Board of Directors
Chairman: Betsy Bird is a marketing strategist turned photographer with horse-girl energy and a workflow obsession who decided to stop choosing between her analytical and creative sides — so she built a business that lets her use both. As the owner of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, she spends her days doing unhinged things to make animals look at her (clearly, she’s desperate for attention). Through Unbridled Business, she works with photographers on building sustainable, strategic businesses.
Her award-winning equine and pet portraits appear in homes and stables across the United States. Betsy teaches photography and business workshops throughout the year, sharing the systems and strategies that keep creatives thriving. She’s a frequent podcast guest, the co-host of The Business Animal Podcast, and the co-author of Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses That Sell.
Betsy holds the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America (PPA), is a Certified Professional Photographer, and holds her Tennessee Photographic Master and Service degrees from the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). In addition to serving on the PPETN Board of Directors, Betsy is on the Board of Directors for TNPPA and is one of three photographers representing the state of Tennessee on the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Council. She specializes in horse portraits, equestrian seniors, pet photography, and equestrian and pet brand photography.
President: Jen Willis, CPP, is a photographer who is passionate about pet and portrait photography. She has been involved in the veterinary industry her entire career. She believes in the importance of the human-animal bond and wants to capture that in her art.
She is a Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and is a proud graduate of the UT Photography Certificate Program. As of this year, Jen has returned as an instructor at the UT Photography Certificate Program, sharing her expertise in lighting. In addition to serving on the PPETN Board of Directors, Jen also serves as the Secretary of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA).
Secretary: Steve Thomas, CPP, bought his first camera in a pawnshop over 35 years ago and is still working on perfecting the craft of photography. Having retired, after a 30-year career with TVA, he now can devote his time to the elusive pursuit of this goal. Steve is the owner of SGT Photography, specializing in headshots, portraiture, landscape, fashion, and event photography. His work has been published in Bicycling magazine and Outdoor magazine and his landscapes hang in various businesses, hospitals, and homes across the southeast.
Steve sits on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). In his free time, Steve donates his time to several meaningful causes including volunteering as a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) and The RiseUP Cooperative of Chattanooga. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for FACES- The National Craniofacial Association.
Secretary: Jessica Millard is the owner of Jessica Millard Portraits, dedicated to creating beautiful, empowering portraits for women of all ages, high school and college seniors, and professionals in need of headshots and branding imagery.
Jessica is honored to serve on the board of Professional Photographers of East Tennessee. She is grateful to be part of an organization that provides such rich education, meaningful connection, and valuable opportunities for photographers at every stage of their careers.
In August of 2025, Jessica earned her CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) designation through Professional Photographers of America, a milestone that reflects her commitment to craftsmanship, excellence, and continued growth.
Her journey into photography began when her own children were babies—capturing the fleeting moments of motherhood—and has now come beautifully full circle as she practices newborn photography with her first grandchild.
Treasurer: For the past ten years, John Priano has served as Carton Service’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer. He also serves as a board member to the TNPPA, an advisory board member for Y-12 Federal Credit Union and Carton Service CSI LLC.
When it comes to photography, John is interested in portraiture and landscape photography. He received a certificate in photography the University of Tennessee Professional Education and Personal Enrichment program as well as earned a Certified Professional Photographer designation with the PPA. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his wife Cheryl, and two children, Marisa and Elizabeth.
Board Member at Large: Hill Henry, CPP, is an award-winning wildlife and nature photographer based in Knoxville, TN. After a successful career at the Tennessee Valley Authority as a federal wildlife biologist and commercial photographer, Hill pursued his Professional Photographer Certification and now holds certifications with Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the University of Tennessee.
Hill enjoys photographing wildlife, landscapes, events, travel, and occasional portraiture. As he participates in and helps organize several photography competitions, Hill has won several titles at the local and state level including Photographer of the Year at TNPPA in 2025.
Building on his CPP, Hill is pursuing PPA's Master of Photography Degree and hopes to ultimately become a juror. Hill believes in the importance of giving back to the photography community and serves on several photography-related boards, hosting educational workshops and teaching wildlife photography classes at the University of Tennessee.
Board Member at Large: Arlissa Gentry is the owner and creative heart behind Klixx Photography.
Once known for her work in the wedding world, Arlissa has now turned her artistry toward portraiture, studio work, and lifestyle event photography—spaces where authenticity, connection, and quiet, meaningful moments take center stage. She thrives on capturing the real and the raw, encouraging her clients to step outside the box and express themselves in ways they didn’t know they could.
“I’m constantly discovering my own potential,” Arlissa says. “PPETN has opened doors I never expected—education, mentorship, and, most meaningfully, friendships with people who share the same passion for this craft.”
Grounded in curiosity and community, Arlissa is committed not only to growing as an artist but also to uplifting others. She believes in being open, receptive, and generous with knowledge as fellow photographers explore their own creative journeys.