Amy Donahue
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AMY DONAHUE, 31
Director of marketing and communications for River City Company; board member and chair of the Community Support Committee for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults; past president of the UT Alumni Association of the Chattanooga Network; president of the UTK School of Communication Studies Advisory Council; 2015 Leadership Chattanooga graduate; Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Communication Committee member; Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Council president-elect; 2013 Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute graduate; Marketing Committee chair for Siskin Children's Institute; 2015 Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga's Corporate Innovator Award nominee; 2017 University of Tennessee Communication Studies Alumna of the Year; 2017 Professional Excellence Award from the Lookout Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
What is your anthem or theme song?
"Shake It Out," by Florence + the Machine.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
My stage name would probably just be AmyLynn. A little too country for my overall musical tastes probably, but it is my birth first and middle name. Plus, lots of friends and some family call me AmyLynn now.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
I think it would be a family affair just because I wouldn't want to experience making music and touring with any other group of people. My sister Alison plays the piano, so she'd definitely be in, along with my brother-in-law Dustin who's more of a bluegrass musician to add a little upright bass. My husband Chance on the guitar; and my mom, Beth, could probably work a mean tambourine if needed. I'm not sure who would tackle drums, but I'd also have my friends Shellye and Danielle as backup singers to keep things interesting and fun.
Which member of the band would you be?
I'm lead singer all the way. But I think I'd also make a pretty excellent manager. I'm good at balancing people's needs and personalities.
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
As corny as it sounds, I'd rather be known for helping others and lifting up the people around me.
Random green room demand?
Pamplemousse LaCroix and fuzzy blankets.
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
Musically, Lady Gaga is everything I would want to be in a performer - an excellent vocalist, a master of the piano and so many other instruments, and puts on a show like no one I've ever seen.
Non-musically, I've been blessed to be surrounded by strong women who've lifted me up: my mother's bold love, my sister's quiet strength, my grandmothers Clara and Geraldine who fearlessly loved their children, and my mother-in-law Pat who is one of the bravest women I know.
Professionally, I just want to grow up and be my boss Kim White one day. She is an incredible leader.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
I'm drawn to strong female vocalists, which crosses musical genres. Florence Welch, Lady Gaga, Adele, Dolly Parton, Mahalia Jackson, The Pointer Sisters, Stevie Nicks, Sia, Mary J. Blige, Donna Summer, to name a few.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
Dolly Parton. I love how original and unapologetic Dolly is about who she is. I can relate to her story and feel like her songs always do justice to her subject matter.
First album you bought for yourself?
The terrible one-hit-wonder self-titled album by The Presidents of the United States of America in 1995. You know, the "millions of peaches" song.
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
I love Chattanooga and its story. The way this city and its people welcomed my husband and me six years ago was incredible. But, I think the thing I would change is to have everyone feel the same way I do about Chattanooga. I know there are others in our community, for a variety of reasons, who are struggling and don't feel the same love for the Scenic City as I do. Although Pollyanna in nature, I want everyone in our community to prosper.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults here in Chattanooga. I'm on the board, and they do so much for our community. Whether for the elderly, the deaf community, victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, or at-risk youth, Partnership provides services for some of the most vulnerable people in Chattanooga and the surrounding area.