Board of Directors
Meet our Board:
Renita (Shorty) Beaty
Renita Beaty - who goes by "Shorty" - is Soil Conservationist for Hamilton County Soil Conservation District.
She's also Vice President of the Hamilton County Farm Bureau Board.
Shorty provides education on agriculture and conservation for everyone from pre-schoolers to adults - and she'll be sharing that knowledge at the Fair.
Her work with Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair Officials has shaped the Agricultural aspect of the Event!
Mike Gloekler
A proud U.S. Navy veteran and a dynamic and analytical professional with 15+ years of experience in internal and external corporate communications and public relations. Mike has a proven history of aligning media relations strategies with business interests, priorities, and objectives. He possess a demonstrated ability to develop and implement PR campaigns that promote/protect brand while maintaining professional integrity and preserving company values. And he prides himself on an aptitude for maintaining internal and external information channels in order to optimize efficiency and create an environment of clarity, education, and accountability.
While others take pride in meeting all standards set before them, his passion is for delivering results that go beyond organizational expectations, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
Ted Gocke
Everybody’s friend and someone who reflects the Love of Jesus everyday,” is how the Program Director and Morning Show host Ted Gocke wants to be remembered most. Married since 1990 to his wife Amy, Ted treasures his titles as Husband, Father and Papa T. He loves spending time on his family's boat, hitting the gym, traveling or taking a nap in his pool.
Johnny Smith
Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Johnny has been instrumental in shaping the city's cultural landscape and advancing its philanthropic spirit. In 2008, he assumed the role of President at Dead Bird Recording Studio, where he has since championed local artists and music-focused initiatives. His deep belief in the transformative power of the arts led him to expand his impact beyond the studio. Since 2010, Johnny has served as President of the McKenzie Foundation, directing strategic investments in arts, education, and community-building initiatives across Chattanooga.
Driven by a lifelong commitment to making music accessible, Johnny created the Songbirds Foundation in 2018, where he now serves as Chairman of the Board. Under his leadership, the Foundation has launched groundbreaking programs such as Guitars for Kids and Write to Rock, which provide free instruments, music education, and workforce development opportunities to underserved youth.
These efforts ensure that creativity and self-expression are within reach for the next generation. A proud graduate of Lee University, Johnny has seamlessly blended his musical background with a deep dedication to community development. His efforts span music education, historical preservation, and creative empowerment—initiatives that continue to enrich the region’s cultural identity. Johnny Smith’s enduring leadership and generosity have fueled vital music preservation projects, expanded cultural programming, and opened doors for emerging talent. His work continues to inspire and uplift, making the arts a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life in Chattanooga and beyond.
Jonathan Susman
Jonathan Susman is the Executive Director of McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He leads all aspects of arena operations, including event booking, production management, strategic partnerships, facility operations, and audience engagement. In his role, he oversees a variety of events, from concerts and sporting events to community and cultural programming, ensuring that every event delivers a safe, memorable, and high-quality experience for both attendees and performers.
He previously served as the first Director of Special Events and Programming for the City of Chattanooga. In that role, he developed and executed large-scale public events, implemented equitable permitting systems, and managed multimillion-dollar park renovations. Across his leadership positions in the city’s special events division, Susman helped activate underutilized public spaces, fostered community engagement, and coordinated complex logistics with artists, civic partners, and emergency officials.
Trained in event safety, risk management, and operational planning, Susman is committed to creating accessible, innovative, and impactful experiences that strengthen Chattanooga’s creative economy and civic life.