Anna Clem is coming home to downtown Athens in a new role, bringing years of nonprofit leadership and regional development experience to the community where she grew up.
Athens Main Street announced Clem will succeed longtime Executive Director Tere Richardson on Jan. 1, 2027, following a two-month transition beginning Nov. 1.
Clem most recently served as associate director and interim executive director of Singing River Trail, where she worked with communities across North Alabama to advance trail development, secure funding and build partnerships.
During her time with the regional trail organization, Clem helped secure significant state and federal funding for trail planning and construction and guided the organization through its transition to an independent nonprofit.
But her connection to Athens goes well beyond her professional experience.
An Athens native, Clem returned to her hometown after college to raise her family and has remained involved in the community through nonprofit leadership, civic service and local business development.
“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,” Clem said. “I am honored to step into this role and help shape the next chapter of its story.”
“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.”
Before joining Singing River Trail, Clem served as foundation director for the Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation and worked in commercial real estate management and operations.
She currently serves on the Athens Planning Commission, Athens City Schools Foundation Board and several other nonprofit and corporate boards.
The appointment also marks a leadership transition for an organization that has helped shape downtown Athens over the past eight years.
Richardson, who has led Athens Main Street since 2018, will retire from the position at the end of December.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to see Anna step into this role,” Richardson said. “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.”
Clem will spend November and December working alongside Richardson, becoming familiar with the organization’s programs, events, partnerships and ongoing projects before officially taking over.
The Athens Main Street Board of Directors said Clem’s nonprofit experience and longstanding ties to the community made her a strong choice to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Athens Main Street is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening historic downtown Athens through economic development, historic preservation, business support, community partnerships and events.
The organization is part of the statewide Main Street Alabama network, which works to revitalize historic commercial districts while preserving their character.
For more information, visit athensmainstreet.org.
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