Tryon Fine Arts Center has appointed new members to the organization’s board of directors. Community members Matthew Pohsweg, Russell Rock, Jim Wright, Scott Lane and Andy Millard all begin a three-year term as of January 2017.

Matthew Pohsweg built a career in the telecommunications industry, working for BellSouth for 35 years after serving in the U.S. Army. Pohsweg retired to Columbus in 2006 from Atlanta. Since moving to Polk County, Pohsweg has volunteered with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, the Polk County Transportation Advisory Board, Tryon Country Club, Morgan Chapel Village Homeowners Association, FENCE Open Horse Show events and the Tryon Investment Club. When not engaged in community activities, Pohsweg travels with his wife Lynn and pursues a life-long interest in cars through the Porsche Club of America.

Russ Rock brings over 30 years of experience in federal service and a wide-ranging career in contracts consultation and negotiation to TFAC. Rock holds a J.D. from the Golden Gate University School of Law, and studied public administration at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Rock now lives in Campobello with his wife Sally.

Jim Wright retired from a 40 year career in the pulp and paper products industry, with extensive experience in human resources and labor relations. Since 2004, Wright and his wife Kathleen have made their home in Tryon. Wright has served as president of the Gillette Woods Homeowners Association, a guardian ad litem, chair of the steering committee for Always Tryon, Parks Committee member, participating founder of Rolling Art car show, community volunteer, mayor, and president of the Rotary Club of Tryon.

Scott Lane joins the TFAC board of directors following 20 early years of work in nonprofit development and a later career in real estate development and investment. A former resident of Charleston, New York, Atlanta, and Geneva, Lane is an avid cyclist, sailor, and husband who spends his spare time chasing dreams and his grown kids across the globe. Recently, Scott and his wife Gayle renovated three historic buildings in downtown Tryon as a partner in Missildines, LLC.

Lane has served on a number of boards, including the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, Tryon Downtown Development Association, and Tryon Concert Association. The Lanes have also recently purchased the historic Tryon Theatre in downtown Tryon.

Andy Millard is a financial planner and the founder of Millard & Company, an investment firm in the heart of Tryon. Before his career in financial advising, Millard was an educator in Gaston and Polk County schools. He is also the award-winning author of two books and an active servant of his community. Millard and his wife Sharon make their home in Tryon. Millard returns to the TFAC Board of Directors after taking a hiatus to run for North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District.

The new additions to the TFAC Board of Directors will serve through 2019.

More information about TFAC programs is available online at tryonarts.org or by calling 828-859-8322.

– article submitted by Michelle Fleming