Chairman: Liz Salem, a seasoned entrepreneur and the creative force behind a thriving studio nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Clinton, serving East TN. With a rich background spanning over two decades in sales and marketing, Liz has not only mastered the art of photography but has elevated it to an experience. Specializing in Beauty, Branding, and Boudoir photography, this passion shines through as she assists other women in capturing images that show their true beauty or help brand their businesses in ways that they are proud of showing.
She actively engages with her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee and as well as the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of TN Valley. As a proud ambassador for the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, Liz represents not just her business but a commitment to fostering connections and growth.
President: Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, TCD, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make horses look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total weirdo, she invests in growing her business, mentoring aspiring photographers, dealing with her teenagers’ angst, and planning her next adventure. A lifelong entrepreneur with a background in marketing, branding, and IPS, Betsy holds her Photographic Craftsman degree and is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds both the Tennessee Certified and Service Degrees from the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA). She sits on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. She specializes in horse portraits, equestrian seniors, pet photography, and equestrian and pet brand photography.
Vice President: Jen Willis, CPP, is a photographer who is passionate about pet and portrait photography. She has been involved in the veterinary industry her entire career. She believes in the importance of the human-animal bond and wants to capture that in her art.
She is a Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and is a proud graduate of the UT Photography Certificate Program. As of this year, Jen has returned as an instructor at the UT Photography Certificate Program, sharing her expertise in lighting. In addition to serving on the PPETN Board of Directors, Jen also serves as the Treasurer of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA).
Secretary: Steve Thomas, CPP, bought his first camera in a pawnshop over 35 years ago and is still working on perfecting the craft of photography. Having retired, after a 30-year career with TVA, he now can devote his time to the elusive pursuit of this goal. Steve is the owner of SGT Photography, specializing in headshots, portraiture, landscape, fashion, and event photography. His work has been published in Bicycling magazine and Outdoor magazine and his landscapes hang in various businesses, hospitals, and homes across the southeast.
Steve sits on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). In his free time, Steve donates his time to several meaningful causes including volunteering as a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and The RiseUP Cooperative of Chattanooga. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for FACES- The National Craniofacial Association.
Treasurer: For the past ten years, John Priano has served as Carton Service’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer. He also serves as a board member to the TNPPA, an advisory board member for Y-12 Federal Credit Union and Carton Service CSI LLC.
When it comes to photography, John is interested in portraiture and landscape photography. He received a certificate in photography the University of Tennessee Professional Education and Personal Enrichment program as well as earned a Certified Professional Photographer designation with the PPA. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his wife Cheryl, and two children, Marisa and Elizabeth.
Board Member at Large: Jessica Millard is the owner of Jessica Millard Portraits. She specializes in creating beautiful portraits for women and graduating seniors as well as individualized, professional personal branding images. She has recently relocated to the Maryville area and is working toward building professional and client relationships.
Board Member at Large: Arlissa Gentry is the owner of Klixx Photography which focuses on the wedding, portrait, and lifestyle market from North GA to East TN. She loves capturing any moment that is truly real and helping her clients be expressive by helping them think outside the box. Arlissa says, “I am constantly learning my own potential. PPETN has opened new doors for education, mentorship, and most importantly like-minded friendships in the craft of photography. My personal commitment is to always be open and be receptive to nurturing others as they seek to gain knowledge in the awesome creative art of photography.”
Board Member at Large: Hill Henry, CPP, is a wildlife and nature photographer based in Knoxville, TN. After a successful career at the Tennessee Valley Authority as a wildlife biologist, Hill pursued his Professional Photographer Certification and now holds certifications with Professional Photographers of America and the University of Tennessee. Hill enjoys photographing wildlife, landscapes, events, travel, and occasional portraiture. He continues to photograph for the TVA and provides photography support for his commercial photography electric utility industry colleagues.