JCSO Board
Susan Lambert
Chair
Susan Sterling Lambert received her degrees in Music Education from the University of Tennessee. Currently, Mrs. Lambert is in her fortieth year as the Director of Orchestras for the Johnson City School System. During her tenure, her ensembles have consistently received Superior ratings at local, state and national competitions, including: American String Teachers Association, National Honors Orchestra competition, Festival Disney, and Festival of Gold. Her ensembles have performed with internationally known artist Mark Wood, Christian Howes, and Black Violin. Under her leadership in the Johnson City Schools Orchestra program, student membership has increased 1150% from 32 students to a current enrollment of 400 students. Along with grade level orchestras at each school, she has created an Indian Trail Intermediate School Fiddle Club Ensemble, Liberty Bell Middle School Electric Ensemble, and a Science Hill High School Chamber Ensemble.
Mrs. Lambert has served as East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association Orchestra Chairperson. She is also active in the state level American String Teachers Association. Mrs. Lambert is a Grammy nominated Music Educator and has received the Outstanding Achievement Honor from American String Teacher Association. Her professional organizations include American String Teacher Association, East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association, Tennessee Music Educators Association, and National Association for Music Education.
JT Lovelace
Secretary
JT Lovelace is a native Bristolian and currently serves as the Director of Programs and Special Initiatives at United Way of Bristol TN/VA, where he leads imaginative community initiatives focused on economic mobility, workforce development, and community impact. Over the course of his career, JT has developed extensive experience in grant writing, grant administration, program management, and nonprofit leadership, securing and managing resources that strengthen organizations and improve outcomes throughout the Appalachian Highlands.
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A graduate of East Tennessee State University, where he earned bachelor's degrees in psychology and philosophy, JT has dedicated his professional life to serving the region through a variety of nonprofit and educational institutions, including ARCH, Northeast State Community College, ETSU, and United Way of Bristol TN/VA. His work has centered on building partnerships, expanding opportunities, and helping communities thrive.
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JT has been involved in the arts for much of his life—as a proud alumnus of the Mighty Viking Marching Band—and remains a passionate advocate for their role in enriching communities. While he no longer performs, he deeply appreciates the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra's place as Johnson City's own orchestra and its ability to bring people together through shared artistic experiences. He believes the arts are a powerful force for connection, learning, and personal growth, helping unite Appalachians across backgrounds and experiences. For JT, the magic of music lies not only in the performance itself but also in its unique ability to foster understanding, inspire creativity, and remind us of our shared humanity.
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As a member of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, JT is honored to support an organization that preserves and advances the arts as an essential part of the region's cultural fabric.
Amanda Prunkard
Treasurer
Amanda Prunkard has called Johnson City home for over 20 years. She and her husband moved here and got married in 2004 and have loved raising their family in this community ever since. Their son, a proud Johnson City Schools graduate, was deeply involved in the orchestra program from 6th through 12th grade—an experience that sparked Amanda’s long-standing dedication to supporting music education.
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She began volunteering with the Johnson City Schools Orchestra Guild in 2017 and served as president for eight years. In 2025, she transitioned into a board member role with the Guild and also joined the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra board as treasurer to continue nurturing the arts in the broader community.
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Amanda works from home doing spreadsheet-based administrative projects for a local automobile dealership. Outside of volunteer work, she and her family love to travel—especially cruising—and try to take several trips each year. She also shares her home with two spoiled Maine Coon cats: “Dobby” the House Elf and “Oliver” Wood.
Derek Gruell
Board Member
Derek moved to Johnson city in 2022 after 28 years of nuclear engineering
leadership and management in the US Navy submarine force to start a new career at
Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) in Erwin, TN.
Derek is a father of two beautiful girls (Haelynn and Hannah). Married since
2004, he is the luckiest husband to a wonderful woman (Christine) who has endured
around the world Navy duty stations and 8 household moves over the last 21 years.
In his spare time, he helps to coach Hannah’s basketball teams and chauffer’s
Haelynn to taekwondo. Additionally, he is serves as the President of the Johnson City
Schools Orchestra Guild, the finance chair for the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra,
and a member of the NFS Military recruiting team.
He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technologies
from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, and earned a master’s degree
in Strategic Management from Troy University in Alabama.
Philip Rubin
Board Member
Philip Rubin grew up in the Northeast in a construction environment, starting work early in the family masonry business. He then decided to play in the dirt. He made the move to site development in early 1984 in the emerging construction market of Orlando, FL. He started as an equipment operator and rose to Senior Project Manager at Allstate Paving Site Development where he worked until he retired in 2012.
During that period, Phil was involved with project negotiations, buyouts, and scheduling. The company focus was on public schools and Apartments projects in the Orlando region , which provided a mix of public work with private. Phil was instrumental in helping Allstate Paving grow from 2M to 35M in yearly billings.
When he retired, he continued as a consultant for Allstate Paving along with other site development companies. Currently, he holds an active Underground Utility License along with an Underground Fire License, and continues to consult on projects within the Orlando area. He and his wife took a trip to Tennessee in 2008, fell in love with the area, and purchased property later that year. They made their permanent move to Jonesborough in 2019.
Dr. Karen Stone
Board Member
Originally from the United Kingdom, Karen Stone moved to the United States with her parents and became a U.S. citizen in 1986. She is a small animal veterinarian at Appalachian Animal Hospital and volunteers with the Animal Shelter of Sullivan County. Although she does not play an instrument or claim to carry a tune, she has a deep appreciation for classical music. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and traveling. She currently resides in an old farmhouse in Piney Flats.
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Mathew Williams
Board Member
Mathew Williams is a lifelong East Tennessean, born and raised in Johnson City before moving to Greeneville in 2005. He has served as the Band Director at West Greene High School since 2005, where he has spent more than two decades developing young musicians and building a strong tradition of excellence in instrumental music. Under his direction, his ensembles have received numerous awards in both marching and concert band, and have had the opportunity to perform on international stages at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios Orlando.
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Mathew holds a Bachelor of Music degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Music degree from Kent State University. In addition to his work as an educator, he is active in music education leadership throughout East Tennessee. He currently serves as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA), having previously served the organization as Upper Area Representative and Band Chair-Auditions. He also previously served as adjunct faculty at Tusculum University, teaching Music Theory and Ear Training. Mathew is a professional musician as well, performing with the Johnson City Symphony.
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Mathew is married to Brooke Williams, and they have two daughters, Amelia and Lorelei. He is passionate about music education, community involvement, and creating opportunities for students and audiences to experience the transformative power of music. His lifelong connection to the region and commitment to the arts reflect his belief in the importance of supporting and strengthening the musical life of the communities of Northeast Tennessee.