J. Ray Caldwell

Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Ray has lived in Athens since 1988. He is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of Georgia. In addition to his job with the state of Georgia, Ray is sole proprietor of Safety Training Consultants, LLC. In the community, Ray is on the executive board of The Ark and serves as Lay Leader at Chapelwood United Methodist Church.

Janey M. Cooley

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Janey is the Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at First American Bank and Trust Company. She is active in many community and cultural organizations, serving for many years as Treasurer of the Athens Symphony.

Joan C. Curtis, EdD

Joan is CEO of Total Communications Coaching and has authored four books related to communication. She has over twenty years’ experience as a communications coach and trainer. She’s an active member of the Georgia Museum of Art and the Performing Arts Center.

Melissa Link

Melissa Link works in the UGA Department of Philosophy as the managing editor of the journal Ethics & the Environment. She has been an arts and entertainment writer for Flagpole magazine and the Athens Banner-Herald as well as Athens magazine & the Gainesville Times. She has also served on the Athens Area Arts Council, AthFest steering committee, and Human Rights Festival organizational committee and has coordinated art exhibits for several local businesses as well as ATHICA, the Lyndon House Arts Center, and the Classic Center.

Ashley McCormack, Ph.D.

Ashley is a recent Fanning Institute Fellow and graduate of the UGA School of Social Work, where she focused on the use of cultural assets in community development. She has lived in Athens since 2006 and has served the community in a number of capacities, including parent volunteer and hospice volunteer.

Laura C. Nehf

Laura C. Nehf is an attorney in Athens, GA, representing artists and arts organizations. Service to Athens arts organizations include Athens Cultural Affairs Commission, Mayor and Commission Public Art Task Force, Immediate Past President, Athens Area Arts Council; Americans for the Arts-Art and Economic Prosperity Survey; Georgia Museum of Art, Friends Board and Docent; Athens Art Association. She enjoys painting, writing, gardening and cooking.

Lance Wilder, Ph.D.

Lance Wilder is a faculty member in the English Department at the University of Georgia, where his work often involves the intersection of literature and the visual arts. He and his wife have lived in Athens for 17 years and are now introducing their toddler son to all that the community has to offer.

Marilyn Wolf-Ragatz, Ed.D.

Marilyn is an art educator and presently serves as Chair of the ACAC. She was a member of the Athens Public Art Task Force prior to the formation of the Cultural Affairs Commission. Marilyn moved to Athens in 1981 and has since taught in Clarke County, Oconee County, and at the University of Georgia. She has worked through the years in support of various arts organizations.

Sally Wyche Coenen

Sally Coenen has served on the board of a number of community organizations, including the Athens Area Arts Council and Canopy. She is co-founder of Emrys, an association that promotes the works of emerging artists. She has a background in classical music composition and also enjoys painting.