The Chattanooga Theatre Centre has appointed five new members to its board of directors. Newly elected to the board are Charita Allen, John Foy, Amanda Jelks, Melissa Loyd, and Steve Ray.
Ms. Allen is deputy administrator for Economic Development with the city of Chattanooga. She has more than 15 years of experience assisting expanding and relocating businesses with access to economic development programs and professional services. With a background in non-profits, Ms. Allen also has significant experience in program development, grant writing and major gift solicitations.
Mr. Foy is chairman, CEO and owner of Noon LLC and chairman of Noon Management LLC, an investment company headquartered in Chattanooga. Mr. Foy previously held executive roles with CBL & Associates Properties, including vice chairman of the Board of Directors and chief financial officer. Upon his retirement in 2012, Mr. Foy formed a group of companies specializing in various industries including wealth management, capital investing, real estate development and health care.
Ms. Jelks is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker and an attorney. She is also an advisory board member of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a member of the city of Chattanooga's Health, Education and Housing Facilities Board, and a founding board member of the Southeast Tennessee Law Association for Women Momentum Network.
Ms. Loyd is a former elementary school teacher who is a dedicated volunteer in the community. She is active with the parent organizations at Big Ridge Elementary School and Center for Creative Arts. She also serves on the board of directors of Emily's Power for a Cure, a local foundation that empowers families and funds research to fight childhood cancer.
Mr. Ray is the chair of the Department of Theatre at UTC. He has worked professionally as a designer and director for such companies as the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, the Birmingham Festival Theatre and Birmingham Children’s Theatre. He previously taught at Birmingham Southern College, Shelton State Community College and Southern Union State Community College.
Founded in 1923, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the Southeast and produces high-caliber theatrical productions and provides volunteer and educational opportunities for people of all ages.