meet the board

Lisa Mende is an actress, she is best known for her work on Seinfeld. She co-founded Artist2Artist in 2016 with Jean Biddle. Founding and working with A2A has enabled her to give meaningful and needful support for underserved communities.

After partnering with Lisa Mende on a successful Project Safe fundraiser, they were inspired to launch their own nonprofit. With the support of an incredible Board, Artist2Artist has created immersive, music‑driven events that unite people around local needs. From the beginning, they have focused on uplifting local artists and giving back — proudly “partying with a purpose” ever since.

Troy Aubrey, owner of Aubrey Entertainment, has been involved with the Athens music scene for many years. He has been involved with booking the lineup for the annual AthFest Music & Arts Festival since the popular festival’s second year.

David Strickland is the Stage Manager for Artist2Artist, Aubrey Entertainment, AthFest Hull St. stage, Normaltown Music Festival and The Marigold Festival. He was the drummer and founding member of “The Drastics”, one of Athens first New Wave bands and loves supporting live local music and all his musician friends. He is a retired Military Veteran, Master Educator, Counselor and has 3 cats and 2 dogs, all rescues.

Retired consultant, loving father, happy husband, joyous guitar player, and a member of government and non- profit boards that support the creativity and youth (our next generation) of Athens.

Lisa Allen has made Athens her home since coming to UGA in 1984. She loves the art, music and culture that Athens offers, and being able to contribute to the Athens arts community as a board member of A2A. Lisa has many years of past board experience with Nuci's Space and the Athens Clarke Heritage foundation, now Historic Athens. Lisa is married to photographer Terry Allen. Together they have raised Adrian and Parker Allen.