About the Board of Directors

Tori Gravlee and her family moved to Donalsonville in 2018, but she comes from the town's original family name: Donalson. Mrs. Gravlee's great-grandfather 4x removed was Colonel John Donalson, who can be seen with the original Donalson Sawmill in the first photograph on the Historic Downtown Donalsonville page.

Mrs. Gravlee became a DDA board member in 2019, where she served for four years. Mrs. Gravlee took over the position of Director from Virginia Harrison in January 2023.

Beverly Burke is the owner of Burke Insurance & Realty, where she is an active insurance agent and realtor. Mrs. Burke and her late husband, Joe, began Burke Insurance in 1982 and added Burke Realty in 1985.

Mrs. Burke has been a member of the DDA since February 1999 and was given the title of Chairman for the 2022-2023 year. She is currently still active as Chairman of the Board.

Rachael Ward is one of the newer business owners in Donalsonville. Mrs. Ward and her family moved to Donalsonville in June 2020 and became the proud owner of Patty's Wash House on Hwy 84 in July 2021. Mrs. Ward is also Donalsonville's newest Real Estate Agent.

Rachael Ward joined the Donalsonville Downtown Development as a member in January 2022. Since then, she has gained the title of DDA Secretary for 2023.

Jaimee Hornsby Underwood, originally from Donalsonville, is a graduate of Southwest Georgia Academy, Bainbridge College, and Troy State University. She began the Master's program in Criminal Justice at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and completed her degree at Nashville School of Law in 2002.

Ms. Underwood ran her practice until moving to Port St. Joe in 2021, where she currently owns and operates a vacation rental business. She returned to Donalsonville in 2022 and began renovations on the historic Osceola Hotel. Ms. Underwood has been a member of the DDA board since 2023.

Kathleen "Kathy" Barineau has been a Donalsonville resident since August 1982, and she has lived at the same residence for over 40 years. Mrs. Barineau and her late husband moved to serve in a local Donalsonville church. 

Mrs. Barineau has served as a board member for the Donalsonville Downtown Development Authority for almost eight years beginning in 2016 to current. Mrs. Barineau is a major supporter of the local community, having fallen in love with the environment, people, and atmosphere. 

Sarah Avery was born in Seminole County and graduated from Seminole County High School in 1980. After graduation, Ms. Avery attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she earned a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts Design. 

Ms. Avery currently serves as President of the Donalsonville - Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, and has held the position since 2019. She also acts as Director for the Downtown Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville. Additionally, Ms. Avery is a licensed realtor with The Whittaker Agency Real Estate. 

Willie Williams is a Donalsonville local, through and through. Mr. Williams was born and raised in Donalsonville and has been an active member of the community his whole life. 

Mr. Williams worked at Lewis M. Carter (LMC) for two years, worked for the Spooner and Thomas Family for 42 years, and drove a tow truck for Mike's auto sales for over five years. Most recently, Mr. Williams became the owner of Beauty Etc. Inc.