The Atlanta Ballet has announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Trustees, further diversifying its leadership and reinforcing its commitment to enriching the ballet’s community impact and governance.
“On behalf of Atlanta Ballet, I am thrilled to welcome these distinguished new members to our board,” said Nancy Field, chair of the Atlanta Ballet’s Board of Trustees. “Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will be instrumental as we strive to broaden our reach and relevance locally and nationally, and continue to advance our mission of inspiring audiences, empowering students, and impacting the community through the transformative power of dance.”
Among the new appointees is Caroline Gottschalk, Of Counsel at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. With over 32 years of expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance, Gottschalk has also served on multiple nonprofit boards, including Duke Law School and Dartmouth College Alumni Council.
Cristel Williams, Vice President and Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank, joins the board with extensive experience in brand development and community outreach. Previously, Williams held a leadership role at the Westside Future Fund, where she helped raise over $40 million for affordable housing and education initiatives.
Another appointee, Lovely Dhillon, is the CEO of Jodevi Consulting. Dhillon’s background spans philanthropy, nonprofit consulting, and strategic advocacy work, including previous roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her expertise will contribute to the ballet’s ongoing efforts to drive meaningful social impact.
Kristy Rachal, Region External Affairs Project Manager at Georgia Power, brings experience in community projects, economic development, and legal affairs. A graduate of Spelman College and the University of Georgia, Rachal also chairs the board of Park Pride, a nonprofit supporting Atlanta’s green spaces.
The final addition, Scott Wagner, serves as a partner at Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, specializing in employee benefits and executive compensation. Having relocated from Washington, D.C., Wagner has experience in both government and private practice. He also has a background in music and actively participates in professional networks such as WEB Atlanta.
The appointment of these five individuals reflects the Atlanta Ballet’s focus on cultivating leadership from various industries to enhance its mission and strategic direction.