time Executive Director Stefanie Joyner is leaving the local nonprofit to accept the position of director of finance and operations for the Historic Macon Foundation. Historic Macon’s mission is to revitalize communities by preserving architecture and sharing history.

Joyner joined the Cherokee County Historical Society in 2005 and was the first executive director, growing the all-volunteer organization into the dynamic operation it is today.

“It’s been a privilege and honor to serve as History Cherokee’s director for 21 years. History Cherokee is blessed to have many talented and generous people leading the organization and supporting its mission,” Joyner said. “I know that will not change, so I feel comfortable in making this transition.”

During Joyner’s tenure, the Cherokee County Historical Society grew substantially in membership and was headquartered in the white marble courthouse in downtown Canton where for a number of years the organization operated a small history museum.

Under Joyner’s leadership, the nonprofit was rebranded in 2020 as History Cherokee and launched a capital campaign that raised $4.7 million to build a permanent museum and educational facility in Canton which opened its door as the Cherokee County History Center in 2022.

Joyner led efforts during her years in the position to have both Canton and Ball Ground listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Preservation efforts under her leadership helped save a number of historic sites and buildings throughout Cherokee County.

Joyner said she is confident History Cherokee’s Board of Directors will find a new leader who will build on the success and take History Cherokee to the next level.

“I am so grateful for the support from the community and my friends during my tenure here and I will miss Cherokee County greatly,” she said.

History Cherokee President Rebecca Johnston said that Joyner’s knowledge of history and dedication to preservation has built community awareness of the importance of preserving the county’s history and educating future generations about its significance.

“We are appreciative of the impact Stefanie has made in preserving our Cherokee County history through her hard work, and excited that she is able to take her career to the next level,” Johnston said.

Plans are underway to replace Joyner at History Cherokee, and a search committee is already at work to find the most qualified candidate for the position.

“Our history is of utmost importance to who we are. Our past educates us and helps prepare us for the future. Proper preservation is an important piece of the economic success of Cherokee County, and our History Center is an important cultural and tourism asset,” Johnston said.

Board Vice President Chuck Douglas, who has more than 25 years of museum management experience, will act as interim director during the search.

Douglas, a Cherokee County native, holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.

He spent five years as the director of the Chieftain’s Museum in Rome and more than 20 years as historic site coordinator at the Smith Plantation in Roswell where he won awards from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other organizations.

Those interested in learning more about the position can send inquiries to Johnston at hiringmanager@historycherokee.org.