Athens Main Street names new executive director

Copy of Copy of Copy of Untitled 2026 10 20T094119.410 edited — Anna Clem will take over for Tere Richardson as the executive director for Athens Main Street. (Athens Main Street)

After announcing the retirement of longtime executive director Tere Richardson on October 13, Athens Main Street today introduced Anna Clem as its new leader, a role she will assume January 1, 2027.

Clem has deep roots in the Athens community and brings a wealth of experience to the role. She will join the staff on November 1, 2026 before beginning her new role as executive director.

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Anna Clem to take the helm at Athens Main Street

Downtown Athens 66 edited — Athens has grown considerably in the last five years. (Hville Blast)

A native of Athens, Clem brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, civic involvement and fundraising to Athens Main Street.

Clem’s previous roles include:

Associate director and interim executive director of Singing River Trail
Foundation director for the Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation
Director of operations at Johnson Management
Board member for Athens City Schools Foundation
Member of City of Athens Planning Commission

“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. 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.”

_{Anna Clem, incoming executive director, Athens Main Street}

Richardson, who has served as executive director since 2018, will conclude her tenure at the end of December after more than eight years leading the organization.

“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.”

_{Tere Richardson, executive director, Athens Main Street}

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