Atlanta Ballet Expands Board of Trustees for Enhanced Community Engagement and Governance

Atlanta Ballet Welcomes New Board Members: A Step Towards a Brighter Future

Atlanta, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, has recently seen some exciting news from the Atlanta Ballet. The ballet company has announced the addition of five remarkable new members to its Board of Trustees. This move reflects their desire to broaden their leadership base and strengthen their governance, all while enhancing the experience they bring to audiences both locally and nationally.

A Warm Welcome

In a recent statement, Nancy Field, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed her enthusiasm. “On behalf of Atlanta Ballet, I am thrilled to welcome these distinguished new members to our board,” she said. The new board members bring a wealth of experience from various fields, promising to enrich the ballet’s mission of inspiring audiences and fostering community engagements through dance.

Meet the New Members

Let’s get to know the fantastic individuals joining the Atlanta Ballet’s Board of Trustees!

• Caroline Gottschalk: With over 32 years of experience as Of Counsel at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Caroline is well-versed in advising clients on important matters like mergers and acquisitions. Her background spans across various industries, and she has contributed her expertise to numerous non-profit boards, including those for Duke Law School and Dartmouth College Alumni Council.
• Cristel Williams: Cristel is the Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank. She has a knack for brand building and community engagement, showcasing her impressive skill set. Previously, she served as Chief Development Officer at the Westside Future Fund and raised over $40 million for crucial initiatives in affordable housing and education.
• Lovely Dhillon: As the CEO of Jodevi Consulting, Lovely partners with organizations to create positive social change. She has a rich background, including experience with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her expertise in advocacy evaluation and strategic planning will be invaluable to the ballet’s efforts to create impactful programs.
• Kristy Rachal: Kristy currently serves as Region External Affairs Project Manager at Georgia Power. Her outstanding career includes roles in economic development and legal affairs. With a strong educational background from Spelman College and the University of Georgia, she is involved in various community initiatives, previously serving as Board Chair of Park Pride.
• Scott Wagner: An Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Partner at Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Scott provides counsel on important matters related to retirement plans. He has made Atlanta his home after relocating from Washington, DC, and is actively involved with organizations like WEB Atlanta and SBEN.

Looking Ahead

Each member joins the board with unique skills and experiences that will undoubtedly aid the Atlanta Ballet in their mission of making dance accessible and resonant within the community. This rich diversity is something the ballet is committed to; it ensures they reach a broader audience and remain relevant in a fast-changing world.

As the Atlanta Ballet embarks on this exciting journey with their new board members, there’s no doubt that audiences and dancers alike will benefit from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas they bring to the table. With their focus on community impact, educational outreach, and the sheer joy of dance, the future looks bright for the Atlanta Ballet.

So, keep an eye on this cherished institution as it continues to inspire talent and foster community togetherness through the art of dance!