MEET OUR TEAM

Board Member

Amanda J. A. Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School, the first rural charter school in the Mississippi Delta, which she opened in 2018 and is growing to serve K–12 students by 2028. A former Teach For America corps member and experienced KIPP school leader, she completed the Building Excellent Schools Fellowship before launching Clarksdale Collegiate, where she has championed educational equity and community engagement. In addition to her role with the Ground Zero Arts Foundation board, Amanda serves on the boards of Southern Bancorp Community Partners and Spring Initiative, co-leads a 80-member Girl Scout troop, and is an active alumnae member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Clarksdale-Marks Chapter.

Board Member

Robert Weinstein is the Owner-Operator of Auberge NOLA in New Orleans—an acclaimed, award-winning hostel—and expanded his hospitality reach in 2019 by opening Auberge Clarksdale in Mississippi, drawing on his lifelong passion for service rooted in growing up in his family's motel business facebook.com. As a board member of the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, Robert brings a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial vision, deep community connection, and a hospitality ethos centered on welcoming diverse visitors—all of which align with the Foundation’s mission to engage and nurture the arts in meaningful, inclusive ways.

Board Member

Tameal Edwards is the Booking Manager for the iconic Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she curates live performances that showcase both legendary and emerging blues talent. With years of experience in event coordination, artist relations, and music programming, she has become a trusted connector between musicians, audiences, and the cultural institutions that keep Delta blues thriving. As a board member of the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, Tameal brings her industry expertise, deep ties to the music community, and passion for preserving and promoting the region’s rich musical heritage.

Board Member

Nick Talbott is Executive Producer for Ground Zero Blues Club Media, where he brings the spirit of the club’s world-renowned blues performances with audiences far beyond Clarksdale. Nick plays a key role in preserving the authentic spirit of Delta blues while expanding its reach through modern media channels. As a board member of the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, he contributes his expertise and commitment to documenting and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.

Board Member

Baylor Stovall is the owner of Stovall Gin Company, a multi-generation agricultural business rooted in the Mississippi Delta’s rich farming heritage. Leading operations in one of the region’s most historically significant cotton gins, Baylor blends modern agribusiness expertise with a deep respect for the land and community traditions. As a board member of the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, she brings a strong commitment to preserving Delta culture, supporting local economic vitality, and ensuring the arts remain a vibrant part of the area’s identity.

Board Member

Alina Scalora is the Director of Operations for Ground Zero Blues Club Media, overseeing the logistics, partnerships, and production workflows that bring the Delta blues to life on screen and across digital platforms. With a background in operations management and a passion for arts and culture, she ensures that each project runs smoothly from concept to final cut, amplifying the reach and impact of the region’s music. As a board member of the Ground Zero Arts Foundation, Alina applies her organizational expertise and creative vision to advancing the Foundation’s mission of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta.

Board Member

Linda Keena is a Professor at the University of Mississippi, where she has built a distinguished career in criminal justice education and research. With a focus on restorative justice, community engagement, and innovative teaching methods, she has worked extensively to bridge academic study with real-world application. A dedicated advocate for the arts as a tool for community enrichment, Keena brings her expertise in program development and her passion for cultural preservation to the Ground Zero Arts Foundation board, helping advance its mission to celebrate and sustain Mississippi Delta blues heritage.

Board Member

Scott Coopwood is the Owner of Coopwood Communications, a full-service marketing, public relations, and publishing firm based in the Mississippi Delta. With decades of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling, he has built a reputation for amplifying the voices and heritage of the region. A lifelong supporter of Mississippi’s cultural legacy, Coopwood brings his deep knowledge of the Delta’s history and his expertise in connecting audiences to the Ground Zero Arts Foundation board, where he helps champion the preservation and promotion of Delta blues music and culture.

Board Member

Stella Meier is a Graduate Student at Stanford University, specializing in International Relations and Sustainability. With a strong academic focus on the intersection of global policy, environmental stewardship, and community development, she is passionate about creating strategies that balance cultural preservation with sustainable growth. Drawing on her international perspective and commitment to social impact, Meier contributes fresh insights and forward-thinking approaches to the Ground Zero Arts Foundation board, supporting its mission to honor Mississippi Delta blues heritage while fostering sustainable cultural tourism.