ELKINS, W.Va. 8/24/2026 — Augusta Heritage Center announced today that Seth Young will be leaving the organization to pursue a new professional opportunity after many years of service to Augusta.
During his tenure as CEO, Young helped guide Augusta through a period of significant change, including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Augusta’s transition from its longtime campus-based model to an expanded presence in downtown Elkins.
“Seth has given many years of dedicated service to Augusta, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and commitment to the organization,” said Jack Tribble, Chair of the Augusta Heritage Center Board of Directors. “His work helped Augusta navigate a remarkable period of change while positioning the organization for its next chapter. We wish him every success in what comes next.”
Augusta’s programs and operations will continue under the experienced leadership team of Emily Miller and Eric Armstrong, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors. The organization has a clear vision for its future, an established leadership structure, and deep experience across its programs, operations, traditional arts, education, community partnerships, and organizational administration.
“The Board has full confidence in Augusta’s current leadership and in the direction of the organization,” Tribble said. “There is a strong foundation in place, and we look forward to continuing the work already underway.”
Augusta’s current leadership has played a central role in the organization’s recent transition, the growth of its downtown presence, and the continued delivery of its year-round workshops, retreats, concerts, dances, educational programs, and cultural initiatives.
Augusta remains committed to its ongoing programs, partnerships, and above all, its mission.
Augusta Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating traditional arts, music, dance, craft, and folklife through immersive educational experiences, public programming, and cultural documentation. Based in Elkins, West Virginia, Augusta connects generations of artists, students, tradition bearers, and communities from Appalachia and beyond.