Athens Chamber Staff
David Bradley
President & CEO
David came to Athens in 2018, bringing years of experience from his time serving as president of two Chambers of Commerce in North Carolina. Before joining the Chamber industry in 1998, he ran a plastics extrusion plant. David embraced all the challenges and opportunities presented in his current role
and loves working within the Athens community.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
Big city amenities with small-town charm.
What is your favorite Athens event?
What is your favorite food?
Pizza with cold beer. Well... anything with cold beer, really.
Fun fact:
I have acted in, directed, and/or re-written around 40 community theater shows.
Dr. Alvie Coes III
Chief Workforce Officer
Dr. Alvie Coes, III is originally from Unadilla, GA and a product of the Dooly County School System. Alvie is a proud “triple eagle” receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Georgia Southern University 2007. He then furthered his education by receiving a double master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration ‘09 and Business Administration ‘10 from Georgia Southern University. Alvie received his doctorate degree in Workforce Education from the University of Georgia in December of 2021. Alvie is a proud alumnus of Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Funeral Service Education. While at OTC, he was named the 2011 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for the Technical College System of Georgia.
Alvie is a licensed embalmer and funeral director working with the Gardenview Funeral Chapel in Athens. Alvie and his sister Alvita are the proud co-owners of Coes Funeral Home in Unadilla, GA, a business started by his parents in 1982. Alvie honorably serves his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Medical Service Officer with the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA. In his spare time, he enjoys CrossFit classes at Creed Athens/Watkinsville, traveling with friends, and spending time with his beautiful daughters, Gabrielle, age 12 and Zuriah, age 5!
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
Big city, with a small town feel...not much traffic 
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Hot Corner Festival.
What is your favorite Athens Event?
Scott's BBQ.
Fun Fact:
I can ride my bicycle backwards.
Marissa Chastain
Vice President of Operations
Marissa received a BFA in Art Education/Painting from the University of Georgia in 2012. She has professional experience in customer service and marketing. Prior to working with the Chamber, she was engaged in several volunteer capacities including Ambassador and Chair of the Small Business Breakfast Club. Marissa transitioned from Director of Membership and Marketing to Vice President of Operations in 2025.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I love that there's always something fun to do in Athens. Community events, a vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, local music -what's not to love?
What made you consider working at the Athens Chamber?
I always loved volunteering with the chamber and attending events as a Chamber member. I'm passionate about the Athens community and seeing local businesses thrive, so this role was a natural fit.
Fun fact:
I enjoy singing and playing guitar/ukulele. I have enjoyed the opportunity to perform at a few local spots like the Foundry, 40 Watt, and the Athens Farmers Market.
Becky Beasley
Accountant
Becky is a CPA and has vast experience working in several different financial positions. She was a Financial Services Manager and Financial Analyst for Coca-Cola affiliated companies and on audit staff for public accounting firms Grant Thorton and Deloitte, just to name a few. She helps us track all of our financials and makes sure that we stay within budget.
What is your favorite Athens event?
Athens Twilight Criterium
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Seabear Oyster Bar
I'm originally from Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Arkansas,
but I love UGA and the Dawgs!
Seth Bagwell
Membership Coordinator
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
I like that Athens can have that big city feel while still having aspects of a small town.
What is your favorite Athens event?
Twilight
Fun Fact:
I once had the pleasure of meeting Don Rickles.
What is your favorite movie?
Casablanca
Meredith Lysaught
Special Events Coordinator
What is a fun fact about you?
Kim Childs
Membership Services
The majority of Kim's professional background is in corporate banking, but prior to coming to Athens, she worked for several years at a Metro Atlanta Chamber. She began at the Athens Chamber working with special events and transitioned into a membership retention role in 2025.
What is your favorite Chamber event?
My favorite events are those put on by the Women Who Work committee. These events always include networking but also focus on topics and themes that support the busy work/life balance for women professionals.
What is your favorite thing about Athens?
The people - everyone is so friendly and welcoming!
Fun Fact:
I am a Master Gardener and enjoy beekeeping with my husband!