Athens Chamber Staff
David Bradley
President & CEO
David came to Athens in 2018, bringing years of experience from his time serving as president of two Chambers of Commerce in North Carolina. Before joining the Chamber industry in 1998, he ran a plastics extrusion plant. David embraced all the challenges and opportunities presented in his current role and loves working within the Athens community.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
Big city amenities with small-town charm.
What is your favorite Athens event?
What is your favorite food?
Pizza with cold beer. Well... anything with cold beer, really.
Fun fact:
I have acted in, directed, and/or re-written around 40 community theater shows.
Marissa Chastain
Vice President of Operations
Marissa received a BFA in Art Education/Painting from the University of Georgia in 2012. She has professional experience in customer service and marketing. Prior to working with the Chamber, she was engaged in several volunteer capacities including Ambassador and Chair of the Small Business Breakfast Club. Marissa transitioned from Director of Membership and Marketing to Vice President of Operations in 2025.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I love that there's always something fun to do in Athens. Community events, a vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, local music - what's not to love?
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
I always loved volunteering with the chamber and attending events as a Chamber member. I'm passionate about the Athens community and seeing local businesses thrive, so this role was a natural fit.
Fun fact:
I enjoy singing and playing guitar/ukulele. I have enjoyed the opportunity to perform at a few local spots like the Foundry, 40 Watt, and the Athens Farmers Market.
Becky Beasley
Accountant
Becky is a CPA and has vast experience working in several different financial positions. She was a Financial Services Manager and Financial Analyst for Coca-Cola affiliated companies and on audit staff for public accounting firms Grant Thorton and Deloitte, just to name a few. Â She helps us track all of our financials and makes sure that we stay within budget.
What is your favorite Athens event?
Athens Twilight Criterium
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Seabear Oyster Bar
I'm originally from Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Arkansas,
but I love UGA and the Dawgs!
Seth Bagwell
Membership Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I like that Athens can have that big city feel while still having aspects of a small town.
What is your favorite Athens event?
Twilight
Fun Fact:
I once had the pleasure of meeting Don Rickles.
What is your favorite movie?
Casablanca
Meredith Lysaught
Special Events Coordinator
What is a fun fact about you?Â
Kim Childs
Director of Programs
The majority of Kim's professional background is in corporate banking, but prior to coming to Athens, she worked for several years at a Metro Atlanta Chamber. She now helps coordinate all of our events and will transition into a membership retention role in 2025.
What is your favorite Chamber event?
My favorite events are those put on by the Women Who Work committee. These events always include networking but also focus on topics and themes that support the busy work/life balance for women professionals.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
The people - everyone is so friendly and welcoming!
Fun Fact:
I am a Master Gardener and enjoy beekeeping with my husband!
Angel Akintoye
Intern
Angel is a senior at the University of Georgia, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in International Affairs and a concentration in Pre-Law. Passionate about community engagement, she has remained actively involved throughout her college career. At UGA, Angel serves as the Community Outreach Director for the Arch Policy Institute. Her experience extends beyond campus, having interned with the Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and contributed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as a DEI intern at Flagstar Bank.
Athens is a vibrant and welcoming city, rich in diversity, from its food to its people. The community here is tight-knit, offering a strong support system where you can always find help and encouragement, no matter what you need.
Fun fact:Â
I have a passion for travel and have explored countries like France, South Africa, the U.K., and Ghana. My goal is to visit over thirty countries in the future and continue discovering new places and cultures.
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
Yvonne Thuo
Intern
Yvonne Thuo is a student at the University of Georgia, pursuing a degree in Economics alongside a certificate in Financial Technology. With hands-on experience in accounting and investing, she is passionate about leveraging technology to streamline and enhance business operations. Although relatively new to the Athens area, Yvonne is excited to explore all that the city has to offer.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?:
My favorite thing about Athens is the vibrant and welcoming culture. It’s a lively city with a great mix of activities and events.
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?:
I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Athens community and support the growth of local businesses. The Chamber's mission aligned perfectly with my passion for fostering community engagement and economic development.
What is a fun fact about you?:
I was born in Kenya.
Montana Graham
Intern
Montana Graham is a senior at the University of Georgia with a major in Communication Studies. Through years of working in the service industry and being a panel coordinator and organizer for conventions, she is looking to hone her communication and marketing skills to create better relationships between businesses and people. She is originally from San Diego, California, but lived in Tucson, Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, and Atlanta before finding her way to Athens, Ga.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?:
My favorite thing about Athens is the convenience of a small town while having the benefits of being its own thriving city as well as not too far from
places like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Savannah. Athens has its own culture and personality, as well as Cali N' Titos, which is fantastic. All different types of people live in and are welcomed here.
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?:
I was really excited to do marketing for the Athens Chamber because this was a great opportunity for me to gain experience outside of the classroom, but beyond this, I am able to really be involved with the development and growth of Athens. A lot of exciting new things are happening here, and I hope to be part of that.
What is a fun fact about you?:
I have never been to Montana.