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# Our Team

Ritchie Hill is proud to be a family-owned and operated business. But, to us, it's more than just a business: it's a passion. When siblings Robert, Beth, Heath, and Doug Ritchie - alongside their spouses and children - founded Ritchie Hill, the family rallied around an idea that would preserve the home for future generations to enjoy. Today, almost every family member is involved in some aspect of the home's daily operation. But, at the heart of Ritchie Hill is our management, operations, and customer service team. Allow us to introduce them.

### Shannon Cudmore
General Manager

Shannon joined the Ritchie Hill team in 2015. Currently with hundreds of events and 10+ years of experience under her belt, Shannon is passionate, detailed, organized, and gets overly excited about all things pretty!

Inspired by love, color combinations and handwritten wedding vows, she brings an enthusiastic zest of style to the execution of all events hosted at RH. She believes that her passion for love and design adds to her commitment to creating the ultimate event for her clients.

Originally from Point Pleasant, New Jersey; Shannon made her way down to the south in 2002 where she attended Wingate University, she has successfully blended her education with doing what she enjoys!

Before becoming an important asset to RH, Shannon was a former Director of Weddings and Events at Queen City Catering and owned her own event consulting company.

In her downtime, you'll find her enjoying time with her son, Finn, geek-ly listening to a book (because who reads anymore…Audible all the way!!), taking in the outdoors, brunching with friends and bettering her soul to be the best mom she can be.

### Becca Stucko
Venue Manager

Becca joined the Ritchie Hill team in 2020 and instantly fell in love with the beautiful southern charm of Ritchie Hill. She brings more than 7 years of hospitality and events experience from all over the country, ranging from California, to Florida, to North Carolina. She has worked with clients spanning several industries including weddings, special events, print & advertisement shoots, and several well-known film producers.

Originally from a small town in North Carolina, she combines that small town feel with big city experience to help you create your dream event. She loves getting to know each client and wants everyone to feel like family.

Becca has a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a Concentration in Hospitality from Ashford University. While attending school she was already managing several large events in California.

Originally from Clayton, North Carolina, Becca loves anything design and photography related. She is always scoping out what would make the most beautiful photos. When she isn’t at Ritchie Hill she can be found hanging out with her husband, Brenden and their two pups Ace and Boots. You may also find them skydiving, cliff jumping, or anything else that is “once in a life time”.

### Sydney Gorman
Venue Coordinator

Sydney joined our team in 2017, instantly falling in love with the beauty and history of Ritchie Hill. She brings more than four years of experience in events and hospitality, working with some of the highest-rated industry professionals in Charlotte such as Paschal Events, Wells Fargo Golf Championship, and several local celebrities.

Above all else, Sydney brings a passion for client service and a commitment to turning dream events into reality. Her own small-town roots, along with a genuine interest in each client’s story will make you feel like family.

Sydney has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports, Entertainment & Event Management from Johnson & Wales University. While in school, she spent most of her time volunteering and working with a variety of event companies in the Charlotte area, adding to her experience across a full spectrum of events.

Originally from Elkin, North Carolina, Sydney loves floral arrangements, antiques, and unique love stories. When she isn’t at Ritchie Hill, you can find her at any brewery in Charlotte hanging out with her husband, James and their pup Mattis. You may also find her sitting on the couch with a tall glass of red wine and The Bachelor on TV. It’s a family favorite ;)

### Robert Ritchie
Grounds Manager

Robert Lee Ritchie, Jr. is the eldest of the four siblings who own and operate this unique venue. He has wonderful memories of growing up on Ritchie Hill, learning to skate and ride a bike on the spacious front porch and spending lots of time in the yard and in the woods surrounding the house. He was involved in the renovation process and now oversees the care of the venue and grounds. Robert and his wife, Priscilla, live nearby on Union Street and enjoy the excitement and beauty of all the events taking place across the street on Ritchie Hill. He is always happy to share childhood memories with our guests along with the history of Ritchie Hill and Old Downtown Concord.

### Brad Barnett
Facilities Manager

Brad joined the Ritchie Hill team in 2015 after retiring from his career with a national communications corporation. He’s been a close family friend for more than 20 years, and today is responsible for keeping Ritchie Hill beautiful year-around and well-prepared for events.

On warm days, you’ll find Brad on our front porch, touching up paint, and whistling along to blues and jazz. Not only does he take pride in maintaining Ritchie Hill’s historic property, but loves playing an important role in making each event a success.

Originally from Arkansas, Brad, his wife Linda, and their two daughters have called Concord home for 21 years. His other loves are travel, cooking, landscape design, and building and fixing things. He’s also involved in multiple charities through church, including Gracious Greens, which grows and donates nutritional foods for local humanitarian organizations.

### Norman
House Dog

Norman joined Ritchie Hill as House Dog in 2014, bringing more than 10 years of experience in hospitality and entertainment. His day-to-day responsibilities include professional greeting, security, wildlife abatement, and being a sounding board for the General Manager's latest ideas. Norman comes to work each day looking forward to building new relationships and leaving a lasting impression on Ritchie Hill's pristine grounds. He's also frequently called upon as a model in catalog and styled photo shoots - a service he generally offers pro-bono.

When he's not working, you can find Norman eating Sydney's leftover lunch, waiting for Brad to give him treats, or sleeping in the front hallway. Norman graduated from a small, Washington, DC liberal arts obedience school in 2007, where he received high marks for comprehension, and modest marks for applied obedience.

### Mattis
Deputy House Dog

Mattis joined the Ritchie Hill team in July 2018, reporting directly to Norman Alm. He brings just 12 weeks of life experience, but already shows tremendous potential in the areas of hospitality, security, and style. In this role, Mattis hopes to share an often-overwhelming photo shoot schedule with Norman, allowing both dogs time to think more strategically about the business.

When Mattis isn’t training, you can find him exploring Charlotte with Sydney, snacking on sticks and leaves, and napping in the front hallway with his supervisor. Mattis plans to attend an obedience camp in the near future with a focus on sit, shake, and roll over.

Special thanks to Kevyn Dixon Photography, Stefanie Morris of SMM Photography,
and Cali Stott Artistry for making our team look so good.