Staff Directory

We work hard for you!

James Chavez

President & CEO of the EDC

James Chavez has worked for over 15 years in economic development organizations in Colorado, Georgia, and Tennessee. His lengthy stay in the South even has this Albuquerque, New Mexico, native using the word “y’all” like it was second nature. In his role as President & CEO of the Economic Development Council, he serves as an advocate for tourism opportunities in the Clarksville-Montgomery County community and the region. He assists with the CVB’s sports marketing efforts through his personal involvement with local dodgeball and kickball leagues and a local cycling group.

(931) 245-4333

Theresa Harrington

Executive Director CVB and Vice President EDC

Theresa Harrington, began her career with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1996. An alumna of Austin Peay State University, she received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. Theresa is also a graduate of Leadership Clarksville and Leadership Middle Tennessee. Her non-stop nature has Theresa involved in nearly every organization imaginable.  She is a member and former Chairman of the Tennessee Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) and the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council. Theresa is actively involved as a member of the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), Nashville Attractions Coalition (NAC), Bank Travel, American Bus Association (ABA), Southeast Tourism Society (STS) and Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). Over the past ten years Theresa has worked with a multitude of sporting associations and sports events.  Her success at recruiting is evident by her ability to continuously bring both regional and national sporting associations into Clarksville.

(800) 530-2487 ext 223

Frances Manzitto

Group Sales Manager

Frances Manzitto joined the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2000.  While attending Trevecca Nazarene University, she started her career in tourism working in hotels.  She did that for a number of years before joining the CVB.  She is an active member of the National Tour Association (NTA), American Bus Association (ABA), Middle Tennessee Tourism Council, Travel Alliance Partners (TAP), and Nashville Attractions Coalition (NAC).  Her primary focus is Group Tour and Convention sales, where she puts her creativity to the test, developing new things for groups to do every year.  She has been known to put on a ballgown and dance a Virginia Reel if that is what it takes to get a group to come to town!

(800) 530-2487 ext. 231

Doug Barber

Special Events, Film Industry Liaison

Doug Barber joined the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2003. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Austin Peay State University, he served as the Graphic Artist for the Clarksville-Montgomery County Board of Education. While employed with the school system he was given the opportunity to develop a program for developmentally disabled adults and became the first Director for the Smiles Center, which is now known as Progressive Directions. From there he worked the next 15 years at Austin Peay State University where he began his career as the Personnel Director, moved to Placement Director and then spent his last 8 years at the University as Director of Alumni Relations. Doug’s involvement at APSU stretches to Greek life as well; he is considered the “Godfather” of all APSU Fraternities. (He’ll have to tell you the story). Doug is a graduate of Leadership Clarksville and Leadership Middle TN, and has served on each Board of Directors. He is a member of the International Festival & Events Association and the Southeast Association of Festival & Events Association. He is also a member of the Tennessee Association of Community Leaders and serving on the Board of Directors.

(800) 530-2487 ext 233

Jessica Goldberg

Events and Marketing Manager

Jessica joined the Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2008. After graduating from Ripon College in 2006 (with a degree in both political science and religion) she went off to North Carolina to work at one of the oldest churches on the East Coast as their Publications Coordinator.  Once she got to Clarksville with her husband and Beagle, Snoopy, she took a time out and spent her days as a yoga instructor at a local gym.  Now centered and balanced she is the newest recruit of the CVB clan and spends her days creating ads, messing around on Facebook (and gets paid for it!) as well as preparing for Clarksville’s next big event.

(800) 530-2487 ext 241

Channel Lemon

Customer Service Representative, Sporting Industry Liaison

Channel attended the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga where she ran cross-country and track. She graduated with her B.S. in Sports Administration. Her love affair with the CVB began when she was an intern and continued until she became a full time employee in 2005. Her favorite time of year is the summer when the major events such as the AAU National Basketball Tournament and Kick-it-3v3 soccer tournament are in full swing. When she is not involved in some sort of competitive sporting event, Channel is chasing after her dog Marley, a 1-year-old ADHD Puggle.

(800) 530-2487 ext. 258

Willson Riggins

Welcome Center Director

Wilson runs Clarksville’s official welcome team. He and his staff of volunteers at our Welcome Center will help you find our way around Clarksville. The long-time Clarksville native knows where everything is located and the unique history of the region as well. Stop in and see Wilson as you plan your route around Clarksville-Montgomery County. 

(931) 553-8467

Shannon Green

Vice President, Finance & Administration of the EDC

Shannon Green came to Clarksville by way of the Fort Campbell Military Post during his service with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He has over 15 years of accounting, administrative, and human resources experience with non-profit associations. Prior to his association with the Clarksville-Montgomery County CVB and Economic Development Council, he worked in a similar position with the Tennessee Medical Association in nearby Nashville. Shannon and his family are involved in their church, youth sports, and music. He recently published a music CD as a member of the Gateway Quartet.

(931) 245-4335

Wendy Welch

Media Design Specialist of the EDC

Wendy is a graphic design guru, the woman behind the camera, and the person who makes our organization look hip, fun, and cool. And, even though she enjoyed art school in Arizona and playing in the desert for a few years, this Clarksville native eventually came home to start her career. Prior to joining the Economic Development Council and CVB, she worked for the Fort Campbell Courier, The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, and James Corlew Chevrolet-Cadillac-Mitsubishi. In her spare time, Wendy constructs furniture, gardens, and is a great chef!  We could write more, but Wendy proclaims that she is one of those people who is over-hobbied. 

(931) 245-4338

Lisa Knight

Human Resources Manager of the EDC

Lisa is a graduate of Austin Peay State University. Before joining the Economic Development Council and CVB, she previously worked for Bardcor in nearby Guthrie, Kentucky, for twenty years. This human resource professional also multi-tasks in our accounting department. If you are attending the Miss Tennessee USA Pageant, she is the staff member assisting you with tickets and payments. In her spare time, Lisa would describe herself as a shopaholic. She frequently tests out the hot shopping spots for us to know what our visitors will like during their travels to Clarksville.

(931) 245-4336

Susan Rye

Administrative Assistant of the EDC

Susan is the voice behind the Economic Development Council and CVB. She is the person you speak with when you call our office asking for vacation guides and directions. This Montgomery County native knows all the sweet spots in town. When she is not working, Susan enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, and absolutely loves horses. 

(931) 647-2331