Meet our Hosts for Ritz Fest '25!

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Lee Foster was born and reared in Prosperity, SC.  He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, University of Arkansas Rural Executive Management Institute, and The FBI Academy Leadership School. Sheriff Foster began his career with the Little Mountain Police in 1978, transferring to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in 1979.  He then worked for the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy from 1984-1989. In 1989 Lee Foster was elected Sheriff of Newberry County.

Jacqueline A. Holmes has lived in Newberry since 1982 with her husband Mr. Wilbert T. Holmes Sr. They have 5 adult children. Having received education degrees from both USC and Clemson. Jackie put in 38 years in the classroom. A Dean’s and President’s list student from both schools, Jackie joined the US Army and served for 38 years, including Desert Storm, before retiring as a Master Sergeant promotable to a Sergeant Major in 2017. Despite retiring from Education in December 2013, in ’21 she returned to Gallman Elementary where she currently teaches 2nd Grade. Jackie is a VERY active community member, serving Newberry through multiple organizations  as well as our state as a James Clyburn fellow.  Jackie Holmes was elected as the first black female to the Newberry City Council, in July 2020 and was recently reelected for a four-year term. Councilwoman Holmes wrote the proposal for the first Juneteenth, in which the city celebrated year three this past June. She faithfully serves the West End Side of Newberry. During her off time, she enjoys delivering food to those in need, assisting those in need of social services type assistance, going to antique car shows, driving her 1964 Chevrolet Caviar, shopping, traveling, reading, writing, and listening to Country Music especially, Darius Rucker and Gospel Music. One of her mottoes is perfect for Ritz Fest: LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH!

Angie Hypes, former Mrs. Columbia Plus America 2024 and Therapist for Innovation Counseling Services, LLC. In Newberry has been a Licensed Social Worker for the past 19 years.  Angie graduated from Glenville State College in December 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science. She later went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Concord University. Angie has been trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT).

Angie is currently an Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) Instructor, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Trainer, and Trauma 101 Instructor.

Angie is passionate about bringing awareness to mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. 

Dr. Paul Dobyns is in his 19th year in public education and has the pleasure of serving as the Principal at Mid-Carolina Middle School.  Dr. Dobyns received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, master's degrees from the University of South Carolina, and his doctorate from Arizona State University.  He is the proud husband of Stacey Dobyns, who is the music teacher at Prosperity-Rikard Elementary and proud father to Emma and Jack.  

Nicole Marie Quinn lives in Abbeville County, SC. She is a singer, pianist & songwriter. Her vast list of genres include Blues, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Country, Pop, Classics & Originals. She has a B.A. in Communication Studies, Paralegal Certification & 22 years experience operating a real estate business. She is a motivational speaker & consultant who teaches workshops on positivity,  wellness, business & marketing. She enjoys meeting new people in her travels & living life to the fullest! 

Ben was born and raised in Newberry, graduating from Newberry High School.  His start in the fire service came as a firefighter explorer in high school, then served as a volunteer until hired as a career firefighter in August 2004. He obtained the rank of Senior Engineer when he became the Fire Inspector for The University of South Carolina.  While working for USC, he eventually became the Assistant Fire Marshal.  In 2023, he had a brief stint with Laurens County as the Fire Marshal prior to returning home to Newberry Fire Department as the first ever Fire Marshal for the city. Ben graduated from Piedmont Technical College, obtained his undergraduate degree at Newberry College, and earned his Master of Public Administration at the University of South Carolina. Ben is very active at The Lutheran Church of The Redeemer, Amity Masonic Lodge, and the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department.

Dr. Hurst began his veterinary career as a veterinary healthcare technician at the age of sixteen. After only three years of undergraduate study, Dr. Hurst was accepted early to the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hurst graduated cum laude with special recognition in small animal medicine and surgery. In addition to being a veterinarian, Dr. Hurst is also a licensed interior structural firefighter and a retired police officer for the State of South Carolina, under the Federal LEOSA, after serving a little over 11 years. Dr. Hurst resides in Lexington County with his loving wife, beautiful two daughters, and an array of pets including a bird, dog, and several cats.