Our Team
Meet the Brooklyn Arts Center team
Jay & Tara Tatum / Owners
Jay Tatum is a true-blue hometown boy, born and reared in our very own Port City. Tara is local too, by way of Fayetteville. They have been married for 23 years and have two boys, Noah and Ethan. Tara is a CPA and works as the practice manager of Wilmington Plastic Surgery. Jay started his DJ company, Active Entertainment, in 2001. Jay and his DJs have provided the music for nearly 300 weddings and events at the BAC. After spending so much time working in Brooklyn, it seemed only natural that Jay should one day buy the place. And so in September 2018, that’s what he and Tara did. With their wealth of business and entertainment experience and their commitment to family and community, Jay and Tara will put their full focus on maintaining and strengthening the Brooklyn Arts Center’s standing as the premier, multi-use event venue in the Southeast.
Charyl Williams / Director of Events & Marketing
Dave Melton / Facilities Manager
Dave Melton is a Wilmington native who truly embodies the spirit of the Cape Fear area. From surfing to preserving historic homes, Dave's life reflects his deep connection to his roots. A surf shop manager job introduced him to Jenny, now his wife and lifelong partner of 29 years. Together, they've raised their son, Foxx, who is currently studying engineering at UNCA. Dave's career in renovating and flipping historic properties in Wilmington paved his way for his role as the facilities manager at the Brooklyn Arts Center, where his expertise and passion for preservation shine. Over the last three decades, he has left his mark on historic properties throughout downtown and looks forward to pouring some of his soul into the BAC. When he's not working, Dave loves spending time with his family, exploring in their Sprinter Van, skiing on fresh snow, and soaking up the energy of music festivals.