ATHENS, Ala. — The Athens Main Street Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Anna Clem as the organization’s next Executive Director, succeeding longtime Executive Director Tere Richardson on January 1, 2027.
Clem brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, community partnerships, fundraising, marketing, and project management. Most recently, she served as Associate Director and Interim Executive Director of Singing River Trail, where she worked with communities and partners across North Alabama on regional planning, funding, advocacy, and organizational development.
During her time with Singing River Trail, Clem helped secure significant state and federal funding for trail planning and construction, worked with municipal leaders and community stakeholders throughout the region, and helped guide the organization through its establishment as an independent nonprofit.
A native of Athens, Clem’s connection to the community is both personal and professional. After growing up in Athens, she returned following college to start a family and has remained actively involved in the community and its growth. She previously served as Foundation Director for the Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation and in local commercial real estate management and operations. She currently serves on the City of Athens Planning Commission, Athens City Schools Foundation Board, and various other corporate and nonprofit boards.
“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. 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.”
Clem will join Athens Main Street on November 1st, working alongside Richardson through the end of the year, allowing time for a comprehensive transition of the organization’s programs, partnerships, events, and ongoing projects. Clem will officially assume the role of Executive Director on January 1, 2027.
“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,“ said Clem. “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.”
Richardson, who has served as Executive Director since 2018, will conclude her tenure at the end of December after more than eight years leading the organization.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to see Anna step into this role,” said Richardson. “After eight years of building Athens Main Street and watching our downtown grow, it was important to me that the next director understand both the work and the community behind it. Anna knows Athens, knows how to build relationships, and has the experience to build on what we’ve accomplished. I’m looking forward to working alongside her and helping ensure a strong start on January 1.”
