Chattanooga Public Library Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation is pleased to welcome Michael C. Watson, Elizabeth Majors, Derek Bevil, John Buhrman, Ashley Hall and Mckenzi Marlow to its seven-member Board of Directors that also includes Board Chair Sharon Leath, Vice-Chair Callie Burnette, Treasurer Rachael Yager, Bill Wilkerson, Karim Kadrie, Jess Friedowitz, and Kim Gavin. Guided by a shared belief in the library as a vital civic resource, these new members join the Foundation at an exciting moment of growth and momentum for both the Library and the community it serves.
Michael C. Watson is a veteran fundraiser and nonprofit leader whose career has focused on advancing mission-driven organizations in healthcare, education, and faith-based communities. He has held development roles with organizations including March of Dimes, Hospice of Chattanooga Foundation, the Chattanooga Public Library, and UTC, and has raised more than $100 million over the course of his career. A seventh-generation Chattanoogan, Michael is also deeply involved in community leadership and service through a range of local nonprofit and civic organizations.
Elizabeth Majors spent 13 years as a Tennessee public school teacher, largely focused on reading education, motivated by the objective of equity in literacy. After moving to Chattanooga from Knoxville two years ago, she moved into the new role of stay-at-home mom with her daughter. In both of these roles, she utilized the offerings of public libraries and has seen firsthand the impact they have on the communities they serve. Elizabeth is excited to join the Library Foundation Board and serve the Chattanooga community by advancing the mission and initiatives of the Chattanooga Public Library.
Derek Bevil was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he attended the Baylor School. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead-Cain Scholar, receiving the Doris Smith Williams Prize for Poetry. Bevil completed internships with the New York Public Theater/NY Shakespeare Festival and Boston’s Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. He then coordinated and directed a youth production of Romeo and Juliet in partnership with the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club. Bevil’s first play, Xanadu, a comedy-fantasy about world-weary backpackers—premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Relocating to Los Angeles, he began a career in the film industry as a staff writer for production companies including New Mark Films, Clipper Group Entertainment, Card Motion Pictures, and Lodger Films; and as a freelance screenwriter. A member of the Morehead-Cain Semifinalist Selection Committee, he is currently at work on his second novel.
John Buhrman was born and raised in Chattanooga. He attended Baylor School before earning his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Following law school, John returned home to practice with his father, where they worked side by side for more than twenty years, serving families in estate planning and estate administration matters. After his father’s passing in 2021, John continues the practice. John is married to Julie Whittington Buhrman, whom he met in law school. They have two daughters, Cameron and Sadie, both of whom attend Texas Christian University.
Ashley Hall is a Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting at Unum. She was first introduced to the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation through her partnership with Unum’s Corporate Responsibility team, where she assisted with the annual book sale last fall. Ashley moved to Chattanooga in 2019 to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and quickly fell in love with the city and its community. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her dog, Sally, trying new local restaurants, playing board games with friends, and gardening. Ashley is excited to support the Foundation’s mission and give back to the community she now calls home.
Mckenzi Marlow is a Chattanooga native and lifelong learner whose career in higher education reflects her commitment to curiosity, access, and community. After beginning her career as a graduate teaching assistant at Auburn University and contributing to a digital archive dedicated to George Eliot, she now serves as administrative coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office at UTC, where she supports the college’s mission to provide a rich, well-rounded education. She is also active in campus and community service through the Web Accessibility Task Force, UTC Staff Communications Committee, UTC Read to Achieve, and Hearts and Hammers. Outside of work, Mckenzi enjoys traveling, hosting dinner parties, writing, and crocheting gifts for friends.
“The Chattanooga Public Library Foundation and its Board reflects a deep commitment to the Chattanooga Library library system, literacy, and community involvement. We are excited to be part of the next generation of libraries. One which is not only a warehouse of amazing books and information, but also a center of innovation, connection, and access,” stated Sharon Leath, CPLF Board Chair. “Our mission is dedicated to lifelong learning. Our commitment is to strengthen the Chattanooga community through knowledge, opportunity, and shared growth.”
Founded in 1965, the Chattanooga Public Library Foundation exists to grow awareness and support for one of Chattanooga’s most important public institutions. By connecting donors, partners, and community advocates to the Library’s work, the Foundation helps ensure the Library will continue to serve the community for generations to come.