Ed Gerace is among those reappinted the the Tennessee Arts Commission by Gov. Phil Bredesen.
NASHVILLE, TN -- Gov. Phil Bredesen has appointed Chancellor Carol L. McCoy of Nashville to serve on the Tennessee Arts Commission, and has reappointed Donna Chase of Knoxville and Ed Gerace of Johnson City. All three are respected community leaders with a strong desire to promote the value of the arts to all Tennesseans. They will serve five year terms on the Commission.
McCoy serves as chancellor for the Davidson County Chancery Court, Part II. She was previously a partner in the law firm of Davies, Cantrell, Humphreys & McCoy in Nashville, and early in her career, a partner in Farrell & McCoy in Nashville. She worked as a staff attorney with the Tennessee Department of Revenue. She will represent the Fifth Congressional District.
McCoy received her bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from the University of South Florida, and her law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School.
McCoy has many civic commitments and interests. She is a trustee for Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, and previously served as a trustee for United Way of Middle Tennessee. She is currently a member of the Nashville Foreign Relations Committee, CABLE and the Nashville Women's Political Caucus. She is an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and Leadership Nashville. Chancellor McCoy was the recipient of the 1999 Athena Award and the 2004 YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement. She is married to Judge Roger Page.
"I am honored to serve on the Tennessee Arts Commission, and look forward to working with the staff and other Commission members in promoting the benefits of the arts to our communities across the state," said Chancellor McCoy.
Chase previously served on the Commission from 2004 to 2009, serving as secretary of the Commission in 2007 and chair of the Commission in 2009. She represents the Second Congressional District. Chase is president of Lord & Chase, a Knoxville-based interior design firm, and is a design and construction consultant to hospitality and residential clients throughout the country. In recent years, she has been involved with school and youth sports activities while also operating a retail antique and furnishings business in Knoxville. She received her bachelor's degree in interior design from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Chase is married to Michael Chase, president/CEO of Copper Cellar Corporation. The company operates 17 popular Tennessee restaurants and has been recognized as one the nation's top multi-concept restaurant companies. They reside in Knoxville and have two daughters.
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Commission again," said Chase. "The arts are so important to our state, and it will be a pleasure to work with such dedicated and passionate arts supporters in achieving our goals."
Gerace has also been reappointed to the Commission, representing the First Congressional District. Gerace served on the Commission from 2003 to 2007, and served as chair in 2007. He is an investment vice president of UBS Financial Services in Johnson City, and is a former partner with J.C. Bradford Company.
Gerace has been in the investment business for more than 40 years. He serves as chairman of the Steering Committee of the Tanasi Center of Northeast Tennessee. He has served as co-chair for the Fundraising Committee for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, the Tennessee State Museum Committee, and on the Finance Committee for St. Mary's Church in Johnson City. Gerace previously served as chair of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, former chair of the Johnson City Development Authority, and is a past board member of Birthplace of Country Music. He received his bachelor's degree in liberal arts from East Tennessee State University.
Gerace enjoys travel and fly-fishing. He resides in Johnson City with his wife, Jennie. They have two sons and five grandchildren.
"I don't think I have ever been associated with such great group of people, and I'm excited about returning to the Commission," said Gerace.
Commission members are appointed by the Governor for five year terms.
The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences that add value to the lives of every citizen, and enhances the quality of life in Tennessee communities.
