Jackson resident Patsy W. Camp to be the new Tennessee Arts Commission Chair

Nashville—Patsy White Camp of Jackson, Tennessee, will serve as the Tennessee Arts Commission Chair beginning July 1, 2014. The Commission members unanimously approved new leadership during the quarterly meeting held in Nashville on June 10, 2014. She will be joined in office by Vice-Chair, Stephanie Conner of Nashville and Secretary, Ann Smith of Johnson City.

Anne B. Pope, Tennessee Arts Commission Executive Director commented, “We are very excited to welcome Mrs. Camp as our incoming chair on July 1, 2014. She is a committed community and arts leader in Jackson and West Tennessee and has been a strong voice at the Commission for the past several years. We will benefit from her experience as a long-time arts advocate and champion.”

Camp was reappointed to the Tennessee Arts Commission effective July 1, 2014 by Governor Haslam, representing Congressional District 8, which includes Jackson and surrounding counties. Mrs. Camp was previously appointed to fill an unexpired term. She has served as FY14 Commission Secretary and, over the past two years, has served on the Strategic Plan Committee, the Governor’s Arts Awards Committee, the Allocations Committee and the Executive Committee.

“I was very honored to be reappointed by Governor Haslam to serve my community and state in this capacity. Now moving into this leadership position, I hope that I can contribute even more in helping move communities forward through the arts,” said Camp.

Among other committee positions and leadership roles, Camp has served on the Board of Tennesseans for the Arts (TFTA), has been President of both the Jackson Arts Council and the Jackson Service League, and has been on Board of Trustees for both Lambuth University and Episcopal Day School.

She received the Jackson Award for the Arts and was recently named a recipient of the Sterling Award by the Business and Professional Women and the Jackson Sun, naming her to be one of the 20 most influential women in West Tennessee. Additionally as an active member at her church, Camp has held leadership positions and participated in many church-related missions and charities.

The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state arts agency whose mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. The Tennessee Arts Commission is governed by a 15-member board who are appointed by the Governor for a five year term. The Commission meetings occur quarterly and are open to the public. More information about the Tennessee Arts Commission can be found at the website, tn.gov/arts.