Meet Your NCNA Officer Nominees (all running unopposed)
Alison Poole
Alison Poole – President
I’m Alison Poole, and I’ve lived on Normal Avenue since 2016 with my spouse Jonathan (who leads the NCNA Road Safety Committee), and our son and daughter who attend Normal Park School. We also share our home with Brownie, our golden doodle.
I’ve loved watching NCNA grow from a “What if?” conversation in fall 2023 into an impactful, civically engaged group of neighbors. It has been an honor to serve as president since our founding. This summer, I returned to the classroom as a 6th grade ELA teacher at CCA (right here in the neighborhood!), and with the support of this strong leadership team, I look forward to continuing in my role. Some of my favorite NCNA efforts so far include the redevelopment of the Sylvan Park Bird Sanctuary and our Play Streets events. I’m especially passionate about road safety, multimodal transportation, and engaging neighbors in conversations about zoning, affordable housing, and sustainable growth.
Kala Wright
Kala Wright – Vice President
Kala Wright, along with her husband Nathan and their son Landon, is proud to call North Chattanooga home. Their love for the neighborhood began in 2016 during a birthday trip, when they stayed in North Chatt and found themselves strolling to Publix and Frazier—often passing the home they now own.
Kala believes privilege carries a responsibility to help create smoother paths for others. She brings leadership experience from serving as Chairwoman of the Lake County Green Congregations in Illinois, coordinating nursing home and community responses during COVID-19, and serving as Executive Director of a local memory care community here in Chattanooga.
Currently, Kala is Treasurer of the Wilderness Response Network (WRN), which connects trained wilderness first responders to communities impacted by disasters—always with local consent. WRN has dispatched volunteers and vital supplies to affected areas, including our own region. She looks forward to bringing her values and skills to NCNA as Vice President.
Alex Epstein
Alex Epstein – Secretary
I’m Alex Epstein, and I’ve lived on Franklin Street since 2018 with my wife, Mary Catherine, and our dogs, Crash and Poppy. We love the restaurants, parks, and walkability of North Chattanooga. I currently serve as NCNA secretary, and I’m excited to help foster a welcoming, connected neighborhood for all residents.
Jennifer Carstens
Jennifer Carstens – Treasurer
Hello neighbors! I’m Jennifer Carstens. Since 2019, I’ve lived on Druid Lane with my husband (originally from South Africa), our three homeschooled boys, and our Siamese cat. We were drawn to North Chatt for its outdoor access and vibrant community—and we love that it still feels like a small-town neighborhood day to day.
As NCNA’s current treasurer, I’ve helped establish our 501(c)(3) and organize our finances. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our community while ensuring we preserve the charm and livability that make this neighborhood special.
Lindsey Wright
Lindsey Wright – Communications
I’m Lindsey Wright and I live on the north end of North Chatt on Rainbow Circle. My husband and I moved to Chattanooga from Dallas, TX in December of 2023 with our three kids and two dogs. After a couple visits and lots of research, we landed on North Chatt for its amazing public school, great restaurants, local shops, and walk/bike accessibility. Coming from the suburbs of Dallas, it was exactly the change of scenery and pace we were looking for.
I’m a freelance writer, specializing in nonprofits and mental health. I love how a good story can make all the difference in how we see and understand ourselves, others, and our world. I hope to bring that kind of compelling storytelling to NCNA, so together we can create a community we’re all excited to be a part of.
Leadership Team & Gratitude
Alongside our elected officers, NCNA is supported by an incredible group of leaders:
Ben Connor (Parliamentarian)
Jonathan Poole (Road Safety)
Stewart Williams (Road Safety)
Amy Packer (School & Community)
Diane O’Sullivan (Responsible Growth)
Max Downen (Green Spaces)
We also want to thank those who have recently transitioned out of leadership: Cassie Nice and Alex Close. Your hard work and vision helped build the foundation for what NCNA is today.
