About Us
Mission
By preserving the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris and the heritage of African American folklore through storytelling, tours and student publishing, the Wren’s Nest serves as an educational resource for the community, the greater Atlanta area and visitors from around the globe.
The Wren's Nest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and relies on the support of the community to enact our mission.
Staff
The Wren's Nest employs one full-time executive director, one full-time program director, and 2 part-time docents.
Interested in volunteering? What about an internship? Read up on both and then shoot Sue ([email protected]) an email, please.
Amber Suitt, Program Director
Amber comes to the Wren's Nest from just down Cascade Road. After visiting This Nation's Most Exciting House Museum years ago, she had the good sense to return here for a spectacular employment opportunity.
Amber is an esteemed graduate of Howard University and Georgetown Law. Please, do not attempt to hoodwink her. It's for your own good.
Amber's favorite movie from the 1980s is The Color Purple. Her favorite storyteller is Mama Koku.
Jeri McWilliams, Docent
Jeri is a native Atlantan, originally hailing from the mighty Dixie Hills neighborhood. She's given tours at the Wren's Nest for more than eight years.
In her spare time, Jeri enjoys volunteering in the community, from exciting events (the Vine City Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party!) to necessary-yet-perhaps-not-so-glamorous tasks (voter registration).
Jeri accepts sass from nobody and tells it like it is, honey (see especially: when visitors are insulting). Her favorite movie from the 1980s is Clash of the Titans. She was into Clash well before the updated version came out. Honey, please.
Nannie Thompson, Docent
Nannie has given tours at the Wren's Nest since 1999 and has served as official Wren's Nest housekeeper since 1996. Nannie knows more about the house than anyone and dares any one of y'all to prove her wrong. She is something of a Wren's Nest celebrity.
Before her time at the Wren's Nest, Nannie managed her husband's restaurant, Fred's, for 28 years. Nannie's favorite movie from the 1980s is Kindergarten Cop, and she doesn't care if it was actually released in 1990. Her favorite storyteller is Woodie.
Email Nannie here (though in truth, Nannie does not fool with computers or anything newfangled. But if you send her an email, we'll give her the message.).
Sue Gilman, Executive Director
Sue grew up on Lucile Avenue, exactly two blocks north of the Wren's Nest. She even attended Joel Chandler Harris Elementary, the very same building where the KIPP Scribes attend school. Sue has served as development, marketing, and executive directors at nonprofits throughout her career, most recently in New York and Vermont.
Sue started her career at Turner back when it was mostly just a hope, a dream, and the Braves. She's happy to be back in Atlanta.
Sue's favorite movie from the 1980s is Turner and Hooch, which is both unlikely and misguided. Her favorite storyteller is Akbar.
You can email Sue ([email protected]) anytime you'd like. Before breakfast even.
Board
Our board comprises 12 individuals from diverse backgrounds. They share a passion for historic preservation, the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris, and the heritage of African-American folklore.
| Janice Andrews Capitol City Bank |
Hunter Groton BNY Mellon |
Bruce Bickley Florida State University |
Jeffrey Robinson J.W. Robinson and Associates |
Nancy Boardman Gorby Peters & Associates |
Lain Shakespeare Community Volunteer |
Jay Camillo Ernst & Young |
Marshall Thomas Resurgens Risk Management |
Jodi Florence IDology Inc. |
|
Handy Johnson Retired, Georgia Department of Natural Resources |
Harold Yudelson Community Volunteer |
Financials
In case you're wondering about how we do business, feast your eyes on our 990s and statements of review. Mmmh, numbers.
| 2007 990 (.pdf) | 2007 Statement of Review (.pdf) |
| 2008 990 (.pdf) | |
| 2009 990 (.pdf) | 2009 Statement of Review (.pdf) |
And if you're really interested in our financial goodness, feel free to peruse our Guidestar profile. It'll be fun! Well, maybe not so much fun as... informative.
Priorities & Needs
You know a little of what we're about and a little about who we are. But where are we going and how can you help?
We've outlined the following priorities and needs in our strategic plan. What do you think? Can you help us get there?