The Dixie Appoints New Executive Director

HUNTINGDON — Kimberly Kraft McLemore, of Nashville, is the new executive director of The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. Huntingdon Mayor Chad Edwards announced McLemore’s appointment during the Huntingdon Town Council’s February meeting.

McLemore comes from the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where she serves as the vice president of education and community. In this role, she has directed the Symphony’s concert operations, community engagement efforts and orchestra activities. McLemore is a Nashville-based music educator, arts administrator and arts advocate. Before this role, she managed the Nashville Symphony’s nationally-recognized Accelerando pathway initiative, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with the goal of preparing young musicians from diverse communities to enter the field of classical music.

McLemore’s resume also includes working on the Nashville Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement team and teaching high school choral and theater arts in Metro Nashville Public Schools. She served as a member of the Fine Arts Standards Writing Committee for the State of Tennessee Board of Education and an ensemble manager for the Tennessee Music Educators Association’s state conference. She is in her sixth year as the ensemble manager for the All-National Honor Ensemble for the National Association for Music Education National Conference.

Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the Pennsylvania State University.

In addition to her continued work as a local freelance musician and teaching artist, Kimberly also enjoys baking and spending time with her husband and two children.

“I feel like it’s a big deal to win somebody like that,” Mayor Edwards said.

McLemore, along with 15 other candidates, were individually interviewed by a ten-person panel for the position of executive director.

“I am deeply honored to join The Dixie at this exciting moment,” said McLemore. “This venue is more than a performance space — it’s a cultural anchor that enriches lives, celebrates artistic excellence and creates meaningful connections across generations. I look forward to working with the talented team, community partners and regional supporters to expand The Dixie’s mission and reach.”

As Executive Director, Kimberly will oversee strategic planning, creative programming, community and educational partnerships, and audience engagement initiatives designed to strengthen The Dixie’s role as a vibrant cultural cornerstone in West Tennessee.

The Town of Huntingdon and The Dixie PAC will host an official meet-and-greet for McLemore in the near future.

Tickets for The Dixie’s 2025-2026 performance season and educational programming are on sale now at DixiePAC.net and through The Dixie’s Box Office, Monday-Friday, 10-4 p.m., or by calling 731-986-2100.