Chairperson: Colby McLemore is a full-time professional photographer whose work revolves around advertising and portrait photography. He has been inducted into the Tennessee Photographers Hall of Fame and has many other industry-recognized accolades. Knoxville has recognized him with News Sentinel’s Readers Choice awards and Cityview’s Best of the Best for years. He specializes in professional headshots, advertising photography and videos, food, and product photography, as well as architectural and aerial photography.
President:
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.
Vice President: Betsy Bird 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 is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and a pro member of the Equine Photographers Network. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. Betsy specializes in horse and equestrian portraits, equestrian seniors, and equestrian brand photography. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN.
Secretary: Jen Willis 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. Jen is furthering her education in photography through the University of Tennessee Professional Education & Lifelong Learning program. In 2023, she will complete the program and receive her UT Photography certificate. Jen will also earn her Certified Professional Photographer title through PPA in 2023.
Treasurer: For the past seven years, John Priano has served as Carton Service’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer. He also serves as an advisory board member for Y-12 Federal Credit Union and Carton Service CSI LLC. John is currently a student at the University of Tennessee Professional Education and Personal Enrichment program.
When it comes to photography, John is interested in portraiture and landscape photography. He is also pursuing the Certified Professional Photographer designation with the PPA in 2023. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his wife Cheryl, and two children, Marisa and Elizabeth.
Member-at-Large: Elena Ganusova fell in love with photography as a child when her father introduced her to the magic of black-and-white photography. Elena’s work has been highly accepted in local, state, national, and international competitions and exhibited in Knoxville galleries. Elena provides her clients with family portraiture, senior and children portraiture, lifestyle and environmental portraiture, engagement, wedding photography, and photo restoration. She is a photographic artist and educator. Elena holds her CPP, Master Craftsman, and Master Artist degrees from the Professional Photographers of America. She has held various leadership positions with the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) and the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN).
Junior Board Member: 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.
Junior Board Member: 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.”
Junior Board Member: Hill Henry 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.
Junior Board Member: Michelle Zelina-Stice is a passionate photographer and content creator, capturing moments that tell stories and evoke emotions. Michelle’s lens is her artistic tool, and her canvas is the world she sees through it. Michelle’s dedication and talent have been recognized, earning her the prestigious title of the Best of the Best Wedding Photographer in Knoxville for 2023. Her ability to freeze moments in time and create lasting memories sets her apart in the competitive world of photography. Beyond the lens, Michelle is a dedicated mom, finding inspiration in the everyday moments of family life. Balancing the roles of a photographer and a mom, she brings a genuine perspective to her work, celebrating the beauty in both special occasions and the ordinary. Michelle is honored to be on the 2024 Professional Photographers of East Tennessee’s Board and looks forward to helping grow the group.