Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga is excited to welcome our newest board member, Ayanna Williams!
Ayanna brings a wealth of experience in parks, recreation, and nonprofit leadership. She has worked with organizations such as Park Pride, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Recreation and Park Association, building a resume rooted in the belief that public spaces have the power to strengthen communities. From strategic planning and fundraising to community outreach and collaborative partnerships, Ayanna has spent her career helping create inclusive, sustainable spaces that connect people to nature and to one another.
For Ayanna, parks and outdoor spaces aren’t just part of her professional life—they’re deeply personal. Growing up in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest fostered her love of nature, and throughout her life, she has seen firsthand how parks bring people together. “Some of my best memories involve time spent in local parks,” she shares, “and I believe deeply in the power of these spaces to improve people’s lives.”
Since moving to Chattanooga in 2024, Ayanna has been eager to find ways to give back and connect with her new community. Joining the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga board is, for her, both a personal and professional commitment. “I care about this work, and I care about this place that is just starting to feel like home,” she says. “Joining the board feels like a meaningful way to invest in both.”
Ayanna also brings a strong track record of volunteer leadership. She continues to serve on the board of the Conservancy at Historic Washington Park in Atlanta, where she helps protect and revitalize a space of deep significance for the African American community. She is also Chair of the Community Engagement Committee for Birds Georgia, supporting conservation, environmental education, and habitat protection. Locally, she volunteers with The Chattery, helping foster lifelong learning opportunities in Chattanooga.
With her combination of strategic expertise, nonprofit leadership, and passion for community, Ayanna is an incredible addition to the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga board. We are thrilled to have her join us in supporting our mission to connect people with the outdoors and expand access to the natural spaces that make our community thrive.
Please join us in giving Ayanna a warm welcome—we’re so glad she’s here!
