Originally a native from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Rayanna moved to Beaumont from the beautiful Texas Hill Country. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas in Arlington, graduating summa cum laude. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Public History from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. While there, she was awarded the prestigious Liddle Teaching Fellowship in the History department and served as an Instructional Assistant for undergraduate American History courses.

Rayanna completed an internship within the Education Department at the LBJ Presidential Library, gaining valuable experience in research, content creation, and museum programming. She also taught Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement U.S. Government/Economics in Wimberley ISD for sophomores and seniors.

Rayanna enjoys travelling to historic sites with her husband, reading anything history-related, and volunteering in her community.

A native to Beaumont, Julianne began working with the museum as a volunteer in 2012. She is currently in the process of completing her bachelor’s studies at Lamar University, and plans to receive a double major in History and English. Following this, she has plans to continue her education through graduate studies with a focus on museum studies and historical research.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her two dogs.

 

 

 A native of Corpus Christi, Victoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Digital and Public History from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. During her time as an undergraduate student, she worked as a research assistant in the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research Collection at Our Lady of the Lake University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Victoria earned her Master’s in Heritage and Museum Science from Texas Tech University. While attending Texas Tech, Victoria worked as a graduate assistant at the Museum of Texas Tech University before becoming acting collections manager for the History Division of the Museum of Texas Tech University.

Victoria enjoys discovering new stories and loves to read in her spare time.

 

 

Named as the Executive Director of the McFaddin-Ward House in January 2021, Tony L. Chauveaux is responsible for planning, directing and administering all programs and activities of the museum. Chauveaux, formerly a corporate attorney with the Beaumont, Texas firm of Crutchfield, DeCordova & Chauveaux, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Prior to his return to Beaumont and the McFaddin-Ward House, Chauveaux served as Deputy Chairman for Programs and Partnerships of the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C. from 2017 through 2020. He previously served at the Arts Endowment from 2003 through 2007 as Deputy Chairman for Grants and Awards.

Between his “tours of duty” at the National Endowment for the Arts, Chauveaux served as Executive Director of Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2013 to 2017.

Prior to his moving to New Orleans and Longue Vue House & Gardens, Chauveaux served as the Deputy Director of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, California.

Whenever possible, he escapes to his ranch in the Texas Panhandle near the town of Claude, which was homesteaded by his ancestors in 1888, and where he was raised.

 

A Southeast Texas native, Kara graduated from Lamar University (Go Cards!) in 2016 with a double major in Communications and English. Before joining the McFaddin-Ward House as their Marketing/Communications Manager, she served as the Public Relations Coordinator at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

Harboring a love for people and stories, Kara enjoys promoting the community’s cultural institutions. In her free time, she loves reading, hanging out with her family, and spending time with her puppy, Theo.

Bel is a lifelong resident of Beaumont, holds a BBA from Lamar University and has served multiple board of director appointments in our community, including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Symphony League of Beaumont, Magnolia Garden Club, Humane Society of Southeast Texas, the NSCDA-Texas, All Saints Episcopal School, and our own, McFaddin-Ward House Museum.

She has served as executive director of Anayat House, CASA, and recently as director of event and external relations oversight at Lamar University.

Bel enjoys her garden, creating floral designs, time with her two grown children Isabel and Nick, and her puppy dogs.

 

Felix has been with the museum as Facilities Manager since 2000. He is responsible for the preservation and security of the buildings and grounds. His position requires managing departmental staff and the various contractors used in maintaining and preserving the museum’s properties. He worked many years in building trades and a local school district before coming to the McFaddin-Ward House.

Arlene came to the museum in 1987 as a temporary employee, early in 1988 she was hired permanently as the administrative specialist. She went on to serve as the administrator and as the assistant director/administrator, the position she presently holds.

As assistant director/administrator she is responsible for employee relations including payroll. She also handles human resources, museum and staff insurance, internal audits, budgets and accounts payable. Arlene says it is a challenging position that keeps her hopping.

She loves the museum and the people and is very proud to be associated with such a fine institution.