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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Athens Main Street Announces Next Executive Director
The Athens Main Street Board of Directors has appointed Anna Clem as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective January 1, 2027. Clem will succeed Tere Richardson, who is set to step down at the end of December 2026 after serving as Executive Director since 2018.
Background and Experience
According to the Board, Clem brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, community partnerships, fundraising and marketing, and project management to Athens Main Street. Her most recent role was at Singing River Trail, where she served first as Associate Director and then as Interim Executive Director. There, Clem worked with partners across North Alabama on advocacy, planning, funding, and organizational development.
Achievements at Singing River Trail
During her tenure at Singing River Trail, Clem played a key role in securing significant state and federal funding for trail planning and construction. She collaborated with community leaders and contributed to guiding the organization through its establishment as an independent nonprofit. These experiences highlight Clem’s strengths in organizational development and community engagement.
Clem’s Connection to Athens
Clem has deep roots in Athens, Alabama. After growing up in the city, she returned post-college to start a family and has remained actively involved in the local community. Previously, she served as the foundation director for the Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation. Currently, Clem is a member of the City of Athens Planning Commission, serves on the Athens City Schools Foundation Board, and participates on various other corporate and nonprofit boards throughout the area.
Statements from Leadership
Outgoing Executive Director Tere Richardson praised the Board’s choice, stating, “On behalf of the Athens Main Street Board, I am pleased to welcome Anna Clem as the new Executive Director. Anna’s nonprofit experience and her deep commitment to the Athens community will be invaluable to our Main Street organization as we continue to strengthen our impact and support the vitality of downtown Athens.” Richardson added, “We look forward to this exciting new chapter and are confident that Anna’s vision and leadership will strengthen our organization’s work and advance our mission in downtown Athens.”
Looking Forward
Clem expressed her enthusiasm about taking on the leadership role, noting the importance of Athens’ downtown area: “Downtown Athens is more than a collection of businesses and historic buildings–it is the heart of our community and a reflection of who we are. I am honored to step into this role and help shape the next chapter of its story.” She added, “I look forward to working alongside our business owners, community leaders, and residents to build on that energy, create new opportunities, and ensure our downtown continues to be a place where people want to gather, invest, and belong.”
As Athens Main Street prepares for the transition, Clem will work closely with Richardson to ensure a seamless change in leadership and maintain ongoing projects that support economic revitalization and growth for downtown Athens.
Source: whnt.com.
