Terry Denniston
Rusty Gray
Audrey Smith
Tara Viland
Friends of the Festival announced the addition of four new members to their board.
Terry Denniston brings a diverse experience of volunteer efforts and professional service to the board. Ms. Denniston served as director of Alumni Affairs at UTC and later as chief of staff for the UTC Chancellor. She is an active supporter of the UTC Mocs and Tennessee Vols and is currently on the steering committee for the Chattanooga Women of Distinction and is vice chair of the board for Caring Place in Cleveland.
Her past service includes membership on the board of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (now the Chattanooga Tourism Company), Senior Neighbors, charter docent for the Tennessee Aquarium and a past volunteer for the Riverbend Festival. An avid pet lover, she also volunteers to drive rescue dogs on part of their journey to their “forever families.”
Rusty Gray is the former managing shareholder at Baker Donelson law firm, where he has practiced law since 1993. He received his law degree from the American University, Washington College of Law. Mr. Gray has attended more than 30 Riverbend Festivals. The Gray family has attended every Bonnaroo since 2013, as well as Lollapalooza, Outsideland and Music Midtown. Mr. Gray is committed to continue the long-time tradition of bringing quality live music to Ross’s Landing.
Audrey Smith is the former director of events at McCalie School, where she worked with alumni and parents for 21 years. She started the McCallie Duck Day Golf Tournament and organized the Dr. Pepper Classic Basketball weekend, along with 40 plus social events per year, including Reunion Weekend. Ms. Smith and her husband, Brent, own Evans Lumber Company and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Tara Viland is a devoted Chattanooga native who currently serves as a commercial property manager at SVN Second Story Property Management. She oversees operations and is curating programming and events at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. Beyond her property management responsibilities, Ms. Viland brings her skills to Live Nation as a parttime promoter representative, where she contributes to the coordination and settlement of concerts and events. Ms. Viland is a graduate of the Holmberg Arts Institute, Women Mentoring Women and Protégé.
Friends of the Festival’s board of directors is chaired by Becky Browder, with Dr. KC Dyer serving as vice chair. Thomas Lee serves as treasurer and Martha Attaway serves as board secretary. Mickey McCamish serves as executive director.
Ms. Browder said, “We’re thrilled to have these individuals bring their substantial skillsets to our board. Like us, they are committed to having quality live music in Chattanooga and we’re excited to have them join us.”