Meet the Executive Director

Michelle Powell has been executive director of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association since July 2005. A native of Michigan, she has a bachelor's degree, with double majors in broadcasting and graphic design, from Central Michigan University. Her background includes management, public relations, fundraising, managing volunteers, advertising, and marketing. Most of her professional career has been spent in the nonprofit sector.

Michelle is married to Matt Shafer Powell, news director of NPR affiliate WUOT. Matt won a national Edward R. Murrow Award for Writing Excellence in 2009. He is an avid supporter of the Oak Ridge Symphony.

Michelle and Matt have three children: Shafer, 18; Lexi, 16; and Stella, 12.

Why did the Powells move from Michigan to Oak Ridge? Michelle provides the answer and the family response to the relocation.

"We moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 2004 after spending many years in the cold, gray north. The longer seasons, more sunshine, and a job opportunity for Matt at the University of Tennessee brought us to East Tennessee. It was the wonderful school system, greenways, and cultural opportunities that brought us to Oak Ridge. After enjoying not only the Symphony, but the Playhouse, Art Center, swimming pools, hiking, plus the diversity and kindness of the people, we have confirmed that Oak Ridge is the best place to live in East Tennessee."