Meet Our Board
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Joey Jaworski (He/Him)
Board Chair
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Jennifer Sutton (She/Her)
Vice Board Chair
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Kristy Towry (She/Her)
Treasurer
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Gail Crowder (She/Her)
Secretary
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Markesha Dunham (She/They)
AWC President
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Adam Miller (He/Him)
AGMC President
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Gabrielle Claiborne (She/Her)
Board Member - Board Development Chair
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Katie Culp (She/Her)
Board Member
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Huiling Chen (She/Her)
Board Member
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Sarah Kody (She/Her)
Board Member
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Willie Sullivan (He/Him)
Board Member
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Shane Arrington (He/Him)
Board Member
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Ben McNair (He/Him)
Board Member
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Nathaniel Hodges (He/They)
Board Member
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Jake Dale (He/Him)
Board Member
Melissa Arasi, Ph. D She/Her
Artistic Director | AWC
As founding conductor and Artistic Director of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus, Melissa Arasi has benefitted from a deeply meaningful musical experience. Through engaging musical endeavors with diverse women, her life has been informed and improved. In addition to her work with the AWC, Dr. Arasi recently served as Guest Professor at Kennesaw State and Georgia State Universities and as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of Music Education Programs at Reinhardt University.
Dr. Arasi previously served as the Supervisor of Performing Arts: General/Choral Music, Theatre, and Dance for the Cobb County School District in Marietta, Georgia. Prior to this supervisory role, she was the Choral Director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Walton High School in Cobb County for fourteen years. Additionally, Dr. Arasi previously served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at the Georgia Institute of Technology Choral Program, where she founded and conducted the Women’s Choir. Dr. Arasi has taught private voice, elementary general music, and conducted children’s choirs in several Atlanta area churches.
Dr. Arasi received a Bachelor of Music Education from Shorter College in Rome, Georgia; a Master of Music Education and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning in Music Education with a concentration in choral music and a cognate in leadership from Georgia State University. Dr. Arasi was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, primarily under the direction of Robert Shaw, for five seasons. She maintains active memberships in NAfME, GMEA, and ACDA and has held leadership roles in both the state of Georgia and the Southern Division of ACDA.
Shane Arrington He/Him
Board Member
Shane Arrington is a Radiology Administrator and currently serves as Enterprise Director for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, and Cardiac Imaging for Emory Healthcare. A native of Southeastern Virginia, Shane was raised in Florence, South Carolina, where his passion for Medical Imaging and music started at a young age. As a child, Shane was immersed in music and theater in school and loved nothing more than to sing at his grandmother’s side as she played piano and harmonized. Shane never missed an opportunity to perform, whether it was theater, choral performance, or oration, or just singing in church. At 14, Shane was selected as the news anchor for Action News for Kids on WPDE TV15 in Florence, SC.
Upon graduation from High School, Shane developed a love for Medical Imaging and decided to pursue a career in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Over the next decade, his career took him around the country, including Boston, Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bloomington, Indiana, and a brief stint in research at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.
Shane eventually settled in Atlanta, Georgia and decided he wanted to advance his career in Healthcare Leadership. He graduated with Highest Honors from Emory University School of Medicine with a degree in Radiology Administration. Shane furthered his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Queen’s University of Charlotte, graduating with a 4.0.
Shane is no stranger to Voices of Note, having been a proud singing member of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus since the Spring of 2013. Shane has served in various roles in the Chorus, to include Board Liaison, President-elect, and Membership President. In 2009, Shane starred in the Internationally popular TLC Reality Television program King of the Crown. Shane worked with pageant contestants to develop and enhance their interview and on-stage question skills…and provided lots of comic relief. Shane resides in Midtown Atlanta, where he is the tortured parent of a charismatic and opinionated Brussels Griffon named Liza. Shane enjoys time with friends and family, exploring the Atlanta food scene, strolling the beltline, exercising, singing, and travelling.
David Aurilio He/Him
Executive Director | VON
David Aurilio brings more than 40 years of proven leadership across the Entertainment, Marketing/Branding, and Nonprofit sectors. His career is defined by visionary direction, large-scale productions, and the ability to unite creative talent with organizational strategy.
David has created, executive produced, and cast live shows for Universal Studios theme parks in Florida, California, and Japan, and has led high-profile projects for ABC-Disney, NBC, Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, 20th Century Fox, and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. His portfolio includes marquee events such as the American Idol Season 1 press launch, NBC’s Daytime Fanfest, and the Latin Grammys Outdoor Festival.
Since relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta in 2011, David has been a driving force in the city’s arts and nonprofit landscape. He produced GLAAD’s 10th Anniversary Gala honoring Don Lemon, served as an adjudicator for ArtsBridge, and led as Executive Director of the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta for eight years. Today, he also serves as President of the Atlanta Queer Arts Alliance (AQuAA), where he champions the power of queer arts as a vital force for visibility, connection, and social change.
A respected leader and advocate, David is deeply committed to advancing the cultural vibrancy of Atlanta’s creative community. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from Kent State University.
Gabrielle Claiborne She/Her
Board Member - Board Development Chair
Gabrielle Claiborne is Co-founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, an inclusion training and consulting firm with a transgender and gender expansive focus. Her award-winning and certified LGBT business enterprise consultancy helps cutting-edge organizations create fully trans-inclusive cultures of safety, belonging and knowing for trans and gender expansive people.
She serves on various local, national and international LGBTQ+ Advisory Boards. In 2022, she received the Georgia Diversity Council’s LGBTQ Leadership Award and Emory University's Barkley Forum, Georgia Speaker of the Year Award. In 2020, she published her memoir meets self-help book Embrace Your Truth: A Journey of Authenticity. In 2019, the Atlanta business Chronicle acknowledged her as their Diversity & Inclusion “Outstanding Voice” Award recipient, and she delivered a TEDx talk for Centennial Park Women TEDx. In 2018, Gabrielle received the Georgia Small Business Administration’s LGBT Small Business Champion Award in recognition of her efforts in advancing LGBT business ownership. In 2015, Gabrielle was chosen as Atlanta’s Best Trans Activist, and her work has been featured in Forbes and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Gail Crowder She/Her
Secretary
Strategic, dynamic and quality-driven…Gail Crowder provides creative real estate solutions for the complex challenges and opportunities facing companies in today’s fast-moving global economy. A senior real estate expert with three decades of commercial real estate experience, Gail has a long history of professional accomplishments in the Atlanta area, throughout the U.S. and in the international arena. She joined Avison Young in 2012 as a Principal specializing in Office Tenant Representation, after spending 18 years with Grubb & Ellis as a Senior Vice President and member of the National Tenant Advisory Group.
Gail’s ongoing special focus encompasses office-tenant representation and multi-market advisory for corporate and international clients. She also performs significant work with foreign governments, assisting them with the location and selection of Consulate offices and other regional offices.
Her experience includes project feasibility, strategic planning, tenant and project representation for lease and sales transactions, financial analysis, site acquisition and investment sales transactions. She has a proven track record of providing innovative solutions to real estate challenges.
Gail joined the Voices of Note Board of Directors in 2022 and has served as the Executive Committee Secretary since 2023. Previous leadership positions in other organizations include the Alliance Theatre Advisory Board Leadership Council, 2017 CoreNet Global Atlanta Chapter President, and 2013 SIOR Georgia Chapter President.
Gail graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism/Business Administration. She is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), holds the CoreNet Global MCR designation, and is a licensed real estate broker in six U.S. states. Gail received the ACBR Silver Phoenix Award in 2024.
Huiling Chen She/Her
Board Member
Huiling Chen is a seasoned professional with a distinguished 30-year career at LexisNexis, where she served as Principal Product Manager of Legal Research. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati, as well as an Executive MBA from The Ohio State University. Throughout her career, Huiling was recognized for her strategic leadership, analytical rigor, and commitment to excellence in the legal technology industry.
In retirement, she continues to pursue her passion for music and community engagement. Huiling is an avid supporter of the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus and the Atlanta Women's Chorus and proudly serves as a board member of Voices of Note, the umbrella organization for both ensembles.
Katie Culp She/Her
Board Member
Katie Culp (she/her) is a textile artist, entrepreneur, and the founder of TULIPCAKE, a creative studio and production partner based in Atlanta, GA.
Katie began her career in custom fabrication and theatrical costuming, where she mastered the art of combining technical skill with creative vision. In 2015, she identified a unique gap in the entertainment industry: wardrobe departments needed high-quality garment decoration with exceptionally fast turnaround times. From that insight, TULIPCAKE was born.
What started as a niche service for film and television has since grown into a trusted partner for major motion pictures, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and nonprofits. Today, TULIPCAKE provides everything from custom garments and screen printing to promotional products and branded merchandise, all with the same attention to detail and reliability that shaped its early success.
Katie’s leadership is defined by innovation, adaptability, and a deep commitment to collaboration. She thrives on finding creative solutions under pressure and has built TULIPCAKE’s reputation on exceeding client expectations, no matter the scale or deadline.
Outside of her work, Katie finds joy in gardening, cooking, and playing games with her family, passions that reflect her love of creativity, community, and connection.
Jake Dale He/Him
Board Member
A proud Atlanta native, Jake is honored to serve on the Voices of Note Board during this exciting time of growth and evolution. With a deep commitment to community engagement, he has been a dedicated member, advocate, and supporter of numerous charitable organizations throughout the Atlanta area.
Jake leads a thriving practice in Buckhead, where he helps individuals pursue meaningful personal goals. His long-term vision, coupled with a genuine passion for service, positions him to contribute thoughtfully to the continued success of Voices of Note.
Jake was introduced to Voices of Note by his husband, Jason, a singing member of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. Together, they have found a welcoming and vibrant community within VON. Jake and Jason, along with their two children, are regulars at every performance—always in the audience cheering for “Papa.” Jake is deeply inspired by the transformative power of music and looks forward to helping expand Voices of Note’s impact, changing hearts and minds through song.
Nathaniel Hodges He/They
Board Member
Nathaniel brings a long history of dedication and senior leadership within the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus (AGMC) and Voices of Note to the current Board. As a former singing member, he joined the AGMC in 2000 and was elected to serve as President of the Chorus twice. Additionally, he served as a Voices of Note Board member for several years, holding the executive roles of both Secretary and Vice-Chair.
Professionally, Nathaniel is a Design Strategist at Netflix, where he leads Talent Management for Netflix House. He has built a strong career foundation over almost 15 years in the fields of Learning, M&A, and Talent Management, with previous roles at prominent organizations such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, PwC, Salesforce, and Stripe. Nathaniel is an alum of Georgia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Go Panthers!).
Nathaniel is thrilled to serve on the board, recognizing the organization's unique power to "change hearts and minds through music." He sees the organization as a vital platform that strengthens community and celebrates differences through shared respect and support for all people, a mission he feels is needed now more than ever.
Nathaniel resides in Morningside with his husband, Conal. They enjoy spending their time traveling to experience the world and are the proud, if occasionally challenged, parents to two cats, Kiki and Beans.
Joey Jaworski He/Him
Board Chair
Joey Jaworski is a Human Factors Flight Test Engineer with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he works as part of the FAA’s flight test team. Prior to joining Flight Test within the FAA, Joey worked as a Human Factors Engineer in Washington, DC working on several flight deck technologies within the FAA’s Office of NextGen. Joey also has served as a lead researcher, supporting the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s Human Factors Flight Deck Research Laboratory. Through this work, Joey worked with FAA research and policy to conduct human factors research on new and novel flight deck technologies. Within FAA Flight Test, Joey serves as one of 7 Human Factors Specialists supporting a wide range of projects from small aircraft to large transport category aircraft and powered-lift aircraft.
Joey earned his Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management and Master of Science in Human Factors and Systems, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Joey is a proud singing member of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, where he has been a member since 2020. Joey has held several positions within the Chorus including Music Advisory Committee representative, new member coordinator, Baritone Section Manager, and 2-term President. Joey is excited to be serving on the Voices of Note Board and is thrilled to serve as Chair of the Board to continue to change hearts and minds through music.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Joey is a proud dog dad to his fur baby, Abbey. Joey also is engaged to his partner of over 15 years. Together they enjoy supporting the arts and traveling the world.
Sarah Kody She/Her
Board Member
Sarah Kody is a Global Learning and Development Consultant on the Strategic team at RELEX Solutions, where she helps identify training needs and create programs that support employees and the organization as a whole. Before joining RELEX, she worked with companies like Workday, EY, and Chick-fil-A, and spent seven years as a high school math teacher and soccer coach in Gwinnett County.
She found her musical home with the Atlanta Women’s Chorus in 2014, where she’s served as librarian, financial officer, and president-elect/president. In fall 2024, after completing her term as president, she joined the Voices of Note Board of Directors.
When she’s not working or singing, she enjoys life with her wife, Alicia (whom she met in the chorus), and their very floofy, special-needs cat, Charlie. She also gives her time to another nonprofit close to her heart, Camp Juliette Low.
Ben McNair He/Him
AGMC President
Ben McNair is a User Experience Researcher who leads impactful research that supports human-centered design by building empathy and a deep understanding of user groups. Through his career, his work has informed innovation and strategy at large organizations in industries like medical technology, social media, and insurance. His current research at Olympus Corporation of the Americas supports product design for new technology in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Prior to his research career, Ben earned a dual BA in Sociology/Anthropology and Latin American Studies from Millsaps College, a MS in Sociology from Illinois State University, and a MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Manchester. He also has significant experience living and working abroad in Argentina, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Ben has been involved in music since he was young, and he became a member of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus in 2020. He recently served as the AGMC’s Marketing Director from 2023-2025, during which time he led campaigns that grew awareness, increased ticket sales, and expanded audiences. Ben looks forward to continuing to help the organization grow as a Voices of Note Board Member.
Outside of work and volunteering, Ben enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and spending time with his two rescued ex-racing greyhounds, Peach and Rupert.
Adam Miller He/Him
AGMC President
Adam Miller is a Financial Analyst at Insight Global, the fourth-largest staffing firm in the United States. In his role, he provides financial analysis and strategic insights supporting over $130 million in annual operational expenditures across the company’s Talent and Digital Information sectors.
Adam brings a diverse professional background, having previously worked in the mental health and addiction recovery fields as both a Counselor and Evaluator. This multidisciplinary experience has shaped his holistic approach to problem-solving, organization, and communication. Deeply committed to community service, Adam has held numerous volunteer roles, including work with the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, PFLAG, and addiction recovery support groups. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Kennesaw State University and since 2018 has been a dedicated member of the bass section in the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, which he proudly considers his family.
He is honored to serve as President of the AGMC for the 2025–2026 season and is passionate about fostering the chorus’s rich legacy of community, artistic excellence, and joy!
Donald Milton III He/Him
Artistic Director | AGMC
Donald Milton III joined the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus in January 2018, bringing an impressive background in conducting, music education and music administration. He came to Atlanta in 2008 to become the director of music for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, the largest UU congregation in the Southeast. At UUCA Mr. Milton runs one of the most eclectic and excellent music programs in the city. Active in the Atlanta music scene, he has served as the executive director of the Atlanta Master Chorale, artistic director of the DeKalb Choral Guild, founder and artistic director of Lux Atlanta, and founder of Sky Punch, a company that produces sing-alongs, concerts and other interactive community music events.
Mr. Milton is an active choral clinician, guest conductor, lecturer, and performer. He has presented his lecture "The Second Voice Change: The Aging Voice" in a dozen states and three countries. Inspired by many trans people in the Atlanta community, Mr. Milton has been focusing on working with trans voices, helping people express themselves fully as they truly are.
Mr. Milton studied at the University of Michigan School of Music, with concentrations in education, conducting and vocal pedagogy.
Felicia Seamon She/Her
Director of Development | VON
Felicia is a former college professor at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (her undergraduate alma mater and the 1st Historically Black College in the nation), where she holds a degree in Recreation Management and holds a master’s degree in public administration and Nonprofit Leadership (MPA) from the University of Delaware.
Felicia has extensive experience in grant writing and youth programming from her tenure as the director of recreation for the City of Coatesville, together compiling more than 20 years of experience in developing and molding young people from all over the country. From youth ages through college students, Felicia has managed several authors including her husband (of 22 years) Jermaine, as well as various artists of various genres, including formerly managing her multi-talented daughter Jordan under the auspices of their music, book publishing, and entertainment company, Seamón Enterprises and Entertainment Co.
Because of Felicia’s life-long dedication to education, access, and exposure, she established The Seamón Family Foundation, the family’s private, national 501(c)3, which is committed to Social & Financial Investment in Arts & Culture, through youth empowerment in (1) Education, (2) Art Exposure, (3) Mental Health Awareness (Anti-Bullying & Suicide Prevention), (4) Community, and (5) Business Development.
Felicia oversees all of the Seamón Enterprises’ company divisions and their marketing, as her expertise is in assisting individuals with small business goals, professional development, marketing, business plans, grant writing, networking, and more. While engaging significantly in both the music and film industries after the family’s arrival to Georgia, Felicia’s interactions with youth artists and their parents compelled her to develop The National Parents, Professionals & Business Network (NPPBN or BizNet), a member-based, virtual network and app accessed through Seamòn Enterprises.
Felicia commits time often to give back through directorship on several local, regional and national Boards, and finds time to work independently with new & aspiring artists in areas of Event Planning, Professional Development, Management, Marketing, Promotion & more.
Willie Sullivan He/Him
Board Member
Willie Sullivan is an engagement manager for Deloitte Consulting LLP , where he focuses on sustainability and advising public and social sector clients. He brings expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and technology transformation.
Before earning his MBA from Emory University, Willie worked in fundraising at University Musical Society (UMS) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor., building on his lifelong passion for music and theatre. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in music from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, where he studied under renowned tenor George Shirley.
A dedicated musician, Willie previously served as pianist for Unitarian Universalist Church of Atlanta and continues to remain active in the arts. He is thrilled to serve on the board of Voices of Note, an organization that not only embodies musical excellence but also inspires belonging, connection, and joy for its members and community.
Kristy Towry She/Her
Treasurer
Kristy L. Towry is Professor Emeritus at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, where she served as Vice Dean of Faculty and Research, John and Lucy Cook Chair and Professor of Accounting. Prof. Towry joined the Goizueta Business School faculty in 2002, after receiving her Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin.
She has extensive experience in managerial accounting and finance, including a number of positions at Fortune 100 firms. Prof. Towry's research relates to the use of accounting information for managerial decision making, with a focus on managerial control systems and financial incentives. Her research, based on the experimental method, blends theory from economics, psychology, and other social sciences to provide insights into accounting issues. She has published in The Accounting Review, Contemporary Accounting Research, Review of Accounting Studies, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and other accounting and economics journals.
She has served in a number of leadership positions, most notably chair of the Faculty Executive Committee at the Goizueta Business School and President of the Management Accounting Section of the American Accounting Association. Prof. Towry has been recognized with the Notable Contributions to the Management Accounting Literature Award, the Donald R. Keough Award for Service, the Glen McLaughlin Award for Research in Accounting Ethics, the Best Early Career Researcher in Management Accounting Award, the Management Accounting Best Dissertation Award, and a number of teaching awards.
Jennifer Sutton She/Her
Vice Board Chair
“Jennifer” Joy Sutton is a dedicated legal professional and passionate arts advocate currently serving as an attorney at Workday, Inc., where she provides strategic legal support for a dynamic and fast-paced corporate environment. With extensive in-house counsel experience across large organizations, Jennifer brings a wealth of legal insight and business acumen to the Voices of Note Board of Directors.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas State University before completing her Juris Doctor at Mercer University’s School of Law. Throughout her career, she has been known for her thoughtful approach to problem-solving, strong ethical grounding, and deep commitment to equity and inclusion—values that align closely with the mission of Voices of Note.
A longtime supporter of the arts, Jennifer was a proud singing member of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus from 2013 to 2023, contributing her voice and spirit to performances that celebrate diversity and promote community. Her decade-long involvement with the chorus fuels her desire to help steward the future of Voices of Note, an organization she believes plays a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural and social landscape.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Jennifer is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters, with a beloved family dog rounding out the crew. She finds joy in traveling, gardening, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
Jennifer joined the Voices of Note Board of Directors to give back to an organization that has deeply enriched her life. Through her time, talent, and service, she is honored to help advance its mission of transforming lives through the power of music.