The CECA Advisory Board
The organization once known as the Acuff Circle of Excellence has rebranded and refined its mission to better align with the organization with which it supports—APSU’s Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (CECA, or "seek-ah"). In the Fall of 2017, the Acuff Circle of Excellence became the CECA Advisory Board.
With the name change, members of the CECA Advisory Board worked to refine the mission of the Board to align with its new focus. The new mission of the CECA Advisory Board is to support CECA by:
- Advocating for CECA in the Clarksville-Montgomery County region by raising awareness for quality arts programming.
- Promoting CECA events and programs.
- Developing new audience members through participating in CECA-sponsored social interactions.
- Participating in and endorsing the CECA Membership Society.
- Supporting and connecting with students and faculty during CECA events
2024-2025 CECA Advisory Board
Sheena Dixon (President)
Board Term: January 2025-2028
Brief Bio: Realtor, Rotary Club, Board of Realtors, First Thursday Art Walk, manages Clarksville Downtown Facebook page.
Ashley Bergeron (Vice President/President Elect)
Board term: January 2025-2028
Brief Bio: Owner of thestudio208 gallery and Swipe Right gallery in Nashville. Community arts activist.
Lorenzo Swinton (Treasurer)
Board Term: January 2025-2028
Brief Bio: Owner of the Lorenzo Swinton Gallery in downtown Clarksville. Working artist and community arts activist.
Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva
Board Term: January 2025-2028
Brief Bio: APSU alumni; Theatre professional in Nashville with experience at a variety of venues and a robust performance resume.
Calie Benke, CECA Administrative Assistant, Board Secretary (ex officio)
Andrea Spofford, CECA Director (ex officio)
Kevin Loveland, CSA Coordinator (ex officio)
Buzz Hoon, Dean College of Arts and Letters (ex officio)
Kendell Sinks, APSU Advancement (ex officio)
Membership to the CECA Advisory Board is made by invitation.
