Our Leadership

We are a volunteer-powered organization led by the following board of directors, plus other leaders of various committees and interest groups.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JEFF LYSYCZYN

Jeff Lysyczyn is a veteran of the music business for more than 25 years, as an artist manager, major record label employee, PR and marketing consultant, and staff songwriter. He also served as an adjunct professor at The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University from 2015-2019. He is an alumnus of MTSU and long-time Murfreesboro resident. Jeff’s experience in the music industry will position him to reach many in the county who need direction in how to get involved with the arts locally. Jeff is also a visionary with a strong and professional work ethic who has many connections in the Nashville and Rutherford County music scene. He is thrilled to be joining the leadership team of RAA:

“I’ve made a living and a life of advocating for and nurturing artists for as long as I can remember. I am overjoyed at the opportunity to use my gifts in service of the Rutherford Arts Alliance and more importantly, the arts community in the county I’ve called home since I was a student at MTSU. To the RAA board members past and present, I thank you for the foundation you’ve built and for your confidence in me. I’m excited to join you in bringing the RAA mission forward. Art matters!”

Learn more about Jeff here | Email: jeff@rutherfordartsalliance.org

Angela Ramos, Chair

Angela is an art and dance enthusiast and advocate. As an artist, dancer, choreographer, and MTSU instructor, she has a strong interest in inculcating the power of art and dance in her students and the community. She began her dance training at the age of three and recalls how dance was the one thing that gave her a sense of freedom and happiness.

She has taught dance at MTSU for over 25 years and serves as the director of the dance company, MTSU Performing Arts Company (known as iMPACt). In her decades-spanning career, her love for the arts and dance still brings pure joy. She loves being part of the art community – connecting, sharing, and appreciating the beauty in it. She not only loves all things art and dance; she loves to travel, be outdoors, design flowers.

Grady Payne, Vice Chair

Grady is a seasoned banker and community connector who has long worked to bridge the gap between the arts and the broader public. Known for his tireless networking and support of local musicians, Grady currently serves on multiple boards, including Greenhouse Ministries and the Community Foundation of Rutherford County.

Gale Stoner, Immediate Past Chair

Gale Stoner began photographing landscapes in the mid-sixties while stationed in Duluth, MN.  A self-taught photographer, Gale's work has been highlighted in the international publication, Photoshop User magazine, KelbyOne Insider Column, and his image of Old Faithful at sunrise was published in Outdoor Photographer magazine.  One of Gale's images was selected for the cover of the 2019 Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Bureau guide booklet.  Gale has served as the 2018-2019 Photographer Laureate for the City of Murfreesboro Cultural Arts Department.  In 2020, Gale was commissioned by the Chamber Visitor’s Bureau to produce images for the Safely Travel Project.  Gale enjoys sharing his skills in both group and one-on-one classes in fine art photography.

Ivy Albright, secretary

A native of Taylor, Texas, Ivy Albright is an accomplished women’s historian and museum professional with a career dedicated to advancing cultural heritage and inclusive storytelling. She holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from The George Washington University and has worked at some of the most renowned institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, the National Women’s Party, and NASA.

Throughout her career, Ivy has been a committed advocate for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) across museums, libraries, and arts and cultural organizations. Her work centers on expanding representation and fostering environments where communities can see their histories accurately and meaningfully reflected.

In her current role as Director of Cultural Heritage and Tourism at the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ivy leads efforts to elevate history, art, and culture in Middle Tennessee. She champions advocacy, representation, and cultural pride, while strengthening connections between history, community identity, and tourism.

Outside of her professional life, Ivy enjoys reading, thrifting, exploring museums and galleries, and spending time with her dog, Henry.

SUSAN GULLEY, TREASURER

Susan Gulley is a true local girl…raised in Brentwood during its founding years as a city and a graduate of MTSU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, emphasis in Commercial Design and Photography. She has an eclectic thread of work experience from commercial printing, human resources, international import/export and non-profit organizations which explains the wide range of connections, networking and love of all things cultural arts. With over 40 years of experience in vision casting and educating with artists and also a corporate project management background, she gets to use the best of both worlds in her brain – creativity AND analytics! In other words, she loves to create it and make sure it happens. Her passions include travel, nature, cooking, her faith and loving on her family and friends. Her position as Assistant Executive Director of Operations with Journeys in Community Living, Founding Board Member of Carpe Artista and treasurer of the Rutherford Arts Alliance allow her the space to inspire others and herself to experience imagination and opportunity on an intentional basis.

Lee Anne wants to live in a world that truly advocates for justice and beauty, a world where integrity matters and fairness rules. She does her best to create this world through her work with AAUW (American Association of University Women, National, TN and Murfreesboro) AND as a board member for the League of Women Voters Murfreesboro branch. She elevates arts appreciation in her roles as board member and dance interest (leader) for Rutherford Arts Alliance. She is a co-founder and an advisory board member of Blue Moves Modern Dance and has served on the City Hall Arts Committee and as a board member and Volunteer curator at Center for the Arts. Carmack was honored to serve as AAUW’s 2021 Athena Award nominee.

LUCY LANGWORTHY, GOVERNANCE CHAIR

Lucy has worked in the cultural arts all of her life and brought this passion to Rutherford Arts Alliance in 2019 when it first began. She has served as Chair of the Alliance, a role that brought her much joy, and lots of great, creative friends. She now turns her efforts toward other MTSU projects, all that center around collaborations between the University and the community. Her work with the Alliance and at MTSU confirms for her that the Arts are truly invaluable to our work and personal lives.

THERESA ALLEY, MEMBERSHIP/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Theresa is a graduate of United Way’s Catalyst Program who brings a passion for arts and community development to RAA. As a corporate trainer for Redstone Federal Credit Union and co-founder of Trellis & Vine, she combines her professional expertise with her love for the arts. Combining these talents has allowed her to launch a business from a dream, develop a sustainable plan, and cultivate a tight knit community. Theresa is eager to help RAA accomplish its mission of promoting the arts, culture, and heritage through connection, collaboration, and education.

Mai Hamric, Advocacy

Mai Hamric is an artist, writer, arts educator, and advocate for creative community engagement. With a BFA from Watkins College of Art and over 18 years of experience, she has contributed to numerous community arts projects, including public art initiatives, mural projects, and collaborative events such as the Boro Art Crawl. Her work spans arts education, program development, and outreach for local nonprofits and the City of Murfreesboro’s Cultural Arts Department. Currently working in sales and development in K-12 art curriculum, Mai is passionate about helping artists connect with meaningful opportunities and is excited to support the Rutherford Arts Alliance’s mission.

Ivy Albright, At-Large Member

Jill Austin, At-Large Member

Jill Austin is an enthusiastic non-profit volunteer and advocate for music education for all.  She is currently board president of Dow Street Community Music School in Murfreesboro, a 501c3 that offers individual and group music lessons to children, teens, and adults. She spends her time advocating for music education, managing day-to-day operations, and thinking strategically about the future for Dow Street Music.  Austin previously served on the board of the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties for 12 years and the MTSU Foundation Board for 6 years. She also served the community as chair of Kymari House for 6 years.

While a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University for 39 years, Austin's teaching and research interests included business ethics, social responsibility, business strategy, and non-profit management. She served for 28 years as chair of the Department of Management (1995 – 2022).   She served in a variety of roles at MTSU including committee chair and director of the EXL Scholars Program (student experiential learning program) and President of the Faculty Senate.  For her work at MTSU and in the community, she was awarded the MTSU Career Achievement Award in 2023.

Patrick Bryant, At-Large Member

Patrick Bryant brings more than four decades of rich experience as a musician, educator, and computer software professional to the Rutherford Arts Alliance board. After graduating at the top of his class from the U.S. Navy School of Music, he served as the lead guitarist for the Atlantic Fleet (now Fleet Forces) touring rock band. Following his naval service, he pursued piano performance studies at the University of West Georgia.

During his post-Navy career, Patrick balanced 22 years in software development and technical consulting with a lifelong passion for music education, having taught piano and guitar privately for nearly 50 years. Deeply invested in community engagement and music theory, Patrick remains actively involved in local performance projects and creative endeavors.

As a board member, Patrick is dedicated to fostering local talent, advocating for arts education, and supporting vibrant cultural programming across Rutherford County.

Carter Elliot, At-Large Member

Carter Elliott, a recent graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry program, brings fresh perspective and hands-on experience in songwriting and performance. His collaborative spirit and adaptability make him a valuable asset in organizing musical events and strengthening ties within the local arts scene.

Stephanie Pflipsen, At-Large Member

Stephanie Pflipsen is a storyteller, creative, entrepreneur, and the Creative Director of Spread The Positive, a media and podcasting organization built on a simple phrase: Bringing Light to What is Going Right.

Stephanie has always been drawn to creativity, people, and the stories that connect us. She attended Middle Tennessee State University, and after that, moved to Kansas with her husband Alex for a job opportunity. After spending years in Kansas, Stephanie and Alex recently returned to Middle Tennessee, where she is excited to be part of a community full of artists, makers, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and people who believe in making a difference. She brings a little creativity, a lot of enthusiasm, and a genuine love for helping people, animals, and their stories get seen, heard, and celebrated. 

Outside of her creative work, Stephanie is a passionate animal lover and rescue advocate. She shares her home with three dogs and a cat and regularly volunteers and fosters for local animal rescues.

Amanda Howell, At-Large Member

Amanda Howell is a dynamic community leader, connector, and business owner based in Murfreesboro. As the driving force behind the Amanda Howell Agency, she has built more than a business—she has cultivated a thriving network rooted in collaboration, trust, and mutual success.

Known for her high energy, authenticity, and heart for people, Amanda specializes in bringing individuals and businesses together in meaningful ways that generate both opportunity and belonging. Through her leadership in networking groups, community initiatives, and local events, she has created spaces where relationships flourish and businesses grow.

Amanda is deeply passionate about supporting local businesses and strengthening her community. Whether she’s organizing events, championing fellow entrepreneurs, or leading innovative programs like Leadership Rutherford initiatives, she is committed to making a lasting impact. Her approach is simple yet powerful: lead with connection, give generously, and build a community where everyone wins.

SHARON KOLLI, AT-LARGE MEMBER

Sharon has served on the American Cancer Society Board, American Heart Association Board, and the Community Foundation of Rutherford County Board. She feels privileged to bring her artistic talents to help RAA cultivate the arts in Murfreesboro.

Ricky Martini, At-Large Member

Operations Manager at The Walnut House, Ricky offers decades of experience in sound engineering and production. A Murfreesboro resident since 1983, he is deeply attuned to the city’s creative pulse and is committed to amplifying its artistic voice.

Claire Maxwell, At-Large Member

Claire Daniel Maxwell graduated from Riverdale High School in 1986 and attended the University of Tennessee, graduating in 1990 with a degree in history. She married Austin Maxwell in 1990, and they have four sons: Matthew, Mitchell, Manning and Michael.   When the Maxwell family returned to Murfreesboro in 1998 to raise their family, Claire dedicated herself to building the community through her work with Junior League of Rutherford County, Daughters of the American Revolution, Tennessee Fisher House, Possibilities Place, and Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Board.

Claire worked at Riverdale High School as an Educational Assistant with Special Education students from 2016-2020.  She used this experience to design a weeklong camp in 2018 for older special needs kids at Discovery Center, called Camp Wonder. Since then, over 20 kids have attended Camp Wonder each year, enjoying fun learning activities and socializing with their peers in the summer.

In 2020 Claire was elected to the Rutherford County School Board, for which she has served as  Chairwoman for the past two years. During her tenure on the board, she has shared her vision of additions at LaVergne, Oakland, Smyrna, and Riverdale schools and had them adopted by the board and county commission.

Grady Payne, At-Large Member

GINNY TOGRYE, At-Large Member

Ginny Togrye is a sculptural painter and sculptor with Creative Visions Artists. She has been featured at the Greenway Arts Festival, the Gallery at the Mill in Lebanon, the City of Murfreesboro, and the Discovery Center Museum. Togrye was awarded Painter Laureate with in 2017 and collaborated with fellow laureates to create the “We Are Tennessee” exhibit at the Discovery Center Museum. In 2018, Togrye helped other Laureates form RAA which she served as the founding Chair. Her mission in all of these roles has been to create connections, which she continues to do with her current project: the Heart of Tennessee that will result in a large public sculpture to be donated to the city of Murfreesboro.

Ariana Vandenburgh, At-Large Member

Ariana Vandenburgh brings over a decade of experience in sales and marketing, paired with a genuine passion for connecting people and building community. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a desire to help others succeed, using creativity and strategic thinking to bring ideas to life. Deeply committed to the arts, Ariana has been actively involved in producing and participating in local performances, including staging The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where she also enjoys performing as Columbia. Her enthusiasm for artistic expression extends beyond the stage, reflecting a broader dedication to supporting and growing vibrant creative spaces.

Outside of her professional and artistic pursuits, Ariana enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and traveling. She values time with her family, including her two adult children, Keilah and Jovani, andis especially excited about her newest role as a grandparent. Ariana is honored to contribute her experience, energy, and passion to the Rutherford County Art Alliance and looks forward to supporting its mission and continued impact in the community.

Digital Media Team

LISA MARIE BROWNING, RAA Happenings Newsletter

A local artist and arts educator, Lisa Marie is inspired by metaphor and symbolism that is rich with story, gleaned from everyday wisdom and nature. Her illustrative line, Visual Devotion, is a traveling gallery, offering viewers a space to wonder. When she is not creating graphics, she is illustrating, teaching art classes and connecting with artists’ initiatives.

Lisa Marie received her arts education at the Philadelphia College of Art in Graphic Design and Illustration which led to a career in advertising, publishing, gift design, book illustration, and graphic design. She is the former Assistant Coordinator for Cultural Arts – Visualize Murfreesboro and is now running her freelance art business and helping connect creatives with community through RAA.

Kelly Messerly, Social Media

Kelly is passionate about using communication to strengthen communities and expand access to art, education, and civic voice. Through her work with creative and community organizations, she amplifies artists’ voices, promotes literacy, and fosters vibrant, connected communities. A school librarian for more than 25 years, she currently serves as the librarian and creative writing teacher at Smyrna West Alternative School. Kelly also volunteers with Smyrna’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and serves on the boards of the Rutherford County Democratic Women and the Tennessee Association of School Librarians. 

Kory Wells, Website

Kory nurtures local creative culture as the founder and manager of Poetry in the Boro, a reading and open mic series, co-producer of the Bloom Stage storytelling show, and a frequent leader of other literary and creative events, including those offered by MTSU Write and the Rutherford Arts Alliance. A former software developer, she is the author of two poetry collections, most recently Sugar Fix from Terrapin Books and the forthcoming prose and poetry collection, The Body Shelters in Song from Harbor Editions. Her writing has been featured on The Slowdown from American Public Media, won Blue Earth Review’s Flash Creative Nonfiction Contest, and lately appears in Salvation South, Amethyst Review, Nashville Scene, and elsewhere. She served as the inaugural poet laureate of Murfreesboro from 2017-2019.

Past Chairs

Mark McLeod

Associate Professor of Art, MTSU

Susan Gulley

Director of Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Dr. Lucy Langworthy

Assistant to the Dean College of Liberal Arts, MTSU

Ginny Togrye

Artist at Creative Visions; Inaugural Painter Laureate, City of Murfreesboro

In Memoriam

Dr. Ginna Foster Cannon, Chair

Director of Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Rutherford County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Banner image: Unsplash/@mcbrae

All other images are courtesy of the individuals pictured.