2026 Board of Directors Nominees

Pictured above are the incredible members of our community who are running for a seat on our Board of Directors. (From L to R, top to bottom: Renaud Courbiere, Joe Dumas, Kelly Edly, Emily Geyer, Stephanie Lamar, Mike Mason, Ian Sullivan, and Heather Williams) Learn more about each candidate below.

Renaud Courbiere

I started running in 1999 and mostly run on the road, though I also enjoy hitting the trails. Running has taken me to amazing places — from the Berlin Marathon to the Naturalist 25K Trail Run in Franklin, NC — and allowed me to discover countries like Germany, France, and the USA. I love a good challenge, whether it’s the Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon or Mont Ventoux Half Marathon. I also find great joy in guiding impaired runners, such as at this year’s Boston Marathon. And yes, I even enjoy fun runs — from aquathlons and sprint triathlons to… a naked run (did I really say that?). Since moving to Chattanooga, I’ve loved running with so many different groups and friends. It’s an incredible outdoor city with an inspiring running community, amazing local stores, and the CTC as a true hub. I would be honored to contribute to the board and bring fresh energy and ideas to keep our community moving forward.

Joe Dumas

Joe Dumas is a 32-year resident of Signal Mountain and a retired professor of Computer Engineering at UTC. Joe has been a runner, on and off, for most of his life, but got serious about the sport in 2010 when a friend talked him into running his first marathon - the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon. A second marathon followed, then a third, and at some point Joe was 'bitten by the bug' and started running 26.2 miles on a regular basis, eventually qualifying for Marathon Maniacs membership. Joe recently completed his 100th marathon or longer race and has a distance PR of 50 miles at CTC's Locomotion 12-Hour Race in 2021. He is a regular participant at shorter CTC events including the Chickamauga Chase, Chattanooga Chase, Missionary Ridge Road Race, and Moccasin Bend Fall Classic. Joe has served on multiple CTC committees and was previously on the Board of Directors (elected 2013, served during 2014 and 2015). Now that he has more time available, Joe looks forward to giving back to the club through a return to serving on the Board.

Kelly Edly

As a dedicated runner in the Chattanooga area I have personally experienced the positive impact the CTC has on our local communities, particularly through flagship events like the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon. As a leader of a local trail running group, Scenic City Trail Runners, I have had the opportunity to meet many runners giving me a broad perspective on the needs and interests of runners across different disciplines, from road to trail. Each one gets into the sport of running at a different level, seeking different outcomes. 

Aside from leading SCTR, I try to give back by offering my time coaching and volunteering. 

My recent experience coaching The Bright School’s elementary cross country team, and assistant coaching in track & field required me to plan activities, mentor young athletes, and coordinate with parents/volunteers, which directly translates to supporting the CTC's valuable youth programs and membership services.

I am an ambassador for Bigger Than The Trail, a non profit who uses trail running as a platform for mental health advocacy. The group provides educational support and treatment options that aren't limited to runners. Running is not the focus; but rather the people we can impact. The focus is to bring light to the real struggles and challenges that are associated with mental health.

I have spent hours volunteering at races across the area including: Scenic City Half & Full Trail Marathon, Lookout Mountain 50, Chattanooga Ironman, and Atlanta Savage Race, and more. I believe in giving back however I can to the community that I have grown to love. I have been dedicated to running & fitness over the last 6+ years and I'm eager to find more ways to channel my passion for the sport.

Emily Geyer

I am a homeschooling mom (of 3 kids who run cross country!) who has come to love running as a personal outlet. For the past decade or so I have run lots of half and 2 full marathons. I am passionate about bringing the love of exercise to the youth of our community and have done so by directing the Track Club’s Elementary Cross Country series of nearly 1000 kids for the last two years. I also coach an elementary track team, and volunteer with Addie Ray Racing. I have served on the board the past two years and would love to continue serving our community through our impactful organization.

Stephanie Lamar

I have not always been a runner.  In fact, during my childhood, I never considered myself an athlete of any type.  After college graduation, I moved to Boston and I caught the running bug after spectating the 2002 Boston Marathon.  I was in awe and within a few weeks I had registered for my first ever race(!)- the Ocean State Marathon! I ran that marathon in the Fall of 2002 with my Dad and my now husband and it was one of the most challenging and humbling experiences of my life. 

I have been running since 2002 although not always consistently.  I took a break from running during both of my pregnancies and also when my life changed suddenly in 2011 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  I struggled through my symptoms and my treatment journey mourning the loss of my former self.  After a few years, as I started to feel better and my symptoms became manageable, I found my way back to running.  I now see running as an integral part of my treatment plan and I will forever be grateful for the physical and mental therapy it provides.

I moved to Chattanooga in 2017 and became involved in the Chattanooga Track Club in 2022.  My introduction to CTC came from running with the most wonderful group of women who hold up each other, challenge each other, and cheer each other on.  From their support and encouragement, I found my way back to the Marathon after 20 years and ran a PR in Houston in 2024!  Diving deep back into running also opened a new door in my career as a dietitian.  I now focus my work on sports nutrition, coaching athletes to fuel themselves for their best performance.

I am deeply indebted to the sport and community of running.  I have served on multiple school and nonprofit boards and I would be honored and humbled to bring my service to the Chattanooga Track Team Board.

Mike Mason

I was living in Knoxville in 1977 and got started running when it was announced that there would be a 10k race for the Worlds Fair.  I ran the first two years of the race, and in the first race I didn't even get a time, just a stick with my place.  I didn't run much until my oldest son went out for cross country his first year in high school. I started running with him some to get in better shape and lose some weight.  I was working at TVA downtown and running at lunch. I ran into Truman Smith and Jeff Stracner and ran with them.  I ran my first marathon in 2004, the Chickamauga Marathon. I have run in several CTC races and have been a club member for many years. I have volunteered for many races as well; working packet pickup, being a sentry, and being the the grill master at our post-race Membership Socials. I especially enjoy volunteering for the Chickamauga Marathon. I find CTC to be a very good organization; everyone is friendly and very willing to help with any activity.

Ian 'Sully' Sullivan

Ian is a Chattanooga native who got into running during the Pandemic to ensure he didn’t gain weight after losing 150 lbs leading up to 2020. His passion for running heightened during that time and he began to use it as an outlet for not only physical but mental health as well. Since 2020 he’s volunteered in inner city neighborhoods by running and organizing stop the violence walks, teaching kids the importance of running, and is currently a middle school track and cross country coach. He is a 1/2 marathon and Full marathon runner and was also played an instrumental part in creating the Scenic City Run Crew.

Heather Williams

Heather Williams is a former University of Louisville track and field athlete with a lifelong passion for running and a deep love for the Chattanooga community. In her career in supply chain leadership, she’s know for fostering collaboration, growth, and meaningful connections - values she also brings to every run and community event. As a dedicated runner, mom, and advocate for healthy living, Heather is excited to contribute her energy and experience to the Chattanooga Track Club, helping inspire runners of all levels to connect, compete, and give back to the sport and city she loves.