Staff & Board Of Directors

Melanie Thornton, Chief Executive Officer
melanie.thornton@huntsvilleal.gov

Lea Billups, Office Manager
lea.billups@huntsvilleal.gov

Lynn Lawrence, Chief Financial Officer
deborah.lawrence@huntsvilleal.gov

Tammy Cooney, Chief Programs Officer
Tammy.Cooney@huntsvilleal.gov

Stephanie Timberlake, Chief Operating Officer/Curator
Stephanie.Timberlake@huntsvilleal.gov

Elizabeth Jones, Marketing Director
Elizabeth.Jones@huntsvilleal.gov

Toni Wessells, Rental Director
toni.wessells@huntsvilleal.gov

Gina Hurst, Chief Development Officer
Gina.Hurst@huntsvilleal.gov

Cooper Murray, Special Events Director
Tamara.Murray@huntsvilleal.gov

Laura Wren, Team Volunteer Manager 
Laura.Wren@huntsvilleal.gov

Burritt on the Mountain is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors appointed by the City of Huntsville. Board members may serve two terms of office, each three years long. The board’s primary responsibilities include:

• Determine mission and purpose
• Select the Chief Executive Officer
• Support and evaluate the Chief Executive Officer
• Ensure effective planning
• Monitor and strengthen programs and services
• Ensure adequate financial resources
• Protect assets and provide financial oversight
• Build and maintain a competent board
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity
• Enhance the organization’s public standing

Burritt’s board has been proactive in incorporating strong governance principles. The full board meets once a month. Board members also serve on one or more committees, including Governance, Finance, Development Executive Compensation, and Preservation & Building. Each board member signs a Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure policy annually. Burritt has other governing policies in place to maintain operational integrity, including Whistleblower, Donor Relations, Public Awareness & Advocacy, and numerous financial control policies.

Executive Committee

Chair:  Jennifer Upton

Vice Chair:  Cindy Griner

Treasurer:  Ahmad Brown

Secretary:  Jeffrey Blackwell

Governance:   Sarah Smith

Members

Ex-Officio

Burritt CEO:  Melanie Thornton

Advisory Council Co-Chairs:  Jason Thomas & Jeannie Harvey