Carmen Elliot

Carmen J. Elliott is a passionate advocate for the arts, culture, and community, bringing more than 30 years of leadership to Tennessee's creative landscape. She currently serves as the Senior Director of the City of Chattanooga's Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, where she leads efforts to support artists, elevate cultural equity, and grow the creative economy.

Throughout her career, Carmen has built bridges between the arts and the broader community, producing festivals, concert series, exhibitions, and civic initiatives that celebrate diverse voices. Her work has always centered on creating inclusive spaces where creativity can thrive and communities can connect.

Before her current role, Carmen spent seven years at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, guiding corporate philanthropic investments in initiatives that strengthened neighborhoods across the state. Her commitment to philanthropy extends to grassroots efforts as well; she is a founding member of the Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement, a collective giving circle uplifting Black-led and Black-serving organizations.

Carmen's dedication to service is reflected in her leadership with organizations such as ArtsBuild, the Tivoli Foundation, Sculpture Fields, and RISE Chattanooga. She has also served as a commissioner with the Chattanooga Human Rights Commission and Humanities Tennessee. As a trusted grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, Humanities Tennessee, United Way, and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Carmen has worked to ensure that funding processes are equitable and community-centered.

In addition to her professional and civic leadership, Carmen co-founded 4 Courses and Supper Club, the ultimate dinner party experience held from 2019 to 2022 and returning in 2026. The event joins people of diverse backgrounds together for engaging dialogue over four carefully curated courses, each inspired by a single musical project. Menus are crafted by influential and up-and-coming African American chefs from around the country, alongside 4 Courses and Culinary Director and co-founder, Chef Kenyatta Ashford. Proceeds benefit culinary arts programs at Brainerd High School and Howard High School on a rotating basis.

Carmen is also a co-founder of We Over Me Chattanooga, an initiative committed to community-driven solutions. A lifelong Tennessean, she believes in the power of the arts to foster belonging and drive meaningful change. Whether curating public programming, advising cultural policy, or advocating for equitable funding, Carmen leads with heart, collaboration, and a vision for a more connected Tennessee.