Our Staff

Anne and Dennis Smith

Anne and Dennis Smith

Founders and Directors

Anne and Dennis Smith are the Founders and serve as Executive Directors of Victory Ranch (est. 2002). The summer of 2023 will be their nineteenth year to move their family to Bolivar, TN to live for the entire camp season. They are committed to providing leadership to the counselors and staff as well as being intimately involved in scheduling and supervising each day’s activities.

Anne is an Art teacher at Evangelical Christian School. Dennis is in his 36th year at Presbyterian Day School, where he is the Director of Athletics and Operations. With over 60 combined years of experience teaching, coaching, and directing camps, the Smiths are an integral part as to why Victory Ranch is one of the nation’s premier summer camps.

Graham Harrison

Graham Harrison

Camp Director

Serving in his 20th year at Victory Ranch, Graham is the Summer Camp and Retreat Director. Graham has been involved in every aspect of camp: serving as counselor, lifeguard, Sports and Recreation Director, Adventure Director, and even helping with our Equestrian Program. We call him our Victory Ranch “Swiss Army knife.” Along with his wife and son, Graham lives on the ranch property and is committed to fulfilling the mission of VR for every camper and group entrusted to our care.

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith

Program Director

This is Chuck’s 20th year at Victory Ranch. In addition to having over 40 years experience as a teacher and coach, he most recently served as an elementary, middle and high school Principal for 19 years. At VR, Chuck has led groups in outdoor adventure, team-building, and recreation. He is also a vital part of the staff mentoring program, author of the summer devotionals for counselors and campers, and speaks regularly in our evening Round-Up.

Zeb Russell

Zeb Russell

Retreat & Equestrian Director

Zeb’s birth certificate states his place of birth as “saddle.” This real cowboy is entering his 20th year at Victory Ranch and has provided thousands of campers with a safe and positive introduction to handling and riding horses. His calm manner and infinite knowledge of riding, roping, and everything equestrian builds the confidence of novice riders.  While managing our Equestrian Program throughout the year, Zeb also leads recreational and outdoor adventure activities during retreat season.

Jeremy Yates

Jeremy Yates

As a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Jeremy is not only returning for his 6th summer but will be joining the Victory Ranch team as a full-time Director. Jeremy has become an important part of camp-life as he facilitates outdoor adventure, sports, recreation, water activities, and helps with all of the night events. His background as both an athlete and outdoors enthusiast makes him a great fit as VR’s newest Director.

Gregg Breeden

Gregg Breeden

Born and raised in the Bolivar area, Gregg is a local farmer that was one of the first people hired during the early development of Victory Ranch. Gregg is a graduate of Union University and is active in the Methodist church and local community. As a lifelong farmer in his 20th year at VR, Gregg has the experience and expertise to help manage the 500+ acres of buildings, grounds, and equipment that make us the premier camp of the Mid-South.