About Us...
Michael Rouse
Director of Sales
Michael joined Accents on Asheville in 2003, and prior to that served as the Executive Director of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority. Michael graduated from the prestigious NC School of the Arts and spent his undergraduate and graduate years at the Hartt School, a Conservatory in New England where he studied Orchestral Conducting, Trumpet, Music History & Theory. In addition to degrees in Music, Michael holds a TMP certificate from the Southeast Tourism Society. His hobbies include photography, hiking with his family, fly fishing, cooking, and he still toots his trumpet with several local groups.
Direct Line: 828-251-4222
E-mail: michaelr@accentsonasheville.com
Josh Canon
Director of Operations
Prior to joining Accents on Asheville in 2018, Josh spent years in the corporate event industry as a Travel Director and Event Planner, working with DMCs around the world. Between running incentive programs and personal travel, Josh has currently visited 42 countries. A graduate of Virginia Tech’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, he enjoys working with our incredible local guides, artists, and venues to showcase all Western North Carolina has to offer. If you catch him outside the office, you’ll likely see him zipping around town on bikes with his family, on a local trail, or sampling a local brew.
Direct Line: 828-251-4215
E-mail: joshc@accentsonasheville.com
Mary Lynn English
Sales Manager
In the spring of 2023, Mary Lynn gave up a promising career in standup comedy to come work with the Accents on Asheville team. Mary Lynn is a seasoned professional whose expertise lies in customer experience, project management, technology and troubleshooting. Prior to coming onboard, Mary Lynn worked as a social media and marketing professional, and was also the National Admissions Advisor to Outward Bound. She enjoys hanging out at the pool, puppies, and singing loudly out of key.
Direct Line: 828-251-4224
E-mail: marylynn@accentsonasheville.com
Olyvia Dill
Sales Manager
Olyvia joined the Accents on Asheville team in 2025 after working as an Event Coordinator for the Columbia Fireflies. She earned her degree in Public Relations with a concentration in Event Management from the University of South Carolina. Olyvia is excited to be back in the mountains and serving the community she calls home. She takes pride in her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and building lasting relationships with her clients. Outside of work, she enjoys attending USC and App State football games, spending time with her dog Murphy, and being with her family.
Direct Line: 828-774-5804
E-mail: olyviad@accentsonasheville.com
Elizabeth Berkeley
Operations Manager
Elizabeth "Littlebit" Berkeley, joined the Accents on Asheville team in 2022 after working with the Food & Beverage Department at the Biltmore Estate. Elizabeth grew up in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad area and because of her love of the mountains, went to college in Asheville. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration and Management. Elizabeth's passions include hiking, music concerts, good food and drink, as well as kitty cats.
Direct Line: 828-774-5816
Hank Garbee
CEO
Hank is the CEO for TRY, Inc. which owns both Young Transportation and Accents on Asheville. He has a BA degree in Economics from Wake Forest University, and before joining Young Transportation, where he has worked for over twenty years, he worked in the banking and insurance industry. Hank is a current board member of the International Motor Coach Group (IMG), where he once served as Chairman, and he is active in several local, state and national associations. His hobbies include golf, travel, and quality time with his family.
Phone: 800-622-5444
E-mail: hank@youngtransportation.com
A Destination Management Company is a professional services entity that possesses extensive knowledge, expertise and resources that are distinctive to its local area. Accents on Asheville is the only full-service DMC in Western North Carolina that specializes in the design and execution of group events, activities, tours, transportation, program logistics, and many other convention and meeting services frequently requested by traveling groups. We use our long established relationships with local vendors to leverage each client’s buying power and provide the highest quality of service in a cost-effective manner.
Professional Affiliations
Asheville: Return Again
If you have never been to the North Carolina Mountains before and want to learn more about Asheville, this short video produced by our Convention & Visitors Bureau is an excellent way to get the "flavor" of Asheville and will hopefully whet your appetite for more. The background music is performed by local folk band River Whyless.