Board of Directors
Serena Moyle, President
Serena Moyle is the Library Curator at Hearth & Soul, a Market District merchant for over seven years. Inspired by the Visioning Report commissioned by KCCI, Serena volunteered her time as President of the Market District Association and led the revitalization of the Holiday on Market event. Armed with the knowledge that a united group of merchants can positively impact the expected growth and transformation of the Market District area, Serena joined the volunteer effort to assist to elevate the Market District brand, create merchant databases, coordinate with City and Blueprint Staff and engage community leaders.
As a lawyer by trade, she has volunteered throughout the community in various roles and organizations, notably as a Community Catalyst with KCCI and past Board Member of the Community Foundation. Serena's passions and volunteer efforts focus on community revitalization, Historic Preservation and Catholic schools success.
She and her husband Jon have lived in Tallahassee for over 30 years and 'walk the walk' when it comes to volunteering to improve their adopted hometown. Two of their three children, now young adults, have returned to Tallahassee to live and raise families. Serena firmly believes there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome with a little sweat equity and a lot of ingenuity.
Jay Foster, Vice President
Jay has an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for creating technology-based businesses that empower, heal, help, and connect. Having over 20 years of experience developing and managing technology projects including assisting organizations with their certification programs, Jay is the President of Canopy Software and co-founder and President of Prolydian, LLC.
As a business owner and property owner in the Market District, Jay takes great pride in our community. He is passionate about the district and assisting with its continued growth and development. Jay lives in Tallahassee with his wife Danielle, son Braden, and cat Mr. Mustache.
Melissa Tate, Secretary
Melissa Tate is an active volunteer in the community, and has two children that attend Gilchrist Elementary. She is a Tallahassee native, attended Maclay School and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. After college she lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Tampa before moving back Tallahassee in 2014, after the birth of her second son. Melissa offers a wide lens of experiences throughout the country (and abroad) to the Market District. She has over 15 years of sales experience for international brands such as Titleist Golf/Acushnet Company and NeWave Group/Cutter & Buck. When Melissa is not volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her husband (Erik) and two children (Will and Luke) by traveling and playing golf.
Sam Varn, Treasurer
Sam Varn, owner of Awards4U, has been in business since 1987 when he, his wife and two sons moved to Tallahassee. He has been a property owner in the Market District since 2008. He served on the original Market District Merchants Association in 2010-2011 and has been actively involved from the beginning.
His company has been recognized numerous times over the years for community involvement, and he believes that the Market District is the most exciting and vibrant shopping destination in our area.
Stephanie Barfield, Board Member
Bio coming soon.
Betsy Couch, Board Member
Betsy Couch, APR, serves as Executive Director for KCCI, the Knight Creative Communities Institute. In addition to her enthusiasm for enhancing quality of life and the arts, she is an avid proponent for improving the lives of children and families. Betsy leads award-winning, citizen-driven, sustainable community enhancement projects. She provides expertise as a facilitator, bringing various viewpoints together to form impactful outcomes that improve economic development, health care, environment, and education initiatives. As a public speaker, she has addressed organizations on topics such as advocacy, placemaking, strategic planning, marketing, coalition building, and professional etiquette. Betsy serves on the boards of directors of numerous organizations, and recognition for her work has brought her honors, including being named the Generation X Community Builder and Leader of the Decade.
Georgianna Hatch, Board Member
Georgianna Hatch is the owner of Georgianna Hatch Studios, a photography studio in the Market District.
Bio coming soon.
Abby Vail, Board Member
Abby lives, works, and plays in the the Market District. She is a mother of two children that are proud Gilchrist Grizzlies and is an attorney with over 15 years of government affairs experience. Abby L. Vail is a seasoned advocate providing political, strategic and policy direction to clients before the Legislative and Executive branches of government. Her portfolio is focused on representing clients in all aspects of the financial services industry including insurance, banking, consumer finance, securities, and fintech. Abby most recently served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation where she played a key role in the passage and development of the Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox and served as the Office’s representative in the American Consumer Financial Innovation Network (ACFIN).
Abby previously served as a Vice President of External Affairs for an international health care company leading government affairs, procurement, business development and political grassroots activities. She also served as Senior Cabinet Aide to Former Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, advising the CFO on oversight of Cabinet agency policies and initiatives. Abby began her career at the Office of Insurance Regulation, leading the agency’s policy agenda during a period of major property & casualty insurance reform following the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons.
Originally from Tampa, Abby graduated with a Bachelors in Communications, Master of Business Administration, and Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. She resides in Tallahassee with her husband, Jason, and two children.
Lori Williamson, Board Member
Lori Williamson, owner of Abraham George Patio, operates a family-owned patio store that has been in Tallahassee since 1989. Lori’s entire career in both small and mid-sized hospitality businesses as well as large corporate litigation areas has been focused on helping people. She continues to bring this customer expertise and passion for outdoor living to the Capital City and surrounding areas. She was excited to volunteer for the Market District because she believes it is and will continue to grow to be THE shopping destination for Tallahassee. Lori lives in Tallahassee with her husband and son.