Darcy Welch in her office in the Arts Building
photo by Savannah Jaye Thomas
The Southern Lit Alliance has named Darcy Welch to the role of executive director. The appointment comes on the heels of the retirement of Susan Robinson after 22 years with the organization.
“Darcy will bring vision and a reenergized focus to our mission and role in the community; We have every confidence that she will serve as an excellent leader and innovator, working to expand our impact and further establish the organization as a leading literary arts institution in the southeast and beyond,” said Board President Clif Henry.
Ms. Welch, who has served the last five months in the role of non-profit consultant for the organization, said “I am honored and excited to move into this this role and to continue working with such a passionate and motivated staff and group of volunteers. As a 64-year-old organization, we continue to evolve to reflect the change and growth of the community, utilizing the power of literature to uplift, empower and connect; It's an honor to be at the helm of our next chapter as we find ways to continue in that vein, finding relevant and innovative ways to be a viable and visible player in Chattanooga’s emerging story.”
A Chattanooga native, Ms. Welch is a graduate of Girls Preparatory School and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in English literature. Having most recently served as director of development at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Ms. Welch has a work history in the local non-profit community, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband Zach reside on Signal Mountain with their two sons, ages 5 and 8.
For more information about So Lit and the South Bound lecture series, visit www.SouthernLitAlliance.org.