Come meet the friendly and helpful staff of Statesville Fitness & Activity Center
Sassy Smyth
Facility Manager
Having grown up in Statesville, Sassy has returned to her roots to be a part of the New Statesville Fitness & Activity Center. After finishing her days as a Greyhound at Statesville High School, Sassy followed where her Carolina Blue blood led her- right to UNC Chapel Hill. She graduated from Chapel Hill in 2006 with a BA in Psychology and Sociology. Since graduating Sassy has spent several summers as a counselor for Teen's Camping Tour of the West, a camping tour that takes high school students on a cross country tour of the United States. She enjoys snowboarding, coaching youth sports, and spending time with her family. Sassy is excited to have the opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in and is looking forward to all the firsts in store for her and SFAC!
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James Houpe
Assistant Facility Manager/Climbing Wall Coordinator
A native of Queens, NY, James moved to Statesville in 1984. He graduated from Statesville High School in 1987 and recently earned his Associate Degree in Theology from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC. He started his career with the City of Statesville in 1994, as a Motor Equipment Operator/Supervisor for the Sanitation Division, before moving on to become Assistant Facility Manger for the Recreation and Parks Department. He received an Accreditation from the American Mountain Guide Association as a Certified Climbing Wall Instructor. James works with several programs including Honors Club, Special Populations PEP Club, Seniors Clubs and as the Climbing Wall Coordinator.
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Richard Griggs
Assistant Facility Manager
Richard graduated from Statesville High School in 1998 and then received a BS in Parks and Recreation with a minor in Adventure Education from NCSU in 2002. After working for several years in the outdoor retail industry, Richard and his wife moved to Telluride, Colorado. Their seasonal work for the ski resort and the film festival provided them with plenty of off- season time to pursue their passion for travel. Most recently, they traveled extensively throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. Richard and Jennifer returned to Statesville at the end of 2008 and are excited to have relocated their growing family back home. Richard’s passions include, spending time with his wife and dog, and anything that can be done outdoors including climbing, kayaking, backpacking and snowboarding.
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Mark Wilkinson
Fitness Director
Mark is a lifelong resident of Statesville. After graduating from Appalachian State University in 1996 he returned to Statesville to follow his degree in Health Promotions. He worked at the YMCA of Iredell County for 13 years as a fitness instructor and Assistant Fitness Director. Mark has also worked with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Iredell Memorial Hospital as a fitness instructor and Exercise Specialist for nearly 10 years. He knows how important it is to be proactive with your health by leading a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly. Mark is married to Sarah Wilkinson, and they have one daughter, Clara. In his spare time, Mark enjoys running and weight training, refinishing furniture, picture framing, and gardening.
email Mark