Our Story
The first large-scale alumni organizing project began in 1993. The national alumni steering committee was tasked with forming a joint alumni organization with Kappa Kappa Psi. At the 1997 National Convention in Scottsdale, AZ, the National Alumni Association was officially formed. The NAA was a joint organization with Kappa Kappa Psi and represented the interested of the alumni for ten years.
At the 2007 National Convention in Orlando, the National Alumni Association was dissolved after 10 years of serving the joint organization of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. At that time, the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association was established to better benefit the goals and objectives of our organization. Since then, the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association has worked to create worthwhile programing for alumni and friends of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Sorority.
The TBSAA began with a simple but powerful idea: that the bonds of Tau Beta Sigma should extend well beyond graduation. A steering committee of visionary alumni—Chris Reed, Leslie McClure, Catherine Brown, Kelly Eidson, and Ed Elsea—laid the groundwork for what would become the Association.
Under Chair Debbie Baker and Vice Chair Chris Reed, the first TBSAA newsletter was published in December 2007, setting the tone for structured, intentional communication. The first official Executive Committee meeting took place in 2008, where early membership thank-you gifts (magnets) were collated by hand.
In 2009, The Rhapsody made its debut at National Convention, distributed daily as a new way to connect alumni across the country. The TBSAA also co-sponsored the alumni suite and, held a banquet flower sale, and completed its first internal elections—moving from concept to community.
Under Chris Reed’s leadership, TBSAA entered a phase of structuring and visibility. Affiliate registration opened, enabling more alumni to engage meaningfully without needing life membership. A revised mission statement clarified the Association’s purpose, and the first Affiliate Handbook provided guidance to new participants.
This biennium marked TBSAA’s entry onto the national stage—securing an ex-officio seat on the Tau Beta Sigma National Council and participating in strategic planning with the Council and Board of Trustees. Collaborations with NAMM, MENC, and SupportMusic.com expanded the Association’s musical advocacy and network.
Sue Carr, a longtime champion of alumni engagement, stepped in as Chair and guided the TBSAA through a time of bold programming and generous service. The Association sponsored its first NIB speaker, Peter LaPorta, and launched the March for Music initiative to support music education and awareness.
The Executive Committee became the Executive Council, signaling a shift from foundational planning to long-term leadership. TBSAA made a $5,000 donation to the Wava Memorial Garden and hosted its first alumni cruise—proof that alumni engagement could be as meaningful as it was fun.
Amanda Dickson’s term as Chair brought renewed emphasis on member recognition and support. During this time, the TBSAA Distinguished Alumni Award was named in honor of Sue Carr, setting the stage for honoring alumni who exemplify the Sorority’s values throughout their lives.
TBSAA launched its Grant Program, providing direct support to members and LAAs for mission-aligned projects. In May 2015, the inaugural TBSAA For Greater Bands 5K was held at Merriweather Post Pavilion—blending community, wellness, and philanthropy in a new format that would grow into a lasting tradition.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, TBSAA—under the leadership of Chair Justin Brady—embraced digital tools and scalable programs. The For Greater Bands 5K was transitioned into a virtual event, with proceeds benefiting VH1 Save the Music. This shift enabled alumni from across the country to participate and support the cause together, even from afar.
A major advancement came with the launch of the online membership application, streamlining the process and lowering barriers to engagement. As a result, TBSAA crossed a major milestone: its first membership year with over 400 active members.
Katie Dukes' leadership ushered in a period of energetic expansion. The Graduate Scholarship Program was launched, helping support alumni in their pursuit of advanced degrees. The Association also introduced a fresh digital presence with the launch of the @tbs.alumni Instagram account, increasing visibility and connection.
A series of videos highlighting membership benefits and mentorship opportunities modernized outreach efforts and complemented the existing mentorship program. These efforts paid off: for the first time in its history, TBSAA achieved a membership year exceeding 500 members.
With Chris Foster as Chair, TBSAA navigated the uncertainties of the global pandemic with creativity and resolve. The mentorship program evolved into the Growth & Professional Development Program (GPDP), a more structured and adaptive offering for alumni looking to grow and give back.
Despite the challenges, TBSAA’s reach continued to expand. The Association celebrated Tau Beta Sigma’s 75th Anniversary, introduced the Diamond Anniversary Membership, and supported a surge in LAA formation. Most notably, TBSAA was formally recognized in the Tau Beta Sigma National Constitution, securing its role as a permanent part of the Sorority’s structure.
Membership exceeded 600, and the organization learned to thrive in virtual spaces while never losing sight of its people-first mission.
David Alexander stepped in as Chair during a pivotal time for the Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association—one marked by alignment, vision, and purposeful growth. With the theme of "Intentional Connections" guiding the biennium, the TBSAA focused on creating deeper, more meaningful engagement across the entire membership lifecycle. This biennium also celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the TBSAA.
The LAA Reimbursable Grant Program, providing direct support to the expanding network of Local Alumni Associations was launched. A new Welcome Experience for National Intercollegiate Band (NIB) participants, creating spaces for intentional inclusion for the members of the National Intercollegiate Band also debuted.
TBSAA played a key role in shaping Tau Beta Sigma’s updated Vision Statement, ensuring that alumni were recognized as essential contributors to the Sorority’s present and future. In partnership with national leadership, a new forward-thinking 10-Year Strategic Plan, with alumni engagement thoughtfully woven throughout was launched.
Under the leadership of Chair Dr. Thea Murphy, TBSAA focused on meaningful alumni engagement through the theme “Connect. Engage. Serve.” The LAA ACES Program, launched in 2022, became a key framework for fostering vibrant, service-driven Local Alumni Associations, with six new LAAs joining the network.
Throughout the biennium, alumni connected through virtual events, district convention town halls, and impactful initiatives like the newly created National Alumni Service Project. Focused on connection, TBSAA expanded its communications strategy and digital outreach. The debut of the official TBS Alumni Pin, along with the development of cohesive branding and visual identity, elevated the Association’s presence across all platforms.
With a renewed focus on professionalism, visibility, and service, TBSAA strengthened its role as a powerful extension of the Sorority experience—uniting alumni as leaders, supporters, and lifelong members of Tau Beta Sigma.
Executive Council Chairs
Jessica Smith
Epsilon Epsilon 2025-2027
Dr. Thea Murphy
Theta Kappa 2023-2025
David Alexander
Gamma Omega 2021-2023
Chris Foster
Tau 2019-2021
Katie Dukes
Theta Theta 2017-2019
Justin Brady
Epsilon 2015-2017
Amanda Dickson
Gamma Nu 2013-2015
Sue Carr
Delta Delta 2011-2013
Chris (Vanacore) Reed
Zeta Upsilon 2008-2011
Debbie Baker
Beta Xi 2007-2008
Executive Council History
The original charter members from 2007-2008 were:
Lucia Alfieri
Veronica Alonzo
Jeffrey Anderson
Hatalee Anderson
Carrie Anthony
Beth Antognini
Clayton Applegate
Deborah Baker
Amy Barnes
Tasha Barry
Akilah Bell
Shauna Biles
Jeffrey Bond
Jason Borden
Lenise Bostic
Sara Bourgeois
Justin Brady
Meredith Brazzell
Michelle Breedy
Mary Lu Brooks
Nicole Burdick
Megan Burke
Kimberly Burrell
Susan Carr
Linora Carr
Renee Cartee
Alissa Chitwood
Jennifer Claudy
Bev Cohen
Theresa Conroy
Maryellen Conway
Lauren Copeland
Carl Copeland
Abi Corbin
RoShunda Council
Kellie Cozart
Joseph Cunningham
Tamara Czerniakowski
Bridget Daresh
Erin Dockery
Matthew Dras
Kelly Eidson
Edward Elsea, III
Michelle Ennis
Dawn Farmer
Meghan Fay
Robin Feldman
Alexis Feldman
Tamika Ferguson
Ashanti Foster
Anne Gardner
Katherine Godwin
Rebecca Gosnell
Amanda Grace
Theresa Graves
Timothy Greenwell, Jr.
Natasha Griffin
Tyler Hall
Karon Hammond
David Hammond
Amanda Harlow
Alan Harriet
Mary Heath
Patsy Hejl
Janelle Henderson
Katie Henry
Wava Henry
Tamara Henry
Cenobia Hilton
Georganne Hodges
Kimberly Holloway
Monica Hunter
Wendy Jacques
Jennifer Jones
Michelle Kannel
Deborah Kaplan
Jennifer Khasilev
Erin Kilduff
Elyse Kircher
Karmen Kizzie
Jennifer Klettke
Jennifer Konold
Alicia Kosko
Andrea Levin
Jenequel Lewis
Izabella Lopez
Sarah Lowery
Heather Mackey
Richard Mackey
Tamika Madison
Elizabeth Mahoney
Marisa Manwiller
Jonathan Markowski
Heather Marshall
Sarah Marshall
Lorrieann Martin
Carolyn McCambridge
Scott McCambridge
John McCann
Wendy McCann
Leslie McClure
Donna McCormick
Danielle McElroy
Karen McKenzie
Stephanne Meegan
Melanie Meehan
Christopher Miller
Janet Miller
Katie Miller
Derrick Mills
Emily Mills
Thomas Mills, Jr.
Eric Morson
Dixie Mosier-Greene
Tasha Mulewski
Megan Neal
Stacey Neeley
Christie Nestor
Jean Newman
Elizabeth O’Malley
Dollie O’Neill
Amanda Odorimah
Leah Polk
Erika Pope
Katie Pusch
Adrienne Rall
Matthew Richardson
Carla Robinson
Shannan Robinson
Amy Roche
Rachel Rousselle
Jennifer Ryder
Debbie Schluben
William Schluben
Kathy Schultz
Dionne Shackelford
Patrick Shannon
Sharae Sharp
Rebecca Shumpert
Kimberlina Sigle
Kristen Silverberg
Samantha Simatos
Jessica Smith
Deena Smith
Rebecca Staudt
Richard Stewart
Sarah Stoop
Deborah Straw
Cindy Teel
Alicia Thompson
Leslie Twite
Christina Vanacore
Jennifer Vondran
Shannon Watson-Borden
Sonya Weitenbeck
Marcia Wilhelm
Kimberly Williams
Emily Winski
Kathleen Wright
Kristin Wright
Crystal Wright
Marcus Wyche
Ruth Young