Mr. Fann recently joined the Board of the Tennessee Arts Commission, one of only four individuals from across the state appointed by Governor Bill Lee to shape a vision for Tennessee's arts and culture.
"We’re thrilled to welcome four new board members who joined us in FY24," says Anne B. Pope, Executive Director of the Arts Commission. "These community leaders and arts champions bring a wealth of experience to the Commission."
Donald Fann is a Cannon County native who established the theater program at Stewarts Creek High School. He was selected as The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts 2016 Teacher of the Year and launched the Tennessee All State Theatre Auditions. He served for 19 years as Executive Director of the Arts Center of Cannon County, which became a national model for Rural Community Arts Organizations under his leadership. At the Arts Center, he developed innovative Traditional Arts and Arts Education Programs and founded the Grammy Award winning record label Spring Fed Records.
In 2013, he received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in Arts Leadership for contributions to the state’s arts community. He is a former Chair of both Tennesseans for the Arts and for Humanities Tennessee Boards of Directors and primary guest director at Cumberland County Playhouse. He serves as President of Tennessee Theatre Educators and is a Board member and Secondary Division Chair for the Tennessee Theatre Association. His extensive theatrical background includes over 250 credits for directing, design, and performance.
"Mr. Fann exemplifies the spirit of servant leadership," says Brian Russell, Chair of Fine Arts at Stewarts Creek High School. "As he continues to extend that leadership across the state, Mr. Fann shares Stewarts Creek's successes and brings valuable insights from other individuals and organizations that will help us continue to grow."