Board Meeting Minutes - December 2025
Downtown Chattanooga Alliance
Board of Directors Meeting
December 10, 2025 - 2 p.m.
Location: 715 Market St., 2nd Floor Conference Room
Present:
Todd Phillips, Chairman
Susan Harris, Vice-Chairman
Adam Kinsey, Secretary
Gordon Stalans, Treasurer
Jayevan Montgovery, Darrin Ledford, Brandy Burgans, Tom Marshall, Sean O’Brien
In attendance: Steve Brookes, DCA; Kelly Allen, Q Strategies
Call to Order: Todd Phillips
Approval of the Minutes: Todd Phillips
Approval of the October 15, 2025 Minutes: Darren Ledford made a motion to approve the minutes, Susan Harris seconded. Unanimously approved.
Adam Kinsey moved to approve the Executive Committee minutes from Dec. 3, 2025. Gordon Stalans Seconded. Unanimously approved.
DCA Business, new board member nominations: Todd Phillips moved to accept the new officers and directors to the board, effective January 2026. Darrin Ledford seconded. Unanimously approved. Todd noted that the secretary position will be open temporarily, but there is a plan to fill the role. He also thanked all the board members for their service and recognized those members rolling off the Board: Kelly Fitzgerald, Adam Kinsey, and Gordon Stalans, as well as Kevin Love, who had concluded his service earlier in the year.
2026 Officers:
Todd Phillips, Chairman of the Board
Susan Harris, Vice-Chair
Sam Barry, Secretary
New directors nominated for a 3-year term:
Michael Floyd - Tennessee Aquarium, Large Property Owner, Nonprofit
Kristen Hodge, Aslan, Large Property Owner
Katherlyn Geter, Enterprise Center, Nonprofit Tenant
Michelle Malone, Vision Hospitality, Large Property Owner
Finance Committee Update by Gordon Stalans: The organization has drawn down about 50k from reserves; last year at this time, the organization had drawn down 75k. This is temporary and will be paid back when assessment funds are received in January 2026. Last year, the organization pulled about $150k from savings in total until payments were made in January. The organization is about $10,000 ahead of where they were at this time last year. The finances are strong.
Executive Director Update from Steve Brookes: The organization expects to be awarded the public safety grant funds, but they have not been received. Cooper’s Alley gate will be assigned a special 911 code, which will show up in the 911 system. The Ambassadors remain busy and are focused on tourist areas, holiday events, and shopping. Foot traffic is higher than in past years at this time of year. Steve thanked all the board members, and recognized the leadership of Kelly, Gordon, and Adam, as well as the support from Kevin.
Public Comments - None
Meeting adjourned: 2:50 p.m.