Chair of the Board
Roger spent his first 25 years after graduating from Michigan Law School as CEO of public interest organizations focused on environmental law, immigration policy, civil liberties, and crime. During this time, he was awarded a fellowship at the National Institute of Justice and wrote extensively about community organizing, apology and forgiveness, and environmental protection. He later founded New Transitions, a nonprofit providing housing for foster youth who have aged out without adoption, taught public policy advocacy at Vanderbilt Law School, and became active in homeless programs. Five years ago, Roger joined Fort Houston as a woodworker and full-time volunteer, where he coordinated community service projects including an initiative to build 30 Little Free Libraries for community groups in Tennessee and New York.

Vice Chair of the Board
Jeffrey Buntin, Jr. is CEO of BUNTIN, a Nashville-based brand agency recognized among the leading independent firms in the United States. His career began with the Chicago office of Bozell Worldwide/TrueNorth Communications before he returned to BUNTIN in 1997 and assumed its top leadership position in 2004. His work has earned numerous industry honors, including the AAF Silver Medal Award, EFFIE and Jay Chiat Strategic Planning recognition, and multiple national advertising awards. Jeffrey has also served as a judge for the National ADDYs and EFFIE competition and has been recognized as a Nashville “30 Under 30” and “40 Under 40” honoree. He currently serves on the boards of Nashville Public Television, the YMCA Joe C. Davis Outdoor Center, and Montgomery Bell Academy, among other civic and professional organizations.

Treasurer

Charles has been a member of Fort Houston since 2012. He is a long-time “wood tinkerer,” hobbyist carpenter and amateur woodworker who feels right at home at Fort Houston using big-boy tools. He has served as Board Chair for the Fort Houston Artisan Support Project in Nashville for 4 years. He has served as Board Chair of the ENCORE Ministry Foundation of the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church for 8 years. He is a member of the Administrative Board of Belmont United Methodist Church for 10 years.

Secretary
Barbara Yontz is a former full-time Professor of Visual Art at St. Thomas Aquinas College and currently teaches in the graduate art program at Watkins College of Art at Belmont University. She holds an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College, as well as master’s degrees in art history from Vanderbilt University and art education from the University of South Florida. Her teaching and research have included extensive work with incarcerated populations, including developing college art courses in prisons in Tennessee and New York. Her conceptually based artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Frist Center for Visual Arts in Nashville, the Phoenix Gallery in New York, and the José Martí National Library in Havana. Her current mixed-media work draws on relationships developed with incarcerated individuals to bring greater attention to prisons and prison populations.

Board Member
A native Middle Tennessean, Ashley came to The Forge in 2021 as a member looking to expand her large-format art and DIY/interior decorating skills, and quickly became an active volunteer and Board member. She holds a BS in English and Creative Writing from Vanderbilt and has a background in journalism, communications, fundraising, and nonprofit work. Her professional experience includes the Country Music Hall of Fame Press Division, Journal Communication, and the Tennessee Parks & Greenways Foundation. Ashley currently serves as President of the Ocean Park Terrace Condo Owners Association in Holmes Beach, Florida, and is also a board member of the LaRoche Family Foundation. She is a longtime supporter of The Forge and brings a strong combination of communications experience, community engagement, and enthusiasm for its creative programs.

Board Member

Mr. Lewis is an attorney, residing in his hometown of Nashville, TN. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Business Administration degree and a minor in Mass Communication. Mr. Lewis obtained his law degree at the Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law at the University of Memphis. He was admitted to the Bar in the State of Tennessee in 2010.

Although there is a need for the formalities of business, education and titles, Mr. Lewis doesn't want to be known by these things. He is the middle child of three and has two sisters and 5 nieces and nephews. He considers himself a family man. He believes the intangible things define us. Who are you? What are your dreams? How does your life help others? These are the things that truly matter. He has a passion for bringing like-minded people together and creating an environment for the cultivation of ideas, which he believes can change the world.

Board Member

Nicholas C Georgiou graduated from MTSU with a BS in Journalism in 2013 and currently works as an artistpreneur.

Having lived in Nashville for over 10 years working as a professional musician and maker, he has since developed a side hustle as an actor and model.

Positioned as Director of Fabrication and Special Projects with Fort Houston prior to serving as a Founding Member of The Forge Board, he is currently exploring possibilities the arts in the broader sense.

Board Member
Armon Means is an exhibiting fine art photographer and educator whose work explores cultural concerns, minority identity, and environmental influences. He received his BFA in Photography from the Cleveland Institute of Art and MFA in Photography from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and has also studied at the Lacoste School of the Arts in France and the School of the Arts in Budapest, Hungary. Since 2003, he has taught photography, alternative process techniques, photography history, and art appreciation at institutions including Watkins College of Art/Belmont University, Nashville State Community College, Volunteer State Community College, and Coastal Carolina University. His work has been exhibited widely throughout the United States and internationally, including in France and Hungary, and is held in collections across the United States and Germany. He has also served as a visiting artist at numerous institutions and venues.

Board Member