The Founders
Recognizing Huntsville's growing demand for cultural and entertainment activities, Alan and Debra Jenkins decided to pair their financial resources with their passion for the performing arts to develop a new venue for music, theatre and dance. After months of searching for the right location, and inspired by its history, they purchased Merrimack Hall in the summer of 2006. They established Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and are providing its renovation as a gift to the community.
Alan, founder and President of InterSouth Properties, Inc., is a real estate developer with the successful development, management and leasing of over 1,000,000 square feet of office space in his portfolio. His 20 years of development experience is now brought together with his experience as an accomplished musician to develop a facility that has the highest artistic integrity and sound fiscal and management policies.
Debra, winner of the prestigious Virginia Hammill Simms Award for outstanding contribution to the arts, has been on the faculty of such institutions as the Montgomery Civic Ballet, The Birmingham Ballet Company and Huntsville Community Ballet. She has worked as a volunteer in many capacities for most of Huntsville's premiere arts organizations, including serving as Chairman of Panoply 1997. She was the first Director of Public Relations for The Arts Council, Inc. of Huntsville. Debra is donating her time and expertise to serve as Merrimack Hall's Executive Director.
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"This project is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about the arts revitalizing a community."
Alan Jenkins  "Merrimack Hall is going to add an exciting new element to Huntsville's art community."
Debra Jenkins
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