MICHELLE DEAN

Michelle Dean, Executive Director and Founder of Popes Museum Preservation, is inspired daily by what she sees in both people and places. As a literature teacher and  public speaker, she knows that every person and place tells a story, and that stories motivate people to dream grander, reach higher and strive longer.  Popes Museum is no exception. Using Popes Museum and its stories in a way that strengthens the relationships and the economy of South Georgia is what keeps her focused.  

DANIEL DEAN

Daniel Dean, Property Manager, brings a hands on approach to the vision of Popes Museum and Farm.  Dan has been married to Michelle for 29 years. Dan recently completed a career as a deputy sheriff.  He works with property management and bookkeeping for both the museum and farm sites.  Additionally he and Michelle are the parents of four children.  

ADAM STARR

Adam Starr is the Manager of Marketing and Member Services at Grady EMC. In this role, Adam coordinates with local students promoting the EMC sponsored Washington Youth Tour and Walter Harrison Scholarship. With the Live-Line Demonstration team, Adam assists in communicating and educating the public on electrical safety, generation and distribution. In addition, Adam communicates with Grady EMC members through the Georgia Magazine, the Grady EMC website, local newspapers, and social media outlets.

Adam has a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Marketing from East Tennessee State University and earned a Master of Christian Leadership degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves on the Southwest Georgia Youth Science and Technology center’s STEM board, and the Pope’s Museum board.

Adam enjoys volunteering,  being a “Supply Pastor” in the community, outdoor activities, and playing golf. Adam is married to Amy Starr, a teacher at Cairo High School. They have four children, Skyler, Bralyn, Joe and Naomi.

He can be reached at

RICHARD CURTIS

Rich Curtis was born and raised in North Alabama. He received his BFA from the University of North Alabama in 2000. After a year of working at the Birmingham Museum of Art, he entered the graduate program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Curtis received his MFA in 2004. He is currently Assistant Professor of Art at Thomas University.

ELLEN M. JETER

 Ellen M. Jeter's interest is preservation and it stems from 25yrs of custom framing where she was personally involved with the cleaning and repairing of old family portraits and original paintings. Working with these personal treasures gave her a respect of rare family and community as well as national treasures. When she was asked to join the Popes Museum team, she was honored and excited to be able to use her experience to help preserve such a community and national treasure.

KRISTIN BAILEY

Kristin Bailey, Assistant Director.  Kristin recently moved to Cairo from Tallahassee, FL.  She is a geologist by day, but has a passion for technology and marketing of Popes Museum.  She manages the Popes Museum Farm website, all social media accounts, and assists Michelle in planning and implementing activities and events for the museum and farm.  

JOHNNY MOORE

Johnny H. Moore is the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Center, a steady growing congregation in Cairo, Georgia.  He is also known as a motivator, encourager and equipper of pastors and leaders.  He is the founder of AimHi Incorporated, a leadership development company, Ruralpastor.com, a company that develops resources and materials for Rural Pastors and Churches, and the author of three books, “The Pastor’s Corner Collection”, volume one, and volume two, and “Aimin’ High”.  Over the past 6 years, under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Moore, Family Worship Center has applied for and received over $3,000,000.00 in grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and has built a 31 unit Senior Adult housing complex called "The Haven".