Staff Profiles

Allen Bell | Gerri Combs | Sage Crump | Nikki Estes | Naeemah Frazier | Patti French | Teresa Hollingsworth | Mollie Lakin-Hayes | Hannah Leatherbury William MacLeod Bola Ogunlade |  Ann-Laura Parks |  Jimy Shah

 

Allen Bell

What I do: Arts education and research projects.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Curating exhibits or teaching art history, cultural theory, or historical sociology at a small liberal arts college.

My creative talent/interest: Writing, editing, and sometimes painting, drawing and photography.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: Back in the day, I was an avid rock climber. I climbed to the top of Yosemite's Half Dome via the Snake Dike route.

I'm proud of: My siblings...and surviving the climb on Half Dome.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Zach Galifianakis in the comedy version, Adrien Brody in the drama.

Elvis or Beatles? The Allman Brothers Band.

Gerri Combs

What I do: I have the best job at SAF. I am able to be involved in very important work without having to actually do any of it. That’s because we have a very professional and expert staff to carry out our work.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: At the beach with a good book.

My creative talent/interest: My artistic background is theatre but my interests have expanded over the years.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I went to a one-room school in Eastern Kentucky where my aunt was the teacher.

I'm proud of: My contributions to the arts during a long career as an arts administrator.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Geena Davis – tall and has the right vocal qualities.

Elvis or Beatles? Elvis of course – he’s a southern boy!

 

Sage Crump

What I do: PAE director (Queen of Everything, Ruler of Nothing).

If I wasn't doing this, I'd: Have a sign in my yard shaped like a hand with an eye in the palm.

My creative talent/interest: Creating...

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I have a brown belt in Karate.

I'm proud of: My mother who received her master's degree in Public Administration at age 70.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Sarah Jessica Parker (use your imagination!)

Hendrix or Clapton? Hendrix

 

Nikki Estes

What I do: Give away money!

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Owner of a contemporary art gallery.

My creative talent/interest: Photography (film, not that digital stuff).

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I was runner-up for Miss Lockhead Martin (builder of the F-22 fighter jets) when I was 10.

I'm proud of: Completing my first half-marathon in March 2009.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Halle Berry

Elvis or Beatles? Sorry, neither...Michael Jackson gets my vote!

Naeemah Frazier

What I do: I am responsible for financial mangement and human resources.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: In the studio recording and performing live.

My creative talent/interest: I am a singer/songwriter & performer. In addition to performing with my band, I am co-producing my first CD.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I have six children and eight grandchildren.

I'm proud of: My children and grandchildren.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Angela Bassett

Elvis or Beatles? Beatles


Patricia French

What I do: Office Manager (sort of like herding cats).

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Broadcast journalist or talk-show host known for conversational/in-depth interviews...or own a bar on a marina by the ocean.

My creative talent/interest: I'm a professional actress (film, TV & theatre).

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I am the voice of Lil of the Squidbillies (Cartoon Network's Adult Swim).

I'm proud of: My family (here and passed), my friends, my pets, and of being an actor.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and Susan Sarandon - one for each of my personalities.

Elvis or Beatles? Beatles

Teresa Hollingsworth

What I do: Advocate for all things Southern and traditional.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Traveling, at a film festival, cooking, reading, with friends, etc.

My creative talent/interest: Well...my beloved Kentucky Wildcats. I also attend the Sundance Film Festival.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I shared an elevator with Burt Reynolds, saw Stephen Hawking in an English tearoom, and Woody Allen in Venice. I'm a celebrity magnet!

I'm proud of: Being employed in my field every day since I completed graduate school.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Patricia French. (Give a sister a job.)

Elvis or Beatles? As a Southerner, I believe in the power of Elvis but I gotta go with the Beatles.

Mollie Lakin-Hayes

What I do: Look and plan ahead, be a sounding board, try to prevent logjams, proofread, and manage lots and lots of paper.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Doing something with food.

My creative talent/interest: As Southern Flameworks, I craft jewelry and small sculptures from glass.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I’m a founding season ticketholder for the WNBA Atlanta Dream.

I'm proud of: Finishing the 2009 Peachtree Road Race 10K (and have the t-shirt to prove it).

Who would play you in the movie of your life? A (young) Sally Field.

Kirk or Picard? Picard – I admire his leadership style.

Hannah Leatherbury

What I do: Dishes. AND remind people how technology can serve them AND co-manage our interns extrordinaire AND...

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Traveling the world in search of the best chocolate.

My creative talent/interest: Dance, dance, dance, baby! Oh, and my English degree keeps me writing.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I fell off my bike three times before quitting "the Road of Death" in Bolivia.

I'm proud of: Getting certified as a registered yoga teacher at the 200 hour level!

Who would play you in the movie of your life? My twin sister, of course! (Ashley Judd could be understudy.)

Elvis or Beatles? My mom would be disappointed if my answer wasn't the latter...

William MacLeod

What I do: IT Director (Chief Nerd). I keep the computer systems and servers running and research tech trends.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: A Mechanical Engineer, Composer / Arranger or Bartender….maybe all three!

My creative talent/interest: Theatrical make-up, prosthetic appliance design and costuming. Also I am passionate about American history.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I’m known in some circles as a Jeffersonian scholar.

I'm proud of: Finally getting back to college in my early 30s and earning a Bachelor's in Information Technology.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Liam Neeson

Elvis or Beatles? Given the choice of those two…The Beatles…but I actually prefer Doc Severinsen.

 

 

Bola Ogunlade

What I do: I am the Communications Manager.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Traveling the world with my friends or on a beach with a nice beverage.

My creative talent/interest: I was a dancer for almost 11 years of my life. Everything from ballet, tap, to modern. I am also very interested in photography, fashion, and music.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I attended boarding school in Bath, England for two years.

I'm proud of: My family and friends.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Hmmm...I have no idea. Maybe Sanaa Lathan...

Elvis or Beatles? I do like The Beatles, but my vote goes to MJ or Prince!

Ann-Laura Parks

What I do: Development & Communications (Raise $$$ and tell everybody about the great things we do with it.)

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Laying around watching too much TV.

My creative talent/interest: I love to make photomontages in the Dada tradition.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I painted the cover illustration for Georgia Voices, Vol. 1.

I'm proud of: Getting my Xbox and Mac to play nicely together.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Parker Posey 'cause we're both indie darlings.

Kirk or Picard? Picard - I like the bald, intellectual types.

 

 

Jimy Shah

What I do: I’m the Program Assistant, meaning I help all the directors at South Arts execute their programs, initiatives, events, etc.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be: Learning to be a pastry chef.

My creative talent/interest: I’m a filmmaker.

What you'd be surprised to know about me: I had a film presented at the Cannes Film Festival.

I'm proud of: My family.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? Kate Winslet (Hey, I’m against typecasting!)

Elvis or Beatles? Beatles. No, wait…Lady Gaga.