New ETF Board Members

The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF/Foundation) was established in 1986 through the merger of the Community Foundation of East Tennessee and the Business Trust for the Arts—two organizations united by a shared vision of strengthening communities across the region. From its earliest days, ETF’s Board of Directors was guided by a commitment to long-term sustainability and strong leadership, principles that have remained central to its growth and impact.

Lifetime board member, David Martin, has served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles since ETF’s founding. Reflecting on the organization’s beginnings, Martin noted that the board understood from the outset that ETF’s success would depend on strong leadership and a deep sense of responsibility among its members. That philosophy helped establish a culture in which board service is both an honor and a serious commitment. “An appointment to the East Tennessee Foundation Board of Directors is not something that people turn down,” Martin added.

Over the decades, consistent and thoughtful governance has enabled ETF to flourish. By 2025, ETF’s assets had grown to more than $705 million, supporting over $490 million in grants and scholarships. These resources have been instrumental in addressing a wide range of community needs across East Tennessee—from education and the arts to disaster response and economic resilience.

ETF’s ability to respond quickly in times of crisis and adapt to changing community conditions reflects the foresight of its board. Leaders such as Stuart Worden, Natalie Haslam, Lindsay Young, Larry Martin, Gary Wade, Pat Postma, Jeff Becker, and many others have each played important roles in shaping the Foundation’s direction and ensuring its continued relevance.

As ETF enters a new decade in 2026, it builds on this strong legacy while welcoming a new generation of board members. With fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to service, these leaders will help guide the Foundation forward, continuing its mission to make lives better and communities stronger throughout East Tennessee for generations to come.

Learn more about our incoming 2026 board members below.

 

Claudia H. Byrd is the executive director of the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities and an ETF fundholder. She served for six years on the advisory board of the Kingsport Community Foundation, a community fund of ETF.

 

 

 

Wade Creswell is the Roane County Executive and has been a community leader for many years. His experience includes serving as the executive director of Roane County Alliance, president of the Roane County Chamber of Commerce, and CEO for Roane County Industrial Development Board.

 

 

 

Mark Freeman is a CPA and investment advisor for the Clayton Family Office (a single-­family office supporting four generations of the Jim Clayton family) and president of the family’s private trust company.

 

 

 

Bryan Goldberg is the Knoxville manager of BELFOR Property Restoration. He serves on the board of directors of the Knoxville Jewish Community Family of Funds (KJCFF), a supporting organization of ETF. Bryan was a member of Knox News’ 40 under 40 Class of 2022.

 

 

 

Mark Kinser is a retired CEO of General Shale Brick in Johnson City, where he began his 42-year career and then accelerated through all levels of manufacturing management, eventually leading him into senior leadership roles. He serves as chair of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and is on the boards of several local organizations.

 

 

Greg Perdue is the market president of First Horizon and chair of the Kingsport Community Foundation Advisory Board, an ETF community fund. He was instrumental in ETF’s partnership with Bays Mountain’s Capital Campaign. Greg serves on the board of United Way of Greater Kingsport.

 

 

 

Dr. Chris Whaley is an attorney and president of Roane State Community College, having had experience there as a student, program director, faculty member, dean, and administrator. He currently serves on the Roane County Chamber of Commerce Board and is past chair of the East Tennessee Economic Council.

 

 

Susie Whitener is a marketing specialist at The Whitener Company. She has been a member of the board of directors of the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee, an ETF supporting organization, for eight years and is currently the board chair.

 

 

 

James Frank Wilson is a retired attorney with Wilson and Brooks, P.C. in Wartburg. He founded the Morgan County Community Foundation, an ETF community fund, and has served as on its advisory board since its inception in 2022.