Katherine Reagan Bussells Deason
Albertville,AL
Summary
Experienced Historic Park Manager specializing in operations optimization and guest experience enhancement. Developed engaging interpretive programming and led diverse teams to improve educational outreach. Former Library Director with 5.5 years in service direction and community initiatives, skilled in museum collections and policy development. Focused on enhancing visitor engagement and driving community outreach initiatives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Historic Park Manager
Burritt on the Mountain
Huntsville, AL
10.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of historic park and barnyard, enhancing visitor engagement and satisfaction through interactive experiences.
- Directed costumed interpretation in historic park and barnyard, enhancing visitor understanding of historical contexts and narratives through immersive experiences.
- Facilitated educational programs and public events, working with education and public programs teams.
- Coordinated training sessions for staff and volunteers, developing a skilled team to enrich visitor experiences.
- Managed staff and volunteers, cultivating a collaborative environment that improved service delivery.
- Evaluated performance of staff, leading regular meetings to ensure consistent communication.
- Collaborated with chief programs officer and CEO to establish preservation standards and direction.
- Developed monthly work schedules for all historic park personnel, optimizing resource allocation.
SPED Paraprofessional
Marshall County Schools
Guntersville, Alabama
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Provided individual support to students requiring special attention, contributing to improved academic performance.
- Reinforced material for small groups and delivered targeted re-teaching to enhance understanding.
- Assisted teacher in achieving instructional objectives and increasing student engagement with available resources.
- Performed classroom tasks under supervision of certified teachers to enhance learning experiences.
- Guided independent study, enrichment, and remedial activities based on teacher instructions.
- Provided feedback on student progress to assist classroom teachers in instructional planning.
- Assisted in preparation of instructional aids and managed classroom displays effectively.
- Maintained confidentiality and upheld high ethical standards in all interactions.
Special Assistant
U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) Education Foundation
Huntsville, AL
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed communication between teams and served as liaison between Chief of Staff and Executive Leadership, fostering collaboration.
- Executed executive administrative support for Chief of Staff and senior leadership, ensuring seamless operations.
- Coordinated meeting schedules with team members and stakeholders, screening and directing calls to enhance communication flow.
- Oversaw daily operations and administrative tasks as primary contact, streamlining workflow across departments.
- Identified and resolved operational issues, improving overall functionality across the Foundation.
- Oversaw significant initiatives for Foundation, promoting local and national impact. with local and national significance to USSRC and Foundation.
- Planned and coordinated communication strategies through research, increasing engagement and clarity of messages.
- Responded to internal and external inquiries at both local and national levels.
Library Director
Albertville Public Library
Albertville, AL
10.2018 - 05.2024
- Directed public library functions, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Managed library collection and services, fostering partnerships with patrons and community organizations to enhance community engagement.
- Evaluated and administered library programs, increasing user engagement in circulation and reference services.
- Oversaw development and maintenance of diverse library materials, including books and periodicals.
- Recommended policies and developed departmental strategies to align operations with library objectives.
- Coordinated building maintenance and repairs to ensure safe library environments.
- Supported Library Board through meeting assistance, report preparation, and policy implementation.
- Controlled departmental expenditures within budget constraints, maintaining fiscal responsibility while optimizing resource allocation.
Visitor Guide
Architect of the Capitol
Washington, DC
04.2013 - 08.2013
- Led formal talks and guided tours, enhancing visitor experiences through engaging storytelling.
- Interpreted natural and historic features, addressing visitor inquiries to deepen engagement and understanding.
- Delivered interpretive services at parks and visitor centers, enhancing visitors' appreciation for cultural and natural heritage.
- Ensured safety of significant objects in visitor areas and features while ensuring visitor safety and comfort.
Coordinator, Admissions and Outreach
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
09.2007 - 09.2009
- Coordinated admissions and recruiting activities for professional master of engineering and graduate certificate programs, increasing applicant engagement and conversion rates.
- Acted as the primary contact, guiding applicants from inquiry to enrollment.
- Streamlined application sorting and processing, enhancing timely completion and applicant experience.
- Ensured compliance with documentation and eligibility requirements.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to enhance application processes.
- Established communication channels between departments to improve collaboration between Office of Advanced Engineering and Graduate Enrollment Management Services.
- Maintained database of prospective student records and analyzed market trends to refine outreach strategies and target prospective students effectively.
- Promoted OAEE through creation of promotional materials and attendance at recruitment fairs.
Merchandise Coordinator
National Archives Foundation
Washington, DC
09.2006 - 09.2007
- Developed and procured merchandise for The Foundation for the National Archives, driving revenue generation through strategic product selection and vendor partnerships.
- Sourced new products by attending merchandise expositions and marketing venues, expanding product offerings.
- Managed museum shop inventory with database practices, maintaining optimal stock levels to support sales.
- Oversaw daily shop operations, supervising staff and managing point of sale to ensure seamless customer experience and operational flow.
- Coordinated communication among shop staff, accounting, and other departments to enhance operational flow and service delivery.
- Acted as special events liaison between Museum Programs Office and Foundation to facilitate collaboration.
Museum Guide
The Stephen Decatur House Museum
Washington, DC
07.2006 - 09.2006
- Represented museum and National Trust for Historic Preservation, engaging public audiences to promote awareness and appreciation of historical significance, fostering a deeper connection to history.
- Delivered accurate information on museum offerings and collections, enhancing visitor understanding and engagement.
- Addressed inquiries about visits to Decatur House Museum, enhancing visitor engagement and satisfaction through personalized assistance.
- Coordinated front desk activities, greeting visitors and answering inquiries to streamline visitor management and enhance overall experience.
Museum Assistant
The Phillips Collection
Washington, DC
07.2006 - 09.2006
- Maintained safe and enjoyable experiences for guests during museum visits by proactively monitoring environments.
- Addressed life safety and medical emergencies effectively to ensure visitor well-being.
- Conducted emergency evacuation procedures to ensure visitor safety.
- Collaborated with staff to develop safety awareness programs and engage guests in museum initiatives.
- Performed daily security checks to monitor museum premises. to safeguard artwork from damage or theft.
- Observed and reported suspicious activities or unsafe behaviors effectively.
- Delivered accurate information on museum policies, exhibitions, and collections to enhance visitor experience.
- Completed comprehensive Museum Assistant training program, acquiring essential skills for effective visitor support. to enhance skills.
Graduate Assistant
Museum of Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
09.2004 - 12.2005
- Developed electronic file database for museum collections, enhancing research access and public engagement.
- Digitized museum ethnology collection using computer and visual technology, improving artifact preservation and access.
- Oversaw digital image inventory for entire collection, ensuring thorough documentation and facilitating record retrieval.
- Maintained permanent and on-loan collections by tracking storage requirements, preserving artifacts' integrity.
Graduate School Services Specialist
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
04.2002 - 08.2003
- Streamlined graduate admissions processing by organizing applications in database system, enhancing application workflow.
- Reviewed documentation for accuracy and compliance with admission standards and eligibility requirements.
- Ensured prospective students fulfilled procedural criteria for admission.
- Served as primary contact for international and domestic inquiries, strengthening communication and support for Graduate School.
- Guided potential and current graduate students through resources, fostering supportive campus environment.
Undergraduate Admissions Assistant
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
09.1999 - 08.2001
- Provided timely and informative responses to inquiries from prospective undergraduate students, improving their understanding of admission processes.
- Facilitated on-campus recruitment activities for prospective students, increasing engagement and interest in the institution.
- Organized and led campus tours for prospective students and alumni, showcasing facilities and programs to enhance their experience. for students and alumni.
- Reviewed and entered admissions applications into the database, ensuring efficient processing. and entered data into the system.
- Collaborated with international admissions office, international student organization, and delegates from over 40 countries to promote multiculturalism and diversity during World Fair Day.
- Supervised educational activities for local schoolchildren.
Education
Master of Arts -
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXBachelor of Arts -
Auburn University
Auburn, ALSkills
- Staff and team management
- Budget oversight
- Policy implementation
- Visitor and community engagement
- Data management
- Relationship building
- Leadership and supervision
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal communication
Timeline
Historic Park Manager
Burritt on the Mountain
10.2025 - Current
SPED Paraprofessional
Marshall County Schools
01.2025 - 10.2025
Special Assistant
U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) Education Foundation
08.2024 - 01.2025
Library Director
Albertville Public Library
10.2018 - 05.2024
Visitor Guide
Architect of the Capitol
04.2013 - 08.2013
Coordinator, Admissions and Outreach
University of Maryland
09.2007 - 09.2009
Merchandise Coordinator
National Archives Foundation
09.2006 - 09.2007
Museum Guide
The Stephen Decatur House Museum
07.2006 - 09.2006
Museum Assistant
The Phillips Collection
07.2006 - 09.2006
Graduate Assistant
Museum of Texas Tech University
09.2004 - 12.2005
Graduate School Services Specialist
Auburn University
04.2002 - 08.2003
Undergraduate Admissions Assistant
Auburn University
09.1999 - 08.2001
Master of Arts -
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Arts -
Auburn University
Activities
- Education and Training Advisory Committee, Albertville High School, Albertville, AL, 2023-2024
- Foundation Board Member, The Albertville Museum, Albertville, AL, 2019-2024
- Craft Assistant, Camp Hope, Guntersville, AL, 2019
- Volunteer, Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church Preschool, Alexandria, VA, 2012-2017
- Volunteer, Samaritan’s Purse, Tuscaloosa, AL, 2011
- Volunteer, Science Spectrum, Lubbock, TX, 2005
- Volunteer, Crusader Raider (IDEAL), Lubbock, TX, 2005
- Volunteer Teacher's Aide, Stallings Center: RISE Program, Tuscaloosa, AL, 1997
Internships and Other Training
Intern, National Women's History Museum, Washington, D.C., 2006
- Manage educational and outreach programs. Design web resources for teachers to augment educational curriculum for women's history. Develop educational/outreach material for increased public exposure and support for the NWHM.
- Assist in the drafting, editing, design, and publication of articles of the National Women's History Museum Newsletter.
- Develop press packets, which included prepared statements and brochures.
- Serve as museum archivist. Document legislative history regarding the campaign to acquire a permanent site for the NWHM in the District of Columbia.
Consultant/Project Manager, Littlefield Lands Duggan House Museum, Texas Tech University, 2005
- Elected by peers and recommended by Program Advisor as project manager for historical research.
- Took leadership roles as project manager and supervised four colleagues.
- Organize, develop agenda, and manage group meetings; research historical period; and develop reports and presentations to communicate to board members best management practices for permanent and on-loan art collections for the museum.
- Assist in development of project scope. Develop project scope with the Director of Texas Tech Museum Studies program to include historical documents and documented best-management practices.
- Communicate with board members. Edit museum governing documents and interact directly with board members to incorporate board members' needs into the final strategic plan.
- Research and recommend best use of exhibition space. Recommend to staff how they could use display methods to convey the institutional mission statement within the parameters of a historic house. Recommend more community diversity within the museum displays.
- Communicate orally and in writing a final strategic plan describing best museum practices.
- Develop a museum mission statement that conveys the importance of the museum.
- Develop a management plan for the director, curator, and collections manager.
- Orally presented the final product to the board of directors and received commendation.
Treasurer, Museum Science Student Association, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 2004-2005
- Financial management of TTU MSSA Credit Union Account and Student Government Association funds.
- Recommend and develop Hurricane Katrina fundraiser, contributions donated to the Southeastern Museums Conference for rebuilding purposes.
Intern, Juvenile and Family Circuit Court, Opelika, AL, 2001
- Legal Docket Research to assist the court.
- Communication with juvenile parole officers and defendant attorneys to schedule court dates.
- General office administration.
- Final project product: wrote a historical biography paper about the judge and the emergence of family courts in the state of Alabama.
Other Experience
- Sales Associate/Merchandiser/Buyer, Southern Crossing; Opelika, AL — 2004
- Beauty Advisor, Estee Lauder/Dillard's; Opelika, AL — 2003
- After School Program Counselor, Tuscaloosa City Schools; Tuscaloosa, AL — 1998
- Sales Associate/Merchandiser, Camden Court; Tuscaloosa, AL — 1997-1998/2001-2002
- Cashier, Winn Dixie; Tuscaloosa, AL — 1997
- Hostess, Bob Baumhower's Wings; Tuscaloosa, AL — 1996