Rhett Bolling, Senior VP – Hilton Grand Vacations

Originally from the small coal mining town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Rhett Bolling moved to the Smoky Mountains in 1993 after graduating from Radford University. It’s been an honor for Rhett to raise his family in the heart of the Smokies, where he built his fondest memories vacationing in his childhood.

Having met in Gatlinburg, Alicia and Rhett recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Their daughter, Carlie, recently married Kelly Lambert and is Senior Industrial Engineer in Orlando, Florida for Universal Destinations and Resorts. Their son, Grayson, is entering his junior year at the University of Tennessee, where he is on the UT E-Sports team and is majoring in Cinema Studies.

Rhett is a passionate hospitality leader with a contagious enthusiasm for delivering exceptional guest experiences. With over three decades of experience, Rhett has built a reputation for his innovative approach to customer service, strategic leadership, and collaborative team management. Rhett is honored to be a SVP at Hilton Grand Vacations, fostering a culture of excellence for their guests and team members.

While having spent many years rooted here, Rhett is most proud of his service on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Knowing he will struggle to keep up with Alicia’s dancing skills, Rhett hesitantly agreed to Dancing with the Stars to support the United Way. He’s especially appreciative of the support the United Way provides the youth in the area and is looking forward to seeing the impact of the fundraiser for the community.

Alicia Bolling, Co-owner – Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort & Marina

A true Tennessean, Alicia was born and raised in the charming town of Mount Carmel, Tennessee. With a passion for family life, community values, and a zest for life, Alicia has filled her now “empty nest” with her time as a rising entrepreneur.

She graduated from Virginia Intermont College where she attended on a basketball scholarship, honing her skills on and off the court. Upon graduation, she soon moved to the area, where she met Rhett and raised her family.
In 2020, Alicia’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to becoming the co-owner of the iconic Cowboys property on Douglas Lake, a local landmark dating back to the 1950s. Alongside her business partners, she has transformed this beloved spot into “The Happiest Place on Douglas Lake” – a haven for families and friends seeking lake adventures, food, cocktails, and relaxation.

In 2024, Alicia and her partners extended their hospitality experiences on Douglas Lake, acquiring Mountain Cove Marina and RV Park. With a focus on providing the ultimate lakeside experience, they’ve been working tirelessly to update and revitalize this lakeside gem.

Throughout her 28-year journey in the Smokies, Alicia has been an active participant in various school, church, and community projects. Most recently, Alicia has leveraged the lake business platforms’ reach to support charities including Relay for Life and CARE Animal Shelter. Now, Alicia is ready to trade in her lakeside flip-flops for a pair of dancing shoes as she takes on the challenge of Dancing with the Stars supporting the United Way of Sevier County.

Get ready to be charmed by this dynamic duo!

Richard Wilson (Team Rhett & Alicia Bolling)

Owner: Smokiesgiftbag.com

Area Marketing Rep: Three Bears General Store, Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant

Rich was born in Texas and grew up in Wilbraham, Ma; San Rafael, CA and Saint Louis, MO where he became an avid Saint Louis Cardinals and Anheuser-Busch fan. He sold his Red Limos business in 2007 and moved to Gatlinburg to develop marketing alliance partnerships for Summer Bay Resorts’ Town Square.

Richard currently resides in Pigeon Forge. He is a member of the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce serving as chair of the Membership Committee. Likewise, he is a member of the Events and Membership Committees for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce along with attending neighboring Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Cocke County Partnership/Newport Chamber of Commerce, Sevierville Hospitality Association and the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association.

Rich has been a member of the Lions Club International for over 35 years and is currently a Charter Member and President of the Sevier County Lions Club.

“I am honored to be chosen as a Marketer for Team Bolling and look forward to the challenge of raising the funds for the United Way of Sevier County between now and February 20, 2026.”