Staff

A native of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Tyler Hughes became Executive Director of The Crooked Road in August 2023. Hughes’ history with the organization runs deep as he previously served as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and was featured numerous times as an old time musician on The Crooked Road on Tour. Hughes received a Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies from East Tennessee State University in 2015. He has worked professionally as a self-employed musician for more than a decade appearing on PBS, NPR, and WSM’s Grand Ole Opry. He has traveled extensively in the United States and abroad sharing his passion for Appalachian music and dance. Hughes has taught at Mountain Empire Community College as an adjunct faculty member for nearly a decade and serves as a coordinator for both Mountain Music School camp and Home Craft Days festival, both hosted by the college. He has also served on the Town Council of Big Stone Gap since 2017.

Dani Babcock joined The Crooked Road in January 2025 as an Administrative Assistant. Dani was born and raised in Wytheville, Virginia, and currently resides in Abingdon, Virginia. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in 2024 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Media & Communications and Sociology. With a passion for Appalachian culture, Dani enjoys exploring the regions’ natural beauty and rich history. Her role at The Crooked Road allows her to contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting Appalachian music and culture.