Nashville Post 4-22

LEADERS 2022

In Charge Our annual list of the region's most important leaders

On the Offensive

CEO s OF THE YEAR Stephanie Silverman of the Belcourt and other leaders from the hospitality and events industry on surviving and pivoting

Hospitals turn to AI to prevent falls

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LEADERS 2022

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THREE QUESTIONS FINTOP’s Brittani Roberts says seek coffee meeting when VC is needed

10 CHANGING THE GAME Ex-intern Chase McCabe now serves as radio station program director

15 CEO S OF THE YEAR The Post spotlights leaders who steered their companies through pandemic

2022 OUR ANNUAL LIST OF THE CIT Y’S POWERBROKERS PAGE 29

TECHIE

65 GOT TALENT City attracts tech companies from sector’s traditional hubs

68 TAKING CARE Darvis treats child care like a key employee benefit

VITALS

70 YOU SHOULD KNOW Saint Thomas’ Shubhada Jagasia looks back at first year on job

72 ON THE OFFENSIVE VirtuSense, hospital association partner to address patient falls

BOOM

74 BIG APPLE ST YLE NYC-founded SomeraRoad focuses on Nashville work in Gulch, WeHo

75 BREAKING GROUND Construction industry pay parity is within women’s reach

FAVORITES

76 TALKING TAPROOMS Brewer and banker Garr Schwartz welcomes out-oftown craft beer businesses

(pictured above)

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

ERIC ENGLAND

Photo by Loelle Studios

Left to Right: PAUL ANDERSON, DAVID BRIGGS, JONATHAN GODFREY

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Providing unparalleled local market knowledge, they’ve come together for one purpose— to help empower and propel your business into the future.

To get in touch, contact Regional President, David Briggs at David.Briggs@53.com

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LEADERS

Triage, pivot and move on editorial For the fortunate, COVID-19 was an extreme, though sometimes harmless, interruption to work lives. Some jobs could be done from home, for the most part.

There was even a benefit to the WFH shift: no more pesky commute, among other positive tradeoffs.

Of course, the pandemic has been a slow-burning tragedy: deaths and longterm symptoms for millions and financial ruin in certain sectors.

And in some industries, it wasn’t as simple as moving meetings from in-person to virtual.

For the customer-facing, crowd-reliant businesses that make Nashville a fun place in which to live and to visit, the pandemic presented an existential crisis. It was unsafe for people to gather — for meals, for concerts, for sporting events — and gathering was what made those businesses work.

This year, we took a slightly different tack with our CEO of the Year. To tell the story of the hospitality and events industry’s trials during the past two years, an array of voices was crucial, so it was important to include several Nashville business and civic leaders.

In the collection of stories (starting on page 15), you’ll hear from the people behind Nicky’s Coal Fired and Slim & Husky’s. You’ll get a glimpse of the challenges of managing Vanderbilt’s athletic competitions in the middle of a pandemic. You’ll hear how Nashville’s beloved Belcourt Theatre sought to offer its patrons a sense of community when the screens went dark. And that’s just part of the story.

The rest of this magazine includes an enlightening series of conversations, plus our annual comprehensive list of the region’s power players, In Charge (page 29).

You’ll meet Shubhada Jagasia, the president and CEO of Saint Thomas Hospital’s Midtown and West campuses. You’ll hear from Brittani Roberts, one of the city’s leading venture capitalists. And you’ll learn what it takes to rise from intern to program director at an influential local sports radio station.

These stories give us a chance to take a closer look at some of the region’s most interesting people and businesses. But you’re not getting the full story if you’re missing our daily coverage online, where we chronicle the biggest deals, personnel moves and trends. Let us know if you want to subscribe, and we’ll get you set up.

Happy reading.

Stephen Elliott, Editor selliott@fwpublishing.com

EDITOR Stephen Elliott MANAGING EDITOR William Williams STAFF WRITERS Michael Gallagher, Hannah Herner, Kathryn Rickmeyer, Katelynn White CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Chamberlain, Lena Mazel Megan Seling

art & production ART DIRECTOR Christie Passarello STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric England, Matt Masters, Daniel Meigs GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

publishing PUBLISHER Heather Cantrell Mullins SENIOR ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS MANAGERS Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Mike Smith, Keith Wright ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS MANAGERS Richard Jacques, Deborah Laufer, Niki Tyree SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER Chelon Hill Hasty ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES Jada Goggins, Audry Houle, Alissa Wetzel

events MAJOR EVENTS DIRECTOR Olivia Moye Britton MARKETING DIRECTOR Robin Fomusa

circulation CIRCUL ATION AND SUBSCRIPTION DIRECTOR Gary Minnis

business PRESIDENT Frank Daniels III CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Todd Patton PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Elizabeth Jones IT DIRECTOR John Schaeffer SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Susan Torregrossa

On the cover Stephanie Silverman Photo by Daniel Meigs

FW Publishing, LLC OWNER Bill Freeman 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203 nashvillepost.com

Nashville Post is published quarterly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Thursday, Aug. 25. For advertising information, call Heather Cantrell Mullins at 615844-9252. For subscription information, call 615844-9307. Copyright © 2022 FW Publishing, LLC.

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Our Our longstanding longstanding reputation reputation forfor excellence excellence remains, remains, but but we’re we’re retiring retiring DVL DVL Seigenthaler Seigenthaler to to recognize recognize the the fact fact we’ve we’ve become become something something more. more.

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Now we’re known as more than the sum of our legacies.

We’re known as FINN Partners.

BETH COURTNE Y MANAGING PARTNER

Nashville’s Leading Integrated Marketing Firm Retires Legacy Names DVL Seigenthaler To Be Known As FINN Partners The last seven years have been a time of exceptional growth and transformation for DVL Seigenthaler, A FINN Partners Company. The agency joined global integrated marketing and communications firm FINN Partners in 2015 and has since expanded its reach, expertise, capabilities and impact across the Southeast and globally.

Becoming the first major Nashville communications firm to join a global agency was a savvy decision.

Today, FINN is one of the world’s fastest-growing independent marketing firms, recognized for its dynamic integration of entrepreneurship, creativity, and collaboration throughout 27 offices in major markets worldwide. As the hub of FINN’s Southeast presence, the Nashville office brings together more than 140 communications professionals who call the Terrazzo Building in the Nashville Gulch home.

Shorter Name, Long Legacy Important to FINN Partners’ growth, especially in the Southeast, has been the sterling reputation of legacy agencies, DVL and Seigenthaler, that joined forces in Nashville. Together, they have teamed with their colleagues around the world to serve clients in countless industries, including health, manufacturing, mobility, consumer products and services, energy and the environment, and real estate.

As the Nashville office has transformed from a local powerhouse into a global one, the time has come to make the transition complete by retiring the legacy brands.

“Nashville is not only the hub, but the native home of FINN Partners in the Southeast, and we’ve loved growing exponentially along with our incredible clients and community,” said Beth Courtney, FINN managing

partner for the Southeast. “Now we’re known as more than the sum of our legacies. We’re known as FINN Partners, an identity synonymous with global reach, capacity, and a commitment to making the world a better place. We’re all in as FINN.” FINN Partners prides itself on being an independent agency with a heart and a conscience. It offers clients a powerful combination of hands-on partnership, highly specialized expertise, and a values-driven culture that champions integrity, collaboration and innovation.

Great And Great People FINN’s Nashville office is unique among Nashville and Southeast marketing communications firms in its capacity to access the expertise of more than 1,200+ employees worldwide. This global team represents diversity of culture, thought, and expertise, and encompasses a talented mix of researchers, strategists, designers, technologists, content specialists and campaigners who integrate seamlessly on behalf of clients to drive business-building results.

“We hold ourselves to a very high standard. We demand excellence for our clients and of ourselves,” said Jimmy Chaffin, Managing Partner for Integrated Marketing in the Southeast. “We are proud to do great work for great clients with colleagues who are great people”

COMPA N Y PROFIL E The Nashville office of FINN Partners is part of one of the fastest growing global marketing communications agencies. Independent and innovative, it serves clients through a powerful combination of hands-on partnership, highly specialized, deeprooted expertise and a valuesdriven culture that champions collaboration and innovation and strives to create a more equitable world.

Locations: 27 offices worldwide including Southeast markets: • Nashville • Atlanta • Ft. Lauderdale Website: FinnPartners.com Facebook: Facebook.com/finnpartners Instagram: Instagram.com/finnpartners Twitter: Twitter.com/finnpartners LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/ finn-partners

S PE C I A LT IE S Integrated Marketing Communications including: • Consumer Products and Services • Corporate • Government and Nonprofit

To that end, FINN has founded nonprofits, cause campaigns, and advocacy organizations and gives more than $1MM in time to employee causes.

• Health

With deep expertise across sectors, FINN delivers a full range of integrated marketing services relevant to key industry practice groups. The breadth of its capabilities and credentials allows Finn to deliver custom solutions for every challenge with a single, efficient team.

• Travel and Tourism

• Mobility • Sustainability and ESG

LEADERS

THREE QUESTIONS

Brittani Roberts Venture capital principal on Nashville's VC scene

B

rittani Roberts is a principal at FINTOP Capital, a Nashville venture capital firm that invests in fintech companies. She joined the group three years ago after graduating with her MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management. Prior to graduate school, Roberts built her career in technology sales working with bigname companies like Groupon.

Post reporter Kathryn Rickmeyer spoke with Roberts about her career and advice for women in the field.

TechCrunch reports that women hold just under 12 percent of principal and partnership roles at both accelerators and venture firms. How did you break into such a male-dominated field? I think the words you grow up with matter. My mother always called me her little “future CEO,” never “future female CEO” or “boss lady.”

My gender or the gender of my coworkers was never really a factor in my mind.

That said, VC hiring is very network driven, so it certainly pays off to make sure you’re putting yourself in the same room as the people you’d like to work with, and that is certainly easier to do if there is female representation in those circles. Personally, I got to know the partners at FINTOP through

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

ERIC ENGLAND

LEADERS

various networking events during my MBA [at Vanderbilt], and we hit it off. I felt a mutual respect and knew I had a lot to offer the firm.

My advice would be to just ask for the networking call or coffee meeting — you’ll be surprised at your success rate.

Do you think there is enough local capital to support the burgeoning startup ecosystem? From my perspective, it isn't that there aren't investors in Nashville, it's that we don't have an efficient way of connecting the right investors that are here with the investable businesses. In part, what makes this difficult is that many of the VCs in town are the only members of their teams here, while their

firms are based on the coasts. There are plenty of angel investors, but when looking for institutional capital (outside of health care), it's much more difficult to identify the firms that have representation here. I also think it helps to have realistic expectations on what kind of capital your company needs.

Not every business is venture-backable, but that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to get funding.

How do you think Nashville's VC scene will evolve over the next five years? Nearly every VC firm in my network is looking for great companies outside the typical coastal cities.

The broader increase in tech and financial

companies moving their headquarters to Nashville will also add to our local talent pool with motivated professionals, which will in turn attract more entrepreneurship. Investors will continue to follow the talent, so as long as we can increase support for entrepreneurship as a city, and do better at connecting founders with investors in town, there will be no shortage of investment firms moving either parts of their team or opening entire offices here. Thankfully, we are starting to see more people in town who are dedicated to being connectors in this ecosystem, so I think we're firmly on the path to becoming a well-known entrepreneurship epicenter.

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LEADERS

Changing the game Chase McCabe’s rise from intern to program director at 102.5 The Game

BY MICHAEL GALLAGHER

he ultra-competitive field of sports media is perhaps one of the toughest careers to break into.

Nobody knows that better than Chase McCabe.

It wasn’t long ago that McCabe was a graduate fresh out of Middle Tennessee State University looking for an internship that would hopefully get his foot in the door. He admits he would’ve been happy just working full-time at a small station in a small town.

“Never did I dream that I’d graduate college and have a full-time job in the industry in my hometown,” McCabe recalls. “Ten years later, now here I sit as the program director, and it was a lot of hard work and tough times where I thought, ‘maybe I’m not cut out for this. Maybe it’s never going to happen being on the air.’”

McCabe got his start as an intern at Cromwell Media’s ESPN 102.5 The Game just three months after the station hit the airwaves. He worked his way up from intern to producer, sometimes filling in on the weekends as an on-air host.

He parlayed his occasional on-air exposure into a spot as a Predators locker room reporter during hockey season and he began earning regular airtime as a host on several shows including Chasing Checkers, Smashville Live, Preds Insiders and the Money Line before eventually landing as a co-host on The Game’s midday show, Darren, Daunic and Chase.

But the departure of former program director Ryan Porth in mid-December created an opening that was seemingly tailor-made for McCabe, who was promoted to The Game’s program director and brand manager.

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

“There were some times that I’d work seven days a week between [radio] and working Preds games and just fighting for those opportunities,” McCabe says. “I kept telling myself eventually it’s going to pay off. Well, it did.”

In his new role, McCabe shifted from mentee to mentor. He traded the rigors of producing shows for the challenge of being solely responsible for the station’s radio lineup and giving the city’s listeners the sports content they desire.

“The thing I really enjoy now is the coaching aspect, which is evolving, but I really feel like the head coach now,” McCabe says. “… I look at things from a different angle now; I hear things differently now because there’s all these little games you have to play from the programming seat of giving the people what they want, which changes daily — especially in this city with so many different people moving here.”

While Nashville is — and likely always will be — a football city, the appetite is growing for its other two major professional sports franchises, the Nashville Predators and Nashville SC. The flagship station of the Predators, The Game is a one-stop shop for Preds coverage with shows like Preds Insiders, Penalty Box Radio and the Preds Official Podcast. The station also features a soccer show, Pharmaceutical

Soccer, and ESPN 94.9 The Game 2 is also the flagship station of Nashville SC. McCabe also prides himself on making sure The Game has a little something for everyone.

The city’s booming college sports scene — Vanderbilt, MTSU, Belmont, Lipscomb and TSU — is well-represented on all three shows in the Monday-through-Friday lineup, as are the Nashville Sounds and occasionally NASCAR. “It’s easy to talk about the hot stuff, and we do that,” McCabe remarks. “We cover the Titans very well here. But we are the Predators flagship and we’ve owned that since we went on the air. … The cool thing about Nashville SC is, I didn’t know that much about soccer either. I think the fans that listen to our station appreciate that and say, ‘Oh, they’re like me, and I can learn with them.’

“We’ve always done a good job [talking about Belmont, Lipscomb, Vanderbilt baseball] even if we don’t [broadcast] their games because, back in the day, that’s all you talked about. Now, obviously, it’s different being a pro sports town, but they still have a place.

This town was built on the Sounds, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Belmont and Lipscomb, and it’s important to cover all your bases when you’re running a sports station.”

ERIC ENGLAND

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Prostate Cancer and Non-Invasive Treatment Option Prostate cancer is very prevalent in the U.S. and approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. That is a shocking statistic many people are unaware of. It is the most common, non-skin cancer, found in men and the American Cancer Society estimates 268,490 cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year alone, nearly equivalent to the expected cases of breast cancer. Prostate cancer is highly curable when caught in the early stages before it has spread to other organs.

Prostate cancer is being diagnosed at much earlier stages due to a simple

blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) which is provided annually by a primary care physician or urologist. The key to successful treatment is early detection. When caught early, there are many treatment options for prostate cancer with high cure rates.

However, many prostate cancer treatments have detrimental side effects to the patient’s quality of life such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

One of the most advanced treatments, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU, is being offered at Urology Associates in Nashville by Dr. Matthew Hassan. A 2018 study published

by European Association of Urology

reported five-year HIFU results that showed a 98% metastasis-free survival rate with 98% of the patients maintaining urinary continence similar to pre-treatment(1). Dr. Hassan offers a variety of prostate cancer treatments, but HIFU allows him to use recent advancements in diagnostic imaging to customize each HIFU treatment to the patient. “I started offering HIFU here in Nashville shortly after it received FDA clearance in 2015 and it represents a game changing technology for the treatment of prostate cancer,” commented Dr. Hassan. “The HIFU treatment is a single outpatient treatment under general anesthesia and is bloodless with no incisions. After

S PON S OR E D PROFIL E

the two to three hour HIFU treatment is completed, the patient recovers from anesthesia for about an hour and walks out of the surgery center to recover comfortably at home. The precision of HIFU, meaning my ability to kill only the targeted tissue, gives my patients a greater chance of preserved erectile function and prevention of urinary incontinence while effectively treating the cancerous portions of the prostate,” continued Dr. Hassan.

What is HIFU for Prostate Cancer?

HIFU is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that uses ultrasound energy to heat and destroy cancerous tissue in the prostate. It is radiationfree and bloodless, and studies show that the risk of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, are significantly lower with HIFU than with surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation(2).

HIFU is delivered using a medical device called the Sonablate. The Sonablate probe uses ultrasound energy for imaging of the prostate and for treating the prostate. The HIFU treatment is focused to a central point, where the temperature is raised rapidly, causing cell destruction. This works in the same way that sunlight can be focused to burn a hole in a leaf.

The HIFU treatment consists of many overlapping rice-sized lesions to heat and destroy the cancerous tissue. The procedure is performed under a light general anesthesia, so this does not cause discomfort to the patient.

The Sonablate system allows doctors to obtain a real-time image of the prostate and plan exactly where they want to deliver the HIFU energy, thus destroying the targeted tissue.

The physician also receives immediate feedback to confirm the targeted pros-

tatic tissue has been eliminated. The precision of the HIFU system allows the physician to see the nerve bundles that control sexual function and to avoid harming these critical structures.

Unlike surgery, which requires the physician to remove the entire prostate, HIFU enables the patient to receive whole gland treatment, hemi-ablation or a focal treatment. If there is only cancer on one side of the prostate, the physician and patient can determine if only the cancerous portion of the prostate is treated. “As we saw breast cancer care migrate from mastectomy to lumpectomy, the same shift is occurring in prostate cancer. HIFU allows me to leave healthy prostate tissue and while pinpointing and treating only the areas of the prostate that are cancerous,” said Dr. Hassan.

Recovery After HIFU HIFU is an outpatient procedure that typically lasts two to three hours, depending on the size of the prostate.

After a brief recovery from general anesthesia at the surgery center, patients return home to recover more comfortably. After the HIFU treatment, patients do not require any prescribed pain medication. Patients are routinely back to work in a couple days and typically able to resume normal activities within a week.

Additionally, if for some reason there is a recurrence of prostate cancer, HIFU does not exclude patients from having any other treatments. This also means that, while not common, HIFU may be repeated if necessary. If a man chooses to have HIFU, he is not limiting himself to pursuing other treatment options down the road.

men with a prostate gland of less than 40 grams with localized prostate cancer (meaning the tumor has not spread outside of the prostate gland) may be candidates for HIFU. The other information that physicians usually look at to determine if you qualify for HIFU, is a PSA of 20 or less and a Gleason score of seven or less.

Anyone interested in HIFU for localized prostate cancer should speak with a doctor about his specific diagnosis and whether it would be a good treatment option in his case.

Urology Associates of Nashville In addition to being one of the early adopters of the HIFU treatment, Urology Associates of Nashville uses the latest technology and techniques to provide compassionate and personalized care, to maximize quality of life and minimize side effects. To set-up an office visit or to learn more, please visit www. urologynashville.com.

• Guillaumier S, et al. A Multicentre Study of 5-year Outcomes Following Focal Therapy in Treating Clinically Significant Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol (2018).

• High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Hemigland Ablation for Prostate Cancer: Initial Outcomes of a United States Series. The Journal of Urology. Vol. 204, 741-747, October 2020.

Who Qualifies for HIFU? While only a physician can determine whether you qualify for HIFU, typically

www.urologynashville.com

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© 2 0 2 2 F O U R T H C A P I TA L B A N K | M E M B E R F D I C

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T H F E O YEAR

E C Os

LEADERS

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t’s been a tough couple of years for a lot of people and a lot of businesses. The industries that saw some of the most severe disruptions from COVID-19 were those that rely on customers gathering. Movie theaters, restaurants, breweries, sports arenas and other community spaces were forced to shut down entirely or pivot overnight. Now, they are picking which of those changes should stick around and deciding how to move forward.

Here, we celebrate a sampling of leaders from those Nashville businesses as our CEOs of the Year (regardless of their actual titles).

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STEPHANIE SILVERMAN Belcourt Theatre

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CLINT GRAY, DERRICK MOORE AND EMANUEL REED Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria

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WESLEY KEEGAN TailGate Brewing Company

20

CANDICE LEE Vanderbilt Athletics

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JANE MACLEOD Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

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TONY GALZIN AND CAROLINE GALZIN Nicky’s Coal Fired

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

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ANIE H P E SIL T VERMAN S

LEADERS

CEOs OF THE YEAR

BELCOURT LEADER RELIED ON COMMUNITY, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AND A RAINY-DAY FUND WHEN BELOVED MOVIE THEATER WAS FORCED TO SHUTTER

BY STEPHEN ELLIOT T

LEADERS

CEOs OF THE YEAR

R

unning a three-screen, independent movie theater in the age of streaming was always going to be a difficult task.

People like watching movies and TV shows at home, it turns out. And the types of films screened at the Belcourt Theatre do not get the over-the-top marketing campaigns that accompany already-popular superhero releases.

So, the arrival of COVID-19 could have sounded a death knell for the Belcourt. Instead, longtime Executive Director Stephanie Silverman says, the Hillsboro Village movie house is “positioned a little better to come out of this moment” than the chain theaters that screen big-budget films.

That’s because part of the Belcourt’s draw is its community — but the sort of community fostered by the Belcourt was exactly the kind that was rendered impossible in the early days of the pandemic.

“We really are about humans in a space together seeing something magical,” she says.

In February and March 2020, Silverman and other Belcourt leaders were beginning to hear from contemporaries in Europe, and especially Italy, that the spreading disease “felt like a wildfire.” The Nashville theater began introducing safety measures: reduced capacity, handwashing reminders and a high-tech mister that is now “gathering dust somewhere.”

Soon, it became clear those efforts would not be enough. Silverman and the Belcourt board agreed to close, at least for a couple of weeks — a laughably short deadline, looking back.

“As a public-facing human gathering space, we just didn’t have any other options,” she says.

The Belcourt turned to its robust community of supporters in a time of extreme need.

But Silverman wasn’t too worried, at least in the short-term. The nonprofit had built up a rainy-day reserve that was capable of holding off a cash crisis. Supporters bought member-

ships and made additional grants to the organization to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars, she says, double the fundraising the theater normally does. A new feature on the website giving patrons the option to buy an extra, empty seat at checkout has raised tens of thousands of dollars “in $11 increments,” Silverman marvels. That, and several rounds of government support, helped keep Belcourt staff paid and the lights on.

But many people still couldn’t or wouldn’t go to the movies. And the virtual screening options the Belcourt quickly rolled out did not do much business, even though they “meant something to people that we were trying to figure something out.”

Silverman was reminded of the real reason for the Belcourt when the theater launched a drive-in series in the parking lot in the summer of 2020. The showings sold out almost immediately.

“Even though you were outside and in your car, it still felt like you were with other humans,” she says.

With a renewed sense of mission, the Belcourt is returning to a sense of normalcy. In March, the theater dropped its mask requirement and, for the first time in two years, held its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Oscars watch party. (The team held a drive-thru version in 2021).

“There’s very little in life that’s as immersive and as revealing as a really beautiful film in a dark room,” Silverman says. “I understand why people have been hesitant, but you don’t have to be hesitant anymore. We put a lot of safety systems into this building. There’s a lot of beautiful work that you are not seeing on your streaming service. You can’t fold your laundry in the middle of these movies. You have to sit and watch and really absorb it, and that is a special kind of grace to give yourself.”

CLINT G R AY, DERRICK MOORE and

EMANUEL REED SLIM & HUSKY’S GROWS BEYOND NASHVILLE DESPITE PANDEMIC HEADWINDS

BY MEGAN SELING

W

hen I ask how local pizza chain Slim & Husky’s has managed not just to survive but thrive in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Clint Gray is quick to credit his business partners.

“All of us have completely different roles; that’s why we work three times as fast,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m chief marketing officer, Derrick [Moore] is chief development officer and Emanuel [Reed] is CEO. We all have our roles, and they come together perfectly.

“The pandemic, I think it made us stronger as a company, honestly,” he adds. “We made a commitment early on that we would not lay off any of our employees. We really wanted to make sure our managers and teams were taken care of and we made a few sacrifices. One of the core things we did early on was we actually sold a piece of real estate to put us in the position to be able to withstand what was potentially coming.” >>

DANIEL MEIGS

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

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EMANUEL REED, CLINT GRAY AND DERRICK MOORE (FROM LEFT)

Next, Gray says, the company shifted to takeout and online ordering, an easy move since Slim & Husky’s was already set up for pickup and delivery through Uber Eats.

“We had that established and it definitely helped us tremendously,” says Gray.

With the staff and takeout operations secure, the trio was also able to continue pursuing some of the growth they had been planning before the pandemic. The restaurant opened six new operations, Gray says, including three new Tennessee shops — in Memphis, Murfreesboro and the Assembly Food Hall in downtown Nashville, making Slim & Husky’s perhaps the first Black-owned restaurant on Lower Broadway — as well as a second location in Atlanta and their first West Coast restaurant in Sacramento, California.

Each new shop is its own work of art, too, boasting Slim & Husky’s signature sleek and modern design and bright murals designed and painted by local artists. On the patio of the Sacramento location, folks can eat hiphop-themed pies like “Nothin’ but a V Thang” and “Rony, Roni, Rone” next to a larger-thanlife painting of Laurence Fishburn screaming “Wake up!” as seen in Spike Lee’s School Daze.

At the Murfreesboro shop, art by Tennessee’s own XPayne, LeXander Bryant and more hang on the walls.

Slim & Husky’s has recently expanded into the sports world, too. There are now six Slim & Husky’s counters in Nissan Stadium — “two on each level,” Gray says — as well as two outlets in the FedExForum where the Memphis Grizzlies play. Plus, they started to sell their frozen pizzas

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

via Goldbelly, the gourmet food website that ships nationwide, joining local icons like Loveless Cafe, Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Christie Cookies and more. Their frozen pizzas will soon be popping up in Turnip Truck stores around Nashville, too.

Beyond pizza, the trio also opened their first cocktail bar, EG&MC, in July. The menu at the Jefferson Street bar features craft cocktails and “Southern-inspired tapas,” including Southwestern egg rolls, sweet chili and garlic edamame and Beyond Meat sliders.

Gray says it’s the community that keeps them going and growing.

“We pride ourselves on starting from the ground up,” Gray says. “We built our first business [The Green Truck Moving & Storage Company] with $3,000, and we built that over seven years and sold it for seven figures. We come from humble beginnings within entrepreneurship and no true backing or investment behind us. We know what it’s like to create a lot with a little. This pandemic has shown that we are an entrepreneurship and hospitality company that’s here to stay, because we use our creativity and the support of our community to continue our growth and also continue to be embraced by the Nashville community and the communities we serve outside Nashville.

“I think a lot of that is [the community] understanding that we’re more than just a pizza company — we are members of our neighborhoods, and they really answered the call when it came time to support our business and keep us afloat.”

ERIC ENGLAND

SLEY E W SLEY E W KE

CEOs OF THE YEAR

EGAN

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TAILGATE BREWING OWNER GUIDES BREWERY TO RECOVERY FOLLOWING PANDEMIC

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

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wning a brewery might sound glamorous on the surface.

But the day-to-day operations involved with such a craft beer business are time-consuming and labor-intensive. When a virus is raging, the challenge to keep a brewery churning out ales and porters becomes doubly difficult.

Wesley Keegan knows this reality well. The owner of West Nashville-based TailGate Brewing Company says the past 24 months have yielded stress and surprise, concern and humility.

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Keegan notes that TailGate is starting to look similar to its iteration of two years ago.

Of particular note, he says most of the employees from early 2020 have remained. And the ancillary TailGate taprooms in Midtown and East Nashville are very stable.

“We’ve been super fortunate,” he says. “We never fully closed. We pivoted hard and fast, and we were able to have almost our entire team working weeks into the initial shutdown. Most importantly, every person has received raises and more benefits multiple times throughout the past two years.”

Pre-tornado 2020, TailGate employed about 75 individuals. The day after the storm (March 3), Keegan posted on his Instagram

ERIC ENGLAND

page that the brewery business would hire people who were displaced — at their pre-tornado wage — and employ them as long as it took for their previous employers to get their businesses back open.

“We had hundreds of applicants,” he says.

“We were completely shocked. We ended up hiring something like 20 people once we started to get our arms around the volume of applicants.”

Then as TailGate was getting people to work, the COVID-19-fueled shutdown hit.

“When the shutdown happened, I went to work about seven months straight and took no days off,” Keegan adds. “There was no shutdown in the beer and hospitality business for

me. There was no separation from people. It was people all day — every day. Normally that’s a great thing. But I never thought asking an adult to wear a mask so that we could stay open and employ people would be one of the things I would ever do.”

TailGate — which ranks among the state’s largest breweries based on square footage of main facility, number of employees and volume of beer produced annually — showed resiliency. Today, the company is home to more than 120 employees and is paying better wages and offering more benefits than it did prior to March 2020. TailGate even offers its team members a 401(k) with a company match. >>

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

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CEOs OF THE YEAR

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“So not only do we employ more people, but we offer a better workplace for them too,” Keegan says.

Because the times were tough, Keegan says the generosity and support of his customers was priceless.

“I remember those early days of the shutdown,” he said. “People came in every day.

Some people visited and bought a pizza and/ or a six-pack every day. They’d say things like ‘I literally can’t eat or drink this much.

But I’ll be back tomorrow so that I can help make sure you are back, too.’ I’ll never forget those people. Those same people still support us today, more than ever.”

No doubt, the pandemic forced Keegan and his team to make changes that — as he looks back — might actually be helpful to continue to implement as TailGate moves forward.

“At our annual managers retreat, we talked about how great we were as a business when COVID was at its worst,” he says. “We had to get lean. We had to make fast decisions.

We had to do nothing else but work every day. That’s obviously not sustainable. But seeing how exceptional we could be showed us that we have that ‘next level’ in us.

Perhaps surprisingly, TailGate never experienced a staffing shortage during the pandemic.

“We kept giving raises, kept asking what mattered to our team,” Keegan says. “That’s a lesson we’re keeping. We see other businesses struggle with staffing, and the solution has been simple for us: Pay better.”

TailGate beer production is more robust now compared to its level of March 2020.

“We’re not just brewing more, but we’re brewing more variety,” Keegan says. “So sometimes it’s a conversation of more frequency and smaller volumes. The growing trend is variety. We’ve invested in people and equipment to support our ability to make and package more variety than ever.”

Keegan stresses the importance of Nashvillians supporting local businesses.

“Things feel like they’re getting back to normal, but so many of your favorite local businesses — us included — will be navigating the fallout of these past two years for years to come.

“Nashville has been there for us,” he adds, “and we recognize it’s our job to be there for Nashville.”

E C CANDI

HOW THE VANDERBILT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR NAVIGATED HER NEW JOB DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

BY MICHAEL GALL AGHER

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andice Lee was facing a daunting task in February 2020.

She was not just succeeding Malcom Turner, an out-of-the-box hire from the NBA G-League who in one brief year as Vanderbilt director of athletics spent the university’s money lavishly with little to show for it. Lee also faced the arduous challenge of restoring Vanderbilt to respectability among the rest of the Southeastern Conference.

To say Lee’s first few months on the job were trial by fire would be an understatement. Some six weeks after her promotion, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic.

Lee’s job had just become exponentially more difficult.

Suddenly, she wasn’t just responsible for the health and safety of the Vanderbilt student-athletes; she now had to consider the best course of action to limit COVID-19 exposure for coaches, trainers, support staff, professors and food and beverage vendors while conferring with local and state health and safety experts and following both SEC and NCAA protocols.

She says she in part relied on the experts at Vanderbilt University Medical Center: “There were so many things happening at our medical center that allowed us to have a constant flow of information and stay updated. They are the best in the world at what they do. But we were also paying attention to what was happening in the city and with professional sports.

“I think there were times where it might be hard for people to understand why we might make a decision that’s different from what somebody two miles down the road would make. But I think that’s one of the complexities of COVID. People had the same information, I presume, but the context was different, and who we were responsible to was different. We had city mandates, public health experts, we had the SEC and the NCAA. Sometimes, any one of those groups could be more rigid than the other.”

Initially, Lee decided that Vanderbilt would begin the 2020 football season without fans in attendance. Then, two weeks prior to the Commodores’ home opener against LSU, the Tennessee Titans announced a limited attendance policy for their home games. The ‘Dores followed suit, allowing a limited number of students entry into Vanderbilt Stadium in what Lee says was a “small step toward normalcy.”

From there, local and global health and safety protocols were constantly changing and Lee was spending a sizeable amount of time processing the influx of new information and balancing the prioritization of the health and safety of VU’s student-athletes, fans, coaches and staff while minimizing the amount of revenue lost from the lack of ticket and concession sales across all sports.

“Health and safety was always the priority,” she says. “Some of the decisions that I made relative to fan attendance or the loss of game day revenue, I knew that that would impact

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our bottom line. But from a values standpoint, I also knew that I could sleep at night that I and we had done everything that we thought was appropriate to keep not just our student-athletes safe but our entire community.

“There were two things I said from the very beginning: If the doctors say it’s safe enough to play, and if the student-athletes want to play, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. It may not look exactly like you would have wanted, but each day brought its own share of disruption. As the person responsible, I was willing to do what I thought was necessary — albeit often unpopular — to make sure that they had the safest opportunity to do what they said they wanted to do.”

While COVID demanded much of her time, Lee also had to prioritize the actual athletics part of her job.

MATT MASTERS

She began re-shaping the culture of the school’s top-tier athletic programs, including firing football coach Derek Mason and replacing him with VU alum Clark Lea, and bringing in six-time national champion Shea Ralph, who spent 13 years under the wing of UConn’s Geno Auriemma, arguably the most accomplished women’s basketball coach of all time.

But perhaps Lee’s crowning achievement came in March 2021 with the announcement of the Vandy United fund, a $300 million fundraising campaign geared toward building and upgrading VU’s athletic facilities.

At the time of the announcement, Lee said Vanderbilt was a charter member of the SEC and it was time the school started acting like it. New football locker rooms have already been completed, while the school has set in motion the next phase of the facilities project that includes

expansion of the McGugin Center, a sports science lab, a football operations building, an indoor football practice facility, a new video board and an expanded concourse and seating options at Vanderbilt Stadium, and a basketball operations building complete with two practice gyms, a weight room and athletic training facility.

“I think we’re all on the same page that it was long overdue,” Lee says. “We know that our student-athletes require the best resources we can offer so we can give them the best experience here, and that’s what they deserve.

The announcement was exciting because it felt like this grand overture and commitment that people have been waiting for, for a long time.

[The community] wants to be proud to cheer for Vanderbilt; they want us to compete, to win, and they want us to show that we’re committed.

And that’s what Vandy United is all about.”

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DANIEL MEIGS

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I JANE M AC LEOD

CEOs OF THE YEAR

CHEEKWOOD’S LEADER SAW THE ATTRACTION WELCOME THOUSANDS OF NEW VISITORS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS

BY LENA MAZEL

n March 2020, Jane MacLeod celebrated her 10th year as CEO of Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. The Cheekwood Campaign had raised funds to complete critical renovations on the 55-acre botanical garden, historic residence and art museum. Cheekwood was celebrating its 60th anniversary with a Chihuly at Cheekwood exhibit, installing the iconic glass sculptures in Cheekwood’s gardens for a second time. For MacLeod, it was a full-circle moment: The first Chihuly at Cheekwood exhibition premiered in 2010, her first year as CEO. In early March, Cheekwood’s 100,000 tulips were poised to emerge, and MacLeod was coordinating the transport of Chihuly’s sculptures from Seattle. But just a few days later, COVID-19 forced the estate to close. And soon, the property would inhabit a new role: one of the few safe places to which people could escape.

As CEO, MacLeod was in a unique position. Because most of the Cheekwood experience is outdoors, the estate was able to reopen after just 10 weeks. While MacLeod had more typical pandemic responsibilities, like coordinating the upkeep of the gardens while following CDC guidelines, she also had to safely accommodate the sudden increase in visitors — Cheekwood saw a record-breaking 335,000 visitors that year.

To facilitate social distancing, Cheekwood introduced timed tickets and began selling separate tickets for the garden and mansion.

(MacLeod says both of these changes are permanent). They also extended their hours. By the end of 2020, Cheekwood was open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In 2021, Cheekwood had another year of record-breaking attendance, selling more than 435,000 tickets. Part of its mission is to “nurture the spirit,” and guests began coming to the gardens to escape the stress of the pandemic. In response, Cheekwood offered outdoor yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and forest bathing classes, later developing a full “Wellness 360” initiative in partnership with Vanderbilt Health.

MacLeod says the collaborative atmosphere among staff, whom she calls “Team Cheekwood,” made reopening possible. Early on, she accessed the federal Paycheck Protection Program funding to keep all 63 full-time staff members employed (with the exception of one position, which was eliminated). When Cheek-

wood became fully operational again, it was able to offer all part-time staff members their positions back, too.

“It’s been a constant pivot,” she says. “We’ve always tried to communicate, communicate, communicate; you can never communicate enough. In the very beginning, I would meet with my senior team every week — sometimes every day.”

When MacLeod began as CEO in 2010, two of her primary goals were to build the endowment and address the years of deferred repairs at Cheekwood.

“If you don’t get the business right, you’re never going to get the mission right,” she says.

Through the Cheekwood campaign, MacLeod helped raise $37 million: These funds grew the endowment from $2 million to $20 million, addressed critical repairs on the property and built the new Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden.

“I feel responsible for everyone who works here, and I feel responsible for everyone who walks through our gate,” she says. “That’s been a real burden to bear in terms of making sure you’re making the right decision.”

This responsibility provided a challenge for MacLeod as she navigated the pandemic. But the team atmosphere helped. MacLeod says that serving as CEO during the pandemic made her “closer on an emotional level” to her staff, board and donors. She also had regular discussions with leaders from other local institutions to compare policies and find solutions.

Looking ahead, MacLeod plans to keep Cheekwood on the strong financial path she has helped establish over the past decade-plus.

She also wants leaders in Nashville to “understand the degree to which we are committed to embracing not just its nearby residents but everyone — inviting, welcoming and making it possible for all people to experience its beauty, its calm and its inspiration.” Beyond offering complimentary tickets, the estate has taken other steps to address barriers to access: offering free bus rides, expanding field trip programs and giving out memberships.

Overall, MacLeod says she feels fortunate to lead “an institution that can really offer some relief ” during a difficult time. “In the process,” she says, “we solidified our purpose and found a strength and resolve that today defines the institution.”

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CEOs OF THE YEAR

N A D C Y N A O R T O Z I N L L I E N A G NICKY’S COAL FIRED OWNERS HELPED ORGANIZE OTHER RESTAURANTS TO OFFER RELIEF IN A CHALLENGING TIME

BY CHRIS CHAMBERL AIN

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MATT MASTERS

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ike almost everyone working in the Nashville restaurant industry, husband-and-wife team Caroline and Tony Galzin were still recovering from the 2020 tornado when COVID crept in and dealt a knee-buckling punch to their restaurant, Nicky’s Coal Fired.

Caroline recalls the weekend before they closed in March.

“I was in the kitchen washing my hands, and I called Tony over and said, ‘I am really, really, really nervous. I don’t feel comfortable being here right now,’” she says. “I got on the phone with John Stephenson [the owner of Hathorne] because I saw online that he had already closed.

I needed someone to validate that it was OK for us to close. That sort of collective energy was something that helped make it OK for everyone for the next two years.”

Adds Tony: “Everyone seemed in pretty good humor at first. It was like, ‘Two weeks, we’ll slam the curve!’ Then when it became apparent that some places were going to reopen and others weren’t, I realized that this is gonna get weird!”

That proved to be an understatement, as the Galzins struggled to protect their staff and their customers through various strategies, ranging from packing take-and-bake dinner kits for carryout and developing a new pizza recipe that didn’t require firing up their coal oven — named Enrico, which eats 700 pounds of coal to even reach cooking temperature. They also expanded into the wholesale and retail bagel business and offered Instagram Live culinary classes from the kitchen of their home, with Tony cooking and sharing family stories and Caroline acting as producer and camera operator.

“It became clear within the first four-to-five weeks that safety for our customers and safety for our staff and trying to keep the restaurant afloat was going to be paramount,” says Tony.

The Galzins opened and closed the restaurant multiple times as COVID variants ebbed and flowed.

“You can’t judge a small business until you’re inside of it,” adds Caroline. “I have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt for choosing to reopen early, but for us, there was no way I could imagine bringing my staff back in and creating that kind of environment where we weren’t thinking about everyone’s safety first.

We’re a real mom-and-pop shop, and we have so many people that we’re so close with, I couldn’t imagine potentially risking people’s lives over dinner service.”

Beyond their own business, the Galzins became major industry organizers as part of Tennessee Action for Hospitality, a group brought together by local restaurant owners to advocate for the industry and offer relief to food service workers. Nicky’s cooked free meals for displaced restaurant workers and entered a six-month partnership with Gideon’s Army to contribute a portion of each day’s pizza sales to the community activism organization. They also donated their time and talents at events for the Nashville Food Project, Second Harvest and the Nashville Wine Auction.

“We’re just really bad at saying no to stuff when people ask,” jokes Caroline.

The Galzins also addressed issues of fairness within their own company, including imbalances in pay among hourly workers.

All Nicky’s employees are now salaried with a guaranteed minimum daily wage augmented by splitting up service charges instead of rely-

ing on the volatility of a tip pool that rewards servers while ignoring back-of-house employees. They now offer paid time off and a health care program with access to telehealth options and prescription drug assistance.

“Restaurant worker pay imbalance is a social justice issue. It’s not a perfect model, but it feels like progress,” Caroline says. “We just want to leave the industry better than we found it.”

Caroline and Tony believe that the restaurant industry still needs to change more.

Caroline says, “Out of that kind of destruction, new and good things can grow. The cultural change that has happened in our country with regard to restaurant workers’ rights and how people are being treated, the expectations from customers [have] had to shift in a way that makes it more sustainable for restaurants. It really wasn’t working for anyone: The prices were too low, the overhead was too high, the expectations were too much. Everyone had been struggling for too long, and it was time for changes to be made, and for that I am grateful.

“We spent the first year of the pandemic trying to survive,” she adds. “I think we spent the second year throwing a few things at the wall to see what was really gonna stick. The worst years of the pandemic allowed restaurants and small businesses the freedom to try things that they never would have tried otherwise. Now that we’ve been able to try so many different things without worrying about looking like a failure because everyone was struggling, it’s set us up for success moving forward to have this set of tools of things that really make the most sense for the future. Maybe I’m just an eternal optimist, but I think it puts us in a really good position to have a long run as Nicky’s.”

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IN CHARGE

The effects of a tumultuous 2020 were still evident in 2021. Now, the region’s business, political and civic leaders are helping bring their organizations into a new era. We hope this 13th edition of the In Charge list is not unlucky. Those on it embody what it means to be “in charge,” and it will be up to them to make sure the city and state continue their collective forward trajectory.

2022

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ARTS

30

EDUCATION

31

FINANCE

33

FOOD

34

GOVERNMENT/ POLITICS

37

HEALTH CARE

40

LEGAL

44

MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

45

MANUFACTURING

46

MARKETING

47

MEDIA

48

MUSIC

50

NONPROFITS

51

REAL ESTATE

56

RETAIL

57

SPORTS

58

TECHNOLOGY

60

TOURISM

61

TRANSPORTATION/ LOGISTICS

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IN CHARGE

A rts Patrick Cassidy Artistic Director, Studio Tenn: Arrived in late 2019 bringing years of production and directing experience. In absence of live performances, hosts virtual talk show with performing artists from Broadway, film and music and leaders of local nonprofits.

Mark Murphy Artistic Director, Oz Arts Nashville: Named leader of contemporary art and performance center in August 2020 and serving as artistic director since late 2018.

Seth Feman

Drew Ogle

Executive Director and CEO, Frist Art Museum: Nashville native returned home in 2022 to take over for Susan Edwards at the Frist. A photography expert, previously spent a decade at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.

Executive Director, Nashville Repertory Theatre: Joined as managing director in 2018 and named to current position in 2020. Initiated Young Voices, a monologue competition for middle and high school students, and New Works 615, a professional development program for local artists.

Tim Henderson Executive Director, Humanities Tennessee: Named leader in late 2012 after serving in several capacities since 1998.

Oversees group that organizes history and culture programs statewide, including Southern Festival of Books, which will return to an in-person setup this year after two virtual editions.

Denice Hicks Executive Artistic Director, Nashville Shakespeare Festival: Has worked for festival since 1990 as an actor, director and teaching artist. Festival has been recognized for artistic excellence nationally and internationally under her guidance.

John Hoomes CEO and Artistic Director, Nashville Opera: Became organization’s leader in 2012 in addition to serving as artistic director since 1995. In 2020, presented first-ever commissioned opera, One Vote Won, composed by Dave Ragland.

Martha Ingram Chairman Emerita, Ingram Industries: A legend of the local philanthropic community who is a generous patron and staunch advocate of Nashville Opera, Nashville Repertory Theatre and Nashville Symphony. Crucial to development of Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

David Lusk Owner, David Lusk Gallery: Savvy art dealer opened in 2014 branch of successful Memphis gallery in Wedgewood-Houston. Represents multiple artists in a wide range of practices.

Jane MacLeod President and CEO, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Has since 2010 introduced big exhibits and four-season programming to boost Cheekwood’s profile, membership rolls and fund-

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raising coffers. During 60th year, opened Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden and renovated Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail and Blevins Japanese Garden.

largest professional ballet company since 2010 and oversees professional company and NB2, the second company. Presented performances and offered classes virtually. Company filmed Nashville’s Nutcracker for a free, televised performance.

Lain York Director, Zeitgeist Gallery: Painter and gallery director at Zeitgeist since 1999. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of Art Town.” Provides a venue for world-class art shows at the gallery’s home in Wedgewood-Houston.

E d uc a ti on Adrienne Battle

Director and Curator, Fisk University Galleries: Named to position in 2015 to manage school’s impressive permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects. Active in the city’s arts community. A respected repoussé artist and assistant professor in the Fisk art department.

Director, Metro Nashville Public Schools: Leads city’s more-than86,000-student public school system and offers more than 21 years of leadership experience within MNPS, including as one of four community superintendents. Has also served as adjunct faculty member for the University of Phoenix and Tennessee State University.

Executive Director, Belcourt Theatre: Has overseen theater since 2007 and maintains leadership role in national Art House Convergence. Teams with veteran Program Director Toby Leonard and Development Director Brooke Bernard to run venerable nonprofit.

Susan Tinney Founder, Tinney Contemporary: In 2006, established namesake gallery, the second on Fifth Avenue. Co-founder of the First Saturday Art Crawl representing local, regional, national and internationally established artists from downtown location.

Jennifer Turner President and CEO, Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Arrived in 2019 to run entity that mixes big-name Broadway musicals and artists with educational outreach to thousands statewide and is the performance home to three resident companies.

Alan Valentine

Dan Boone President, Trevecca Nazarene University: Understated academician who has the Church of Nazarene-affiliated TNU undertaking bold initiatives, most recently the expansion and renovation of the Jernigan Student Center. Has also added degree programs and expanded Trevecca’s athletic fundraising.

Randy Boyd President, University of Tennessee: Former Radio Systems entrepreneur, special adviser on higher ed to Bill Haslam and gubernatorial candidate who was first appointed on an interim basis and then made permanent in 2020.

Christiane Buggs Chair, Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education: Former math teacher and United Way of Greater Nashville manager who assumed board chair position in 2020 after Anna Shepherd’s death.

President and CEO, Nashville Symphony: Joined symphony in 1998 and has scheduled innovative programming at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Previously served for 10 years as executive director of the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society in Oklahoma City.

Katie Cour

Paul Vasterling

Daniel Diermeier

Artistic Director and CEO, Nashville Ballet: Has held top role at state’s

Chancellor, Vanderbilt University: University of Chicago provost who began

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Glenda Baskin Glover President, Tennessee State University: Has since 2013 led institution that today has about 8,000 students. Has overseen notable additions such as $75 million residential facility slated to be completed this year.

Jason Golden Superintendent, Williamson County Schools: Appointed to top spot in top-performing district in 2019 after Mike Looney left position for Atlanta.

Began work in WCS in 2006 as staff attorney. Was named COO in 2010 and deputy superintendent two years later.

Shanna Jackson

Jamaal Sheats

Stephanie Silverman

term on West End mid-2020. Guggenheim fellow who has specialized in political science and management studies.

President and CEO, Nashville Public Education Foundation: Former executive director of talent strategy at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and leader of education consulting firm Cour Consulting.

President, Nashville State Community College: Former associate president and COO of Columbia State Community College’s Williamson Campus.

Greg Jones President, Belmont University: Former Duke academician replaced Bob Fisher, who retired in mid-2021 after more than 20 years on the job.

Michael Licari President, Austin Peay State University: Chosen late in 2020 to lead fast-growing university that now has almost 11,000 students. Was previously provost and vice president of academic affairs at Indiana State University.

Candace McQueen President, Lipscomb University: Replaced Randy Lowry (who is now LU chancellor) in mid-2021. Served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education under former Gov. Bill Haslam.

Veronica Mallett Executive Director, Center for Women’s Health Research and Dean, Meharry Medical College: Chief academic officer for the nation’s oldest historically Black medical school. Helped restart partnership talks with Nashville General Hospital and develop a new medical school at the U.S.-Mexico border to address critical physician shortage.

Sidney McPhee President, Middle Tennessee State University: Began working in 2017 with eight-member MTSU governing board. Has overseen numerous major projects during tenure including $147 million science building.

Vann Newkirk Sr. President, Fisk University: Took over as school’s leader in 2020 after sudden exit of Kevin Rome and was named to

IN CHARGE

role permanently in early 2021. Joined historically Black liberal arts university in 2018 as provost from Elizabeth City State University.

Penny Schwinn Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education: Former chief deputy commissioner of academics for the Texas Education Agency who took over state department three years ago.

Paul Stumb President, Cumberland University: Has served as Lebanon-based university’s 26th president since 2015. Retired from Navy with rank of commander.

CU is home to about 2,500 students.

Cyrus Vatandoost President and CEO, Nossi College of Art: Assumed position at 1973-founded arts college in October 2021.

Barney Byrd President and CEO, Gen Cap America: Founded firm more than three decades ago to focus on smaller companies, typically with revenues between $10 million and $200 million.

Sid Chambless Executive Director, Nashville Capital Network: Connects investors with promising startups via multiple funds. Some local success stories have included XOi Technologies and JumpCrew.

John Crosslin and Justin Crosslin Co-Managing Principals, Crosslin: Jointly lead CPA firm (with Bryan White heading IT services group) founded more than three decades ago. In 2021, merged with a Wyoming firm in a deal that added dozens to staff.

Tony Detter

Finan ce Vic Alexander Chief Manager, KraftCPAs: Has led one of the region’s largest accounting and advisory firms since 1993.

Adviser to wide range of businesses who is involved in various community organizations.

CEO, Asurion: Joined mobile device insurer and tech support giant in 2003 and was its chief commercial officer before taking top job. In the past 12 months, company has opened a new HQ in The Gulch and rebranded its uBreakiFix stores.

Aaron Dorn CEO, Studio Bank: Leader of bank founded in 2018, which last year shed extra layers of regulation required of new lenders.

DeVan Ard

Caren Gabriel

Tennessee President, United Community Bank: Industry veteran who previously served as CEO of Reliant Bank.

President and CEO, Ascend Federal Credit Union: Has been at Tullahoma-based lender for more than 30 years. A former attorney who splits time between Tullahoma and Nashville, where Ascend secured naming rights to city’s downtown amphitheater.

Sam Bennett Office Managing Partner, KPMG: Oversees Nashville and Knoxville offices of Big Four firm. Specializes in working with clients in the consumer, retail and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Seth Bernstein President and CEO, AllianceBernstein: Spent more than three decades at JPMorgan Chase before taking the helm at asset management firm. AB is anchor tenant of Fifth + Broad office tower.

David Briggs President, Fifth Third Bank (Tennessee): Commercial banker and former market president at Capital joined Fifth Third in 2018. Took over as regional president of Cincinnati lender in 2020.

Kate Burke COO and Head of Private Wealth, AllianceBernstein: Former chief talent officer who joined AB as part of the institutional sales team. In 2019, took over operations and in 2021 became head of private wealth.

Chase Gilbert CEO, Built Technologies: Co-founded construction loan software management firm that processes billions of dollars in loans annually. In September, its latest fundraising round pegged the company as a $1 billion-plus “unicorn.”

Parker Griffith Southeastern Market Director, Robert W. Baird Private Wealth Management: Former Morgan Stanley branch manager who has led Baird’s area team since 2012.

Rob Harris Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis: Leads law firm’s financial services team. Has worked with companies including the Tennessee Titans and IVX Health on various complex commercial finance transactions.

Curtains up for Encore

E

ncore Bank is the latest financial institution to move into Nashville, after largely operating in Arkansas and Texas for years. The bank had been eyeing the Nashville market for several years.

In March, Stephen Fawehinmi was named to lead the Little Rock bank’s expansion to Nashville. The pick made sense: He was previously Reliant Bank’s market president for Nashville and has more than two decades of lending experience, including at The Bank of Nashville and Fifth Third Bank.

The active local community member says he is “excited to help bring Encore Bank’s services to the Middle Tennessee area.”

Encore, which was called Capital Bank until 2019, now has a presence in 17 markets across eight states, with approximately $1.74 billion in total assets.

“We are excited to establish our presence in Tennessee and thrilled Stephen will lead our expansion there,” Phillip Jett, Encore’s chief banking officer, said upon Fawehinmi’s appointment. “With his entrepreneurial spirit, extensive banking experience and a gift for connecting with others, I am confident Stephen is the right kind of leader to build the Encore brand in Tennessee.”

— Katelynn White

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

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FINANCIAL ADVISORS

with a unique combination of international resources and a local firm client service style

IN CHARGE

Clay Hart

Gaylon Lawrence

Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Previously the local president of Renasant Bank, joined Pinnacle in 2018, where he focuses on commercial and middle market clients.

Owner, F&M Bank, Fourth Capital, Volunteer State Bank: Has deployed chunks of family wealth in Middle Tennessee’s banking sector since 2015.

Brian Heinrichs President and CEO, Fourth Capital Bank: In 2021 was named CEO of one of several financial institutions owned by investor Gaylon Lawrence after joining the company in 2019 as president and chief banking officer. Moved to Nashville from Wichita, where he had been CFO of a $5 billion bank.

Chris Holmes CEO, FB Financial: Has led FirstBank parent since 2013, overseeing loan growth, 2016 IPO and several acquisitions. Moving financial institution to the ONE22ONE building on Broadway.

Denise Horvath Market Director for Tennessee and Alabama, JPMorgan Chase: Oversees ambitious retail growth push for country’s largest bank, which has in recent years also stood up area middle-market lending and private banking teams.

Gordon Inman Director Emeritus, FirstBank: One of region’s most veteran bankers and entrepreneurs and a top revenue producer at FirstBank. Helped launch the former Franklin National Bank and until 2012 was with Fifth Third, which bought Franklin National in 2004.

Grant Jackson Managing General Partner, Council Capital: Joined Green Hills-based firm in 2008 as a general partner and has been its leader since 2016.

Mike Johnson

Choose the firm Nashvillians have known and trusted for over 60 years.

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President and Head of Corporate Banking, PNC Bank Tennessee: Veteran commercial lender who in early 2018 moved to Pittsburgh-based PNC after nearly 18 years at Wells Fargo’s local operations. Leads team building out a retail network with offices around the region.

Joe Maxwell Managing Partner, FINTOP Capital: Serial fintech entrepreneur and adviser who led and sold multiple companies.

Recently announced a new $200 million venture capital fund.

Rob McCabe Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Co-founder of Nashville’s largest homegrown bank and its Tennessee chairman since acquisition of BNC Bancorp in mid-2017. Built banking career in Knoxville and rose to vice chairman of former First American.

John McDearman President and CEO, Wilson Bank & Trust: Took over top spot at suburban powerhouse from co-founder Randall Clemons. Joined bank in 1998 and had been EVP from 2009 until becoming president several years ago.

Rob McNeilly Tennessee Division CEO, Synovus Bank: Four-decade banking veteran who in 2017 moved to regional holding company after leading regional operations of SunTrust since 2005.

Jennie Menzie President, Cumberland Trust: In 2021 was named president of the firm, though Pepe Presley continues roles as chairman and CEO. Has worked at Cumberland Trust since 2012 and was previously a practicing attorney.

Johnny Moore Regional President, Truist Financial: Longtime leader of SunTrust’s Memphis team, tapped in 2019 to run region for combined SunTrust-BB&T organization.

Tyson Moore Market President, Bank of America: Multi-decade Merrill Lynch veteran who was picked in 2017 to succeed John Stein as leader of BofA’s 14-county regional franchise. Continues in Merrill market executive role.

Kevin Lavender

Sergio Ora

Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bancorp: Former state banking and finance commissioner who was named a Fifth Third EVP in 2016 and now also oversees bank’s large corporate commercial verticals, capital markets, specialty lending and treasury management businesses. In 2021 was named chair of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. board.

President and CEO, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust: Former First Tennessee and BBVA executive now leads lender with rich local history. Ended retirement to join oldest continuously operating minority-owned bank in the country.

kraftcpas.com L615-242-7351 EADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Dawn Patrick Nashville Managing Partner, Cherry Bekaert: Leads local efforts of firm

that in 2017 bought Frasier Dean & Howard. Leads Cherry Bekaert’s practice working with technology, health and industrial firms.

Pepe Presley Chairman and CEO, Cumberland Trust: Handed off president role in 2021. Leads one of region’s biggest trust operations and formerly headed up personal trust services at SunTrust.

Jim Regnier Managing Partner, BKD: Oversaw Nashville and Bowling Green offices of national CPA and advisory firm, now moving into expanded role as leader of firm’s national tax services division.

Doug Rohleder Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young: Health care specialist who was named office leader in 2018. Before that was firm’s regional assurance managing partner.

Howard Safer Vice Chairman, Argent Trust Company: Executive with long history in Nashville at Regions/Morgan Keegan, J.C. Bradford and KraftCPAs. Joined Argent a decade ago.

Jim Schmitz Nashville Market Leader, Elliott Davis: Longtime Regions Bank regional president who joined accounting and advisory firm in early 2019 to spearhead growth push.

Tim Schools President and CEO, CapStar Financial: Former National Commerce Financial and South Financial Group exec who moved to town in 2019 to take over from founding CEO Claire Tucker. Has overseen several community bank purchases and stronger push into Knoxville.

Bill Spitz Co-Founder and Principal, Diversified Trust: Former vice chancellor of investments and treasurer at Vanderbilt launched firm in 2009 to oversee billions of dollars for families, foundations and retirement plans.

Terry Turner President and CEO, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Co-founder of largest bank based in Nashville, has pushed into several new markets including the Washington, D.C. area in 2021. Planning an HQ move to Nashville Yards from eponymous tower.

Phoebe Venable President and CEO, CapWealth: Joined CapWealth in 2010 after a long career working with high-net-worth families. Leads planning initiatives, among other responsibilities.

IN CHARGE

Bradford Vieira Regional CEO, ServisFirst Bank Nashville: Led Alabama bank’s expansion into Tennessee in 2013. In 2021, moved operations to Broadwest.

who has been involved in deals worth billions of dollars and helped scale Acadia Healthcare and emids, among others. Key backer of Nashville Capital Network.

Bell moved operation to Wedgewood-Houston from Marathon Village in 2015. Opened revamped Marathon Village space Brewstillery in 2019.

Planning location in The Nations.

David Waddell

Carol Yochem

Bob Bernstein

CEO, Waddell & Associates: Frequent commentator on economic trends began his career at Charles Schwab, now leads investment strategy for firm with offices in Memphis and Brentwood.

President, Middle Tennessee Region, First Horizon Bank: Veteran leader who took over Middle Tennessee team in 2014 and has more than doubled area loans and deposits. TD Bank is seeking $13 billion acquisition of First Horizon.

Owner, Bongo Productions: One of the senior members of Nashville’s café scene with his Bongo Java cafés and coffee. Fido remains a fixture in fast-changing Hillsboro Village. Conducts roasting operations at Alloy at Tech Hill.

John West Office Managing Partner, Deloitte: Firm veteran of more than 20 years who was tapped in 2020 to lead Middle Tennessee team. Growth leader for the Nashville audit and assurance practice and lead recruiting partner for Tennessee.

F ood

Ward Wilson

Craig Barber

Regional President, U.S. Bank: Joined nation’s No. 5 bank from First American in 2000 and has led its Middle Tennessee operations since 2005.

CEO, Restaurant Growth Services LLC: Runs company that oversees O’Charley’s, 99 Restaurant & Pub, Village Inn and Bakers Square.

Tom Wylly

Darek Bell

Senior Partner, Brentwood Capital Advisors: Former Bradford partner

Founder, Corsair Distillery: Founder of Nashville’s first microdistillery,

Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr. Co-owners, Hattie B’s: Father and son founded hot-chicken restaurant in 2012, in Midtown, and have since opened locations in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Eatery attracts long lines at locations on Eighth Avenue South, Charlotte and the original Midtown spot.

Matt Bodnar Partner, Fresh Hospitality and Fresh Capital: Part of group behind expansion of Jim ‘N Nick’s and Martin’s BBQ, among others. Company owns Hunters Station food hall in East Nashville.

Sean Brock Restaurateur: The former Husk chef/ partner walked away from his Charleston properties to focus on a series of East Nashville projects, including Red Bird and Audrey. Also operates Joyland on the east side and The Continental in the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Opened Audrey in 2021 in McFerrin Park.

Ginna Winfree Burrell Alcoholic Beverage Law Section Leader, Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin: Former assistant director and interim executive director of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission joined downtown law firm in 2016 to help lead work on licensing and regulation for hospitality clients and manufacturers, importers and wholesalers.

Maneet Chauhan President, Morph Hospitality Group: Food Network fixture opened Chauhan Ale & Masala in 2014, then a succession of high-profile successes: Mantra Artisan Brewery, Tànsuŏ, The Mockingbird and Chaatable.

Will Cheek III Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis:

Congratulations to all 2022 In Charge Honorees

Visit FirstBankOnline.com for a location near you

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33

IN CHARGE

Leads law firm’s alcoholic beverage team and provides licensing and regulatory compliance advice to restaurants, hotels, art venues, bars and clubs. Go-to source for Tennessee liquor law.

Sharon Cheek Executive Director, Tennessee Craft Brewer’s Guild: Has overseen statewide organization since late 2019, giving brewery owners a voice at the state legislature.

Sandy Cochran President and CEO, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Former Books-AMillion CEO earned a contract extension in 2018. Company’s 2019 investment in Punch Bowl Social fizzled but purchase of Maple Street Biscuit Co. has brought some solid success.

AK Dettwiller Project Manager, DET Distributing: Oversees company founded by Dettwiller family in 1951 and now home to about 200 employees.

Mignon Francois Founder and CEO, The Cupcake Collection: Charming and beloved entrepreneur started baking business in Germantown in 2008 with a handful of dollars and a dorm-sized fridge.

Operates a shop in her hometown of New Orleans.

Benjamin Goldberg and Max Goldberg Co-Owners, Strategic Hospitality: Builders of eclectic restaurant collection that includes Merchants, Pinewood Social, Bastion, Henrietta Red and Catbird Seat.

Clint Gray, Derrick Moore and Emanuel “E.J.” Reed Owners, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: Trio has grown pizza and beer (and cinnamon roll) empire beyond North Nashville to locations in Antioch, Atlanta and Sacramento. Birmingham is now targeted. Former TSU classmates team with Gemaal Pratts to operated E G & Mc on Jefferson Street.

Jim Mazany

CEO, The Bakery Cos.: Former McDonald’s franchisee launched baking business in 1996, adding several plants and lines of business to build 500-employee company. In 2019 connected with private equity firm Arbor Investments to launch next growth phase, which resulted in several 2020 acquisitions.

CEO, SPB Hospitality: Former TGI Fridays COO and Joe’s Crab Shack president was named in 2020 to lead reincarnation of Logan’s Roadhouse and Rock Bottom parent CraftWorks after its Chapter 11 restructuring.

Hal Holden-Bache Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Lockeland Table: Opened his East Nashville mainstay with Cara Graham in 2012 after going through the Greenbrier Resort culinary apprenticeship program and then working at Nick & Rudy’s, the Capitol Grille and Eastland Café.

Doug Hogrefe Partner, 4Top Hospitality: Teams with Paul Schramkowski, David Conn and Ben Brock to run nearly 20 restaurants in Huntsville, Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi. Nashville fixtures include Amerigo, Etch, Etc. and Char.

Chris Hyndman Owner, MStreet: With Jim Caden, has transformed McGavock Street (aka MStreet) in The Gulch with Virago, Moto, Saint Anejo and Kayne Prime (as well as Midtown’s Tavern). Whiskey Kitchen building is slated to be replaced by structure to accommodate a Hyatt Caption.

Wesley Keegan Founder and CEO, TailGate Brewery: Has built a substantial brewing operation focused both on Tennessee and exports to the United Kingdom.

West Nashville brewery features always-bustling taproom (with stellar pizza), complemented by boutique operations on Music Row and in East Nashville.

Ned Lyerly CEO, CKE Restaurants: Previously the leader of the international operations of the parent of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. Was tapped to take over after former boss Jason Marker left amid allegations of age discrimination.

Margot McCormack Chef-Owner, Margot: Her original East Nashville fine dining restaurant paved the way for much of Nashville’s current culinary scene. A regular James Beard nominee.

Charlie Nelson and Andy Nelson Founders, Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery: Brothers more than a decade ago (re)launched the family business their great-great-great grandfather had grown into a global brand in the late 1800s. After sourcing their product from Indiana for a few years, the venture is now producing and aging its own products to receptive reviews.

Catherine Newman and Will Newman Owners, Edley’s Bar-B-Que and 12South Filling Station: Wife-andhusband team has steadily grown Edley’s to include locations in Lexington and Chattanooga. Popular Filling Station complements 12South BBQ joint.

Deb Paquette Executive Chef of Etch, Etc. and Jasper’s: Fixture of Nashville dining scene for more than 30 years. Her menus at Etch in SoBro and Etc. in Green Hills are built on global flavors and among city’s most creative.

Teamed with longtime 4Top partners in 2020 to convert West End’s Saltine to Jasper’s.

Mark Parkey CEO, J. Alexander’s: Took the helm of upscale chain from Lonnie Stout in 2019 in 2020 halted possible sale and cut overhead due to the COVID pandemic.

Has been with company since 1993 and had been CFO before being promoted.

Austin Ray

Howard Greenstone

Andy Marshall

Restaurateur: New York veteran owns or is partner in well-known restaurants such as 404 Kitchen, Adele’s, Bajo Sexto, Emmy Squared and Shep’s Deli.

Owner, A. Marshall Hospitality: Oversees Franklin company known for Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, Deacon’s New South, Scout’s Pub and Americana Taphouse.

President and Founder, A.Ray Hospitality: Operator of M.L. Rose neighborhood pubs in Melrose, Sylvan Park and Capitol View, Also owns popular Von Elrod’s across from First Horizon Park and is a partner in Sinema, The Sutler, Rambler and Melrose Billiards.

Pat Martin

Randy Rayburn

Owner, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Turned a strip-mall barbecue joint in Nolensville into a critically acclaimed empire with locations in Nashville, Louisville, Birmingham and Charleston. Also owns Hugh Baby’s chain of burger shops.

Owner, Midtown Cafe: Community leader whose name adorns culinary arts program at Nashville State Community College. Sought-after consultant (with Music City Hospitality Consultants) is part of partnership that opened Moxy Hotel near Cabana Taps.

Linus Hall Owner, Yazoo Brewing: Operates long-respected brewery overlooking the Cumberland River in Madison, after previous stops at Marathon Village and The Gulch. His steadfast leadership was key in positively changing state’s beer tax structure.

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Cordia Harrington

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Bailey Spaulding and Steve Wright Co-Owners, Jackalope Brewing: A former Vanderbilt Law graduate who gave up a legal life for beer, Spaulding has teamed with Wright, who started as Jackalope’s biggest fan and worked his way up to run one of Nashville’s most beloved breweries. Duo expanded in 2018 to Ranch complex in Wedgewood-Houston then closed Gulch location in 2020.

Jimmy Spradley CEO, Standard Functional Foods Group: Was 26 when family bought Standard Candy in 1982. Business grew to 500-plus employees before Spradley sold it in 2017 to refocus on Goo Goo Clusters. SoBro shop reopened in late 2021 after being closed for $2 million update.

Kent Taylor Co-Founder, Blackstone Brewing: The elder statesman of city’s beer scene, opened Blackstone in 1994.

Brewery’s Dark Matter (a black IPA) ranks among the most distinctive beers made in the city. Brews lagers for Scott Mertie’s Nashville Brewing Company. An accountant by trade.

Tandy Wilson Chef-Owner, City House: One of Nashville’s most decorated chefs, he won the prestigious James Beard Award as Best Chef in the Southeast in 2016. Wilson’s City House in Germantown has ranked near or at the top of the city’s best restaurants for more than a decade.

Government/ Po l i t i c s Burkley Allen Metro Council, At Large: Former two-term district councilmember was elected to one of five countywide seats in 2019 and this year serves in one of the city’s most important positions as chair of the Budget Committee.

Jane Alvis Owner, Alvis Co.: Has lobbied for the Tennessee Municipal League and Metro Nashville Airport Authority at the state Capitol in recent years, as well as for energy companies doing business with Metro. A former staffer in governor’s and mayor’s offices and formerly a partner at The Ingram Group.

Rogers Anderson Mayor, Williamson County: Serving a

CITYBLUFFS.COM A mixed-use community in the Bordeaux neighborhood of Northwest Nashville. 3-bedroom modern townhomes with garages and skyline views available now. A limited number of 4-bedroom units qualify for short-term rental. First units to deliver late summer 2022.

Urban flats and ground-level retail releasing in phase III.

L O F T S AT 3 0 T H N O R T H . C O M A short-term rental community. Lofts at 30th North combine class with convenience and an urban sense of style. Located on the West End Corridor, with walkability to Centennial Park, Vanderbilt University, shopping, and dining.

Pictured above: Mark Deutschmann, Newell Anderson, Danielle Helling, Crystal Atkinson, Caroline Dean, Callie Hughes, Deborah Vahle, Anna Dorris, Devin Mueller, Giovanna Burchell, Maggie K. Hall, Latina Davis, Shelbi Aimonetti

IN CHARGE

fifth term as mayor of the booming county, now campaigning for a sixth term in office.

Ward Baker President and Founder, Baker Group Strategies: The former National Republican Senatorial Committee executive director served as senior adviser to Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, two Tennessee Republicans who won open Senate seats in the past two cycles. Currently working with Donald Trump-backed Nashville congressional candidate Morgan Ortagus.

Marsha Blackburn U.S. Senator: First-term Republican, now Tennessee’s senior senator, had carved out a role as a top Trump ally, but has had to pivot with a Democrat in the White House.

Heidi Campbell State Senator, District 20: Former Oak Hill mayor was the first Democrat to win a Republican-held state Senate seat in more than a decade. Her win over Nashville Republican Steve Dickerson grew the Senate Democratic Caucus to six. Now running for Congress.

Karen Camper House Minority Leader: House Democrats once again tapped the Memphis lawmaker as their leader. The group remains in the super-minority.

Mark Cate Principal, Stones River Group: Former Haslam aide has lobbied for various entities at both the state and Metro level.

Jim Cooper

Butch Eley Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration and Deputy Governor: Earlier this year, the Bill Lee confidant and veteran business executive added a new line to his lengthy resume: deputy governor.

Jeremy Faison House Republican Caucus Chair: Elevated to House leadership after the fall of Speaker Glen Casada, the Cosby Republican has taken a major role in pushing conservative priorities in the state legislature.

Glenn Funk District Attorney General, Davidson County: Nashville’s top prosecutor has waged fights in recent years with state leaders over abortion, marijuana and the death penalty. Now facing two challengers in reelection bid.

Brenda Gadd President, Rethink Public Strategies: Political operative and strategist who has made electing more women to public office a top priority.

Erica Garrison Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Attorney and lobbyist took some by surprise late last year when she jumped from Waller to Bradley.

Long list of prominent lobbying clients has included the Titans, PSC Metals and developer AJ Capital.

U.S. Congressman, 5th District: Longtime representative decided to retire rather than run again in a drastically altered district, which now includes parts of Williamson, Wilson and other counties and favors Republicans.

Brenda Gilmore

John Cooper

Scott Golden

Mayor, Metro Nashville: Halfway through a term defined by external disasters, including a tornado, a pandemic and a bombing. Now faces the prospect of a reelection challenge.

Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party: In a third term at the helm, has overseen entrenchment of Republican rule of Tennessee.

Vincent Dixie

U.S. Senator: A top Trump ally, he easily won Lamar Alexander’s Senate seat after a chippy Republican primary.

The investor, political fundraiser and former ambassador to Japan headed to Washington as his main benefactor was moving out.

State Representative, District 54: First elected from the North Nashville-centered district in 2018, now chairs the small House Democratic Caucus.

John Drake Chief, Metro Nashville Police Department: After starting career as a patrol cop, worked way into top leadership at the department. During a contentious 2020 summer, took over

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as interim chief upon Steve Anderson’s rushed departure, and then was picked as permanent leader after a national search.

State Senator, District 19: Elected to the Senate from Nashville in 2018, the state House and Metro Council veteran has focused on criminal justice reform, among other issues.

Bill Hagerty

Tre Hargett Secretary of State: The constitutional officer and elections head pushed back when advocates sought to loosen voting rules in response to the pandemic

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

and supported a Trump push to overturn election results in other states.

Daron Hall Davidson County Sheriff: The jailer who has been in office since 2002 recently oversaw the assumption of jail management from private operator CoreCivic.

Joe Hall Partner, Hall Strategies: Metro lobbyist’s clients have included major players like CoreCivic, Live Nation and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Greg Hinote Partner, Jigsaw: Set up a new lobbying and consulting firm with Beecher Frasier and Sam Reed where he represents, among others, the Nashville Predators and Vanderbilt University.

A former top aide to Mayor Karl Dean and Rep. Jim Cooper, also advised now-Mayor John Cooper.

Tom Ingram Founder, The Ingram Group: A longtime lobbyist at the state and Metro levels whose clients have included Global Tel Link and the Hermitage Hotel. Past life in politics included stints advising Lamar Alexander and Bill Haslam.

Odessa Kelly Executive Director, Stand Up Nashville: Worked for years in Metro community centers before joining advocacy group she co-founded full-time.

In 2021, secured backing of leading national progressive group Justice Democrats for a primary challenge of Rep. Jim Cooper. Switched to a run in the 7th District after redistricting left Nashille split into three districts.

William Lamberth House Majority Leader: Republican leader passed on a bid for speaker in the wake of Glen Casada’s downfall.

Former judiciary chair has staked out a position as a hard-core conservative.

Brad Lampley Partner, Adams and Reese: Ex-UT lineman and member of the Nashville Sports Council, formerly led the law firm’s local office. Also maintains varied lobbying practice that has included clients like the Metro Nashville government and Carfax.

Bill Lee Governor, State of Tennessee: In an election year, has so far scared off any serious primary challenges. Main focus this year is rewriting the state’s 30-year-old school funding formula.

Bradley Jackson

Lisa Sherman Luna

President and CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Leader of the state chamber since 2016, led a push during a 2020 special session to protect Tennessee businesses from coronavirus-related litigation. Chamber in early 2021 signed a partnership deal to bring Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association under its umbrella.

Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: In 2020, took over as leader of statewide organization, which built new headquarters and is continuing to grow its affiliated political advocacy group.

Jack Johnson Senate Majority Leader: Franklin-based senator is tasked, in part, with carrying legislation on behalf of Gov. Bill Lee.

Tequila Johnson and Charlane Oliver Founders and Executive Directors, The Equity Alliance: Duo started the Black empowerment and civic engagement organization in the wake of Trump’s 2016 election and have since grown it to include several staff members, an affiliated political advocacy group and a statewide voting rights push.

Kim Kaegi Fundraiser: A go-to political fundraiser whose past work in Nashville and Tennessee has included candidates from both parties, including Bill Hagerty, Bill Lee, Megan Barry and David Briley.

David McMahan Principal, McMahan Winstead & Richardson: Longtime local lobbyist’s firm in 2020 expanded to Washington while keeping a state-level client list that includes pro sports leagues, betting interests and the Tennessee Cash Advance Association.

Randy McNally Lieutenant Governor, State of Tennessee: Among the most powerful figures at the Capitol, will be key figure in any debates about school funding and criminal justice at the state legislature.

Bob Mendes Metro Council, At Large: One of the council’s most active communicators, has sought to educate residents on the intricacies of Metro finances and budget processes.

Justin Owen President and CEO, Beacon Center of Tennessee: Libertarian-leaning think tank leader has carved out a niche

IN CHARGE

Jeff Balser President and CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Has led hospital system since 2009 and oversaw its 2016 separation from Vanderbilt University, where he remains dean of med school.

John Bass CEO, Hashed Health: Health IT veteran who helped lead InVivoLink and empactHealth.com and who now oversees team building blockchain-based use cases and partnerships.

Bill Bates

Congratulations!

Mike Bailey, CEO American Health Partners

Founding Dean, Belmont University College of Medicine: Longtime local academic was previously with Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and University of Tennessee Medical Center. Preparing to welcome first students at future med school in 2023.

Adam Boehler CEO, Rubicon Founders: Former director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in the Trump administration set up shop in Nashville.

Firm has already made several investments in the health care sector.

Marty Bonick

2022 In Charge honoree

Thank you for leading the way in improving healthcare for seniors

President and CEO, Ardent Health Services: 25-year hospital operations veteran now overseeing Ardent’s 30 facilities and more than 26,000 employees. Formerly led PhyMed and Community Health Systems.

Chuck Byrge

Stu Clark CEO, Premise Health: Former CHD Meridian exec who oversaw 2014 worksite health care merger that created Premise. Sits on board of Nashville Health Care Council.

Dick Cowart Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: Longtime leader of firm’s health and public policy group. Works with for-profit and nonprofit providers on policy and governance issues.

Bob Crants Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Pharos Capital Group: Co-founded with Kneeland Youngblood firm that has continued to invest in home health and other businesses.

Neil de Crescenzo CEO, Change Healthcare: Oracle veteran took over at former Emdeon in 2013. Continues to work on acquisition by UnitedHealth Group in face of federal scrutiny.

Michael Cuffe Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Vice President, HCA: Was elevated at year’s start to succeed Jonathan Perlin. Held previous roles with Duke University.

majority leader and founder of nonprofit NashvilleHealth, which recently announced with Belmont a project to use data to study hypertension in Nashville. A transplant surgeon by training, also holds a special partner position at private equity firm Cressey and Company.

Bobby Frist Chairman and CEO, HealthStream: Co-founder of health care workforce development company now based at Capitol View. Company paused acquisitions in early 2020 but has since gone on a spending spree.

Harrison Frist CEO, naviHealth: Was promoted at the start of the year to CEO at postacute care management company.

Succeeded Clay Richards, who moved to an advisory role at parent company Optum.

David Grams CEO, Compassus: Formerly president of the Brentwood-based home health care services provider, was elevated to CEO at start of year, succeeding Jim Deal.

John Graves Associate Professor of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Led Vanderbilt’s Department of Health Policy in modeling COVID-19 trends in Tennessee, providing valuable insight on the novel coronavirus to local and state public health officials. Conducts interdisciplinary research on the intersection of health economics and policy.

President and CEO, Harpeth Capital: Has three decades of experience in M&A and capital raising and took over at Harpeth in 2005 after leading FTN Financial’s i-banking team.

Recently closed $307 million fund in partnership with health care REIT Montecito.

Nancy-Ann DeParle

Ed Caldwell

David Dill

CEO, CarePayment: Last year succeeded Craig Hodges at the helm of patient engagement and care-financing company. Initially joined the company as chief revenue officer.

CEO, LifePoint Health: Picked in 2018 to lead new iteration of LifePoint following union with RCCH HealthCare Partners. Joined company in 2007 and was previously president and COO. In 2021 launched a health tech incubator.

David Guth

President and CEO, Center for Medical Interoperability: Heads up nonprofit research lab tasked with developing standards and systems around sharing health care data. Communications industry veteran previously was with West Health Institute and 3M’s wireless division.

Dan Elrod

CEO, Neighborhood Health: Former TennCare deputy COO and Jackson Hewitt exec who was recruited in 2017 to replace primary care organization’s longtime leader Mary Bufwack. Nonprofit has been at center of Nashville’s COVID testing and vaccine efforts.

Devin Carty

Bill Frist

CEO, Martin Ventures: Leads investment firm with a specialty in health

Co-Founder and Partner, Frist Cressey Ventures: Former U.S. Senate

Ed Cantwell

AmHealthPartners.co m 38

care technology and tech-enabled services. In 2021, reported busiest year to date, including investments in 12 new companies and exits from five companies.

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Consonance Capital Partners: Formerly headed White House Office of Health Reform in the Obama administration. Serves as director at CVS and HCA while managing portfolio in health care private equity.

Attorney, Butler Snow: Veteran member of firm’s health care regulatory and transactions group. Certificate-of-need and licensing expert successfully helped guide VUMC through contested plan to expand to Rutherford County.

Julie Gray Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Meharry Medical College: Dentist-turned-administrator was among Meharry officials spearheading ambitious effort in partnership with the city to test thousands of residents for COVID-19.

CEO, Centerstone: Co-founded nonprofit behavioral health provider and has steadily grown its footprint via acquisitions.

Brian Haile

Jay Hardcastle Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Former Boult Cummings managing director and one of city’s

IN CHARGE

top health care advisers. Works with providers on M&A, joint ventures, Medicare/Medicaid issues and whistleblower defenses.

Sam Hazen CEO, HCA Healthcare: Took reins from Milton Johnson at city’s most prominent health care company after two years as president. Started with hospital giant in early 1980s before overseeing Western Group and being named COO in 2015.

James Hildreth President and CEO, Meharry Medical College: Took over one of nation’s oldest and largest historically Black academic health science centers in 2015. Has been a regional and national leader in public health battle against COVID while laying out ambitious growth plans for Meharry.

Tim Hingtgen CEO, Community Health Systems: Was promoted twice in 2016 into top operations role and at beginning of 2021 took over top job from longtime boss Wayne Smith. Joined CHS in 2008 as VP of operations.

Rusty Holman Founder, 1821 Health: Since leaving role as chief medical officer at LifePoint, has built firm focused on leadership development in the health care field.

Christopher Hunter CEO, Acadia Healthcare: In April was named to succeed Debbie Osteen at the Franklin-based behavioral health company. Has held previous positions at Humana, TriZetto and BlueCross BlueShield.

Harry Jacobson Co-founder and Partner, TriStar Health Partners: Former VUMC CEO has founded more than 10 companies and mentored countless others.

Works with multiple investment firms, including Iroquois Capital.

Shubhada Jagasia President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals: Former VUMC adult hospital chief of staff was tapped to lead two Saint Thomas locations in 2021, replacing Fahad Tahir.

Alex Jahangir Chairman, Metro Board of Health: Vanderbilt trauma surgeon turned local household name as lead of city’s COVID-19 task force. Advised on public policy and tracked local disease trends.

Coordinated response efforts among hospitals, testing sites, labs and other entities.

David Jarrard President and CEO, Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock: Veteran communications strategist and adviser to health systems and entrepreneurs who leads team that has worked with more than 400 clients in most states.

Michele Johnson Executive Director and Co-Founder, Tennessee Justice Center: Runs nonprofit open since 1996, advocating for access to health care and other basic needs. Most recently has been leading the front against the TennCare block grant policy proposal.

Bill Kampine Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Healthcare Bluebook: Helps lead team focused on cost transparency in the historically difficult sector.

Held previous positions with CareSteps and Healthways and has consulted for companies in the health, insurance and pharmaceutical industries.

Winkfield shows health engagement prowess on national level

David Katzman CEO and Chairman, SmileDirectClub: Former venture capitalist who helped found teledentistry company disrupting traditional orthodontics industry. Led company through launch of IPO and currently working to rightsize the organization.

A.J. Kazimi President and CEO, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Founded the company in 1999 and has since managed more than $100 million through equity and debt financing, as well as its IPO. Saw a big win in late 2021 when the FDA approved the company’s ibuprofen injection.

Wendy Long President and CEO, Tennessee Hospital Association: Former TennCare chief and Metro Public Health Department director. Earned her current title in 2019 after search to replace THA veteran Craig Becker. Lately has been a central voice on hospital staffing challenges that followed the onset of COVID-19.

Charlie Martin Chairman, Martin Ventures: Veteran hospital company builder and ex-Vanguard Health CEO in 2013 returned fulltime to investment firm he founded to evangelize for technology as a way to simplify and improve health care. Firm enjoyed busiest year yet in 2021.

Phil Mazzuca CEO, Williamson Medical Center: Former CHS operations exec took lead at WMC in 2021. Medical center and its leaders have played key role in county’s COVID-19 response.

I

n the past two years, Karen Winkfield had multiple opportunities to show her community engagement expertise.

In September 2021, President Joe Biden appointed the executive director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance to serve a six-year term on the National Cancer Advisory Board. Shortly thereafter, she was nominated as a candidate for the American Society of Clinical Oncology Board of Directors.

In February, Winkfield was also tapped to direct an Engagement Coordinating Center, for which Vanderbilt University Medical Center entered a $2M contract with The National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network to create.

On top of her federal appointment and other leadership roles, she is a professor of radiation oncology and cancer research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a professor of medicine at Meharry Medical College.

In 2020, Winkfield became executive director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, leading the organization in its community-engaged research.

A throughline in her work is her commitment to moving toward health equity.

“For someone like me, who is focused on health equity and ensuring that everyone — regardless of their race, ethnicity, geographical location or socioeconomic background — has the same chance to survive cancer and survive it well, this is a golden opportunity,” Winkfield said in a release upon her appointment to the advisory board.

“I am eager to bring my health equity lens to cancer programming at the national level.” — Hannah Herner

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

39

IN CHARGE

Russ Miller

Michelle Robertson

Brent Turner

CEO, Tennessee Medical Association: 32-year TMA veteran was promoted to chief executive role in 2013. Most recently the association has been pushing for policies surrounding the opioid epidemic and balance billing solutions.

COO and Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Thomas Health: Former pediatric nurse hired in 2017 from parent organization Ascension’s Texas arm to run day-today operations for nine-hospital system that employs more than 8,000 people.

CEO, Summit BHC: Former Acadia and Psychiatric Solutions exec joined addiction treatment and behavioral health network as CEO in 2020.

Bruce Moore

Bill Rutherford

President of Service Line and Operations Integration, HCA Healthcare: Joined hospital giant more than three decades ago and more recently has overseen oncology, urgent care and surgery center businesses.

CFO, HCA Healthcare: 30-plus-year HCA veteran has led the company through industry-defying financial performance. Steered finances of network through pandemic turmoil.

Frank Morgan

President and CEO, Cryoport: Moved life science logistics company to Brentwood in 2021 and began rapid global expansion. Saw revenues increase 183 percent from 2020 to 2021.

VP of Investor Relations, HCA Healthcare: Longtime outside health care analyst at RBC Capital and Jeffries (and a former J.C. Bradford partner) moved to the inside in 2021, joining the Nashville-based hospital company as the new investor relations lead. Z

Jeff Patton President and CEO, OneOncology: Longtime leader of Tennessee Oncology who in 2020 took over from Tracy Bahl. Holding company for various cancer care ventures in 2018 launched with $200 million in backing and has since expanded across the nation.

Clay Phillips VP, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Joined state’s largest insurer in 2006 to direct government relations and took on current role in 2013.

Manages provider networks and leads work on ACOs and other alternative payment options.

Lisa Piercey Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health: Former health systems operations executive at West Tennessee Healthcare has co-led statewide COVID-19 response, including testing logistics, hospital surge planning, data delivery, contact tracing and public health policy.

C. Wright Pinson Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Plays point on partnerships with regional providers. In recent history, completed acquisitions of Tennova and CHS facilities and aligned with UT-led health network.

Jim Rechtin President and CEO, Envision Healthcare: Former OptumCare and DaVita Medical Group exec came to physician staffing company in 2020. Led adaptation of service offerings through pandemic, including helping hospitals flex clinician workforce during surges.

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Jerry Shelton

Saurabh Sinha

Kyle Wailes CEO, Wellvana: Former SmileDirectClub CFO took the helm at Wellvana in early 2022. Martin Ventures-backed company creates networks of independent health care providers.

Jennifer Weaver Co-Chair of Healthcare Industry Team, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Newly named (along with Eric Scalzo) leader of 200-member practice group. Has experience as a litigator defending providers.

Joseph Webb

CEO, emids: In 1999 co-founded health IT systems company now home to more than 2,500 people. Continues to expand via acquisition as pandemic fuels digital health revolution.

CEO, Nashville General Hospital: Former Methodist Le Bonheur exec and TSU alum still pushing to improve finances of Metro-owned hospital.

Fought off ex-Mayor Megan Barry’s proposal to end inpatient care.

Danielle Sloane

Sam Weinstein

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Works with life science and health care companies on federal and state laws and regulations. Clients have included physician practices, hospitals and medical device companies.

CEO, SpecialtyCare: Promoted to chief executive role after serving as president and CMO when acquired

by Kohlberg & Co. in 2017. Has since been expanding its network across the country. In 2021 was acquired by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

Brad Smith Founder and CEO, Russell Street Ventures: Previously co-founder and CEO of Aspire Health, then worked in the Trump administration as, among other roles, director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and on the Operation Warp Speed vaccine development program. Now focused on launching and scaling health care companies.

Jim Sohr Chairman, Powered Health: Co-founder and former CEO of the former AIM Healthcare who launched Powered in 2013 to house health IT investments.

Portfolio includes Perception Health, Xsolis and Relatient.

Fahad Tahir Chief Strategy Officer, Ascension Saint Thomas: Until 2021, was CEO of Saint Thomas’ West and Midtown campuses. Moved into new role upon hiring of Shubhada Jagasia.

Joanne Thornton CEO, ReviveHealth: Co-founder of health care marketing firm took on CEO role in 2021, as Brandon Edwards transitioned to executive chairman.

Had been president of the firm, which has offices in Nashville, Santa Barbara, Minneapolis and Boston.

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Phil Wenk President and CEO, Delta Dental of Tennessee: Former dentist who joined insurer in 1997 and was picked to lead it in early 2000. Carrier works with more than 2,100 employer groups.

Steve Wilson CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Tennessee: Has been with giant insurer, which is still trying to buy Change Healthcare, for more than a decade and leads unit that has more than $1 billion in sales.

Karen Winkfield Executive Director, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance: Radiation oncologist now oversees strategic partnership between Vanderbilt and Meharry. In 2021 was named by President Joe Biden to the National Cancer Advisory Board.

Mark Yancy CEO, NashvilleHealth: Earlier this year was named the leader of the nonprofit founded by Bill Frist. Previously held positions at DaVita Kidney Care, Anthem and Methodist Le Bonheur.

Le g a l David Anthony Partner, Anthony Legal: Banking and creditor’s attorney launched boutique office after more than a decade at Bone McAllester Norton.

Gail Vaughn Ashworth Founding Member, Wiseman Ashworth Trauger: Co-founder of firm that recently brought on Byron Trauger. Past president of local and state bar associations who has worked defending health care institutions and individuals at trial.

Kathryn Barnett Senior Trial Counsel, Morgan & Morgan: Onetime leader of plaintiffs firm’s local office, now taking on a role as one of the national outfit’s leading litigators, handling more complex cases around the country.

Margaret Behm Co-Founder, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella: Longtime legal industry leader passed management of law office to Tyler Chance Yarbro several years ago; remains involved in the practice and, especially, her work with the Nashville Sports Authority to bring a women’s professional sports franchise to Nashville.

Christen Blackburn Shareholder, Lewis Thomason: A litigator who works most frequently with large and small companies and individuals on tort defense, including related to transportation, products liability and discrimination allegations.

Lillian Blackshear Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Works on public finance transactions, including on behalf of governments, investment banks and other entities. Metro Planning Commission member who in 2021 was named to the firm’s executive committee.

Sam Blink Managing Member, Blink Law: Former insurance company litigator in Indianapolis who now works on corporate transactions and cannabis regulation for boutique firm.

Charles Robert Bone Partner, Spencer Fane: One of the most recognizable figures in Nashville’s legal, political and development circles. Was the president and CEO of Bone McAllester Norton until its 2021 merger with Kansas Citybased Spencer Fane.

IN CHARGE|LEGAL LIEFF CABRASER CONGRATULATES MARK P. CHALOS

Mark P. Chalos

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Seeking justice for the injured, victims of fraud, whistleblowers, employees, municipalities, and investors across the U.S. and globally since our founding in 1972.

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IN CHARGE

Ross Booher

Page Davidson

CEO, Latitude Legal Solutions: Former Bass partner has led on-demand legal services firm to serious growth within several new markets.

Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: A career working on corporate transactions has in recent years included major deals involving payment processing company i3 Verticals and Tivity Health.

Laura Brown Executive Director, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services: Former Legal Aid attorney recently took over from Ann Pruitt as leader of the nonprofit legal services provider.

Griffin Dunham

Matthew Burnstein

Sunny Eaton

Chairman, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Continues leadership of major Nashville firm, a position held since 2014. Offers history working with health care companies and on business transactions.

Director, District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit: Longtime local defense attorney who joined District Attorney Glenn Funk’s office in 2020 and has made a splash ever since, delivering reports about mistaken past prosecutions and seeking to clear the names of people convicted by the office for which she now works.

Brigid Carpenter Nashville Managing Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: An attorney with experience in products liability defense, catastrophic injury defense and prosecution and defense of commercial disputes, her leadership of the firm’s local office dates back to 2017.

Nashville Roots.

National Reach.

Mark Chalos

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Nashville Managing Partner, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein: The incoming president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers’ Association and leader of plaintiffs firm’s local office has represented cruise passengers and fraud whistleblowers.

Chase Cole Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Securities and M&A expert who was lead counsel for CapStar Financial’s 2016 IPO.

Lisa Ramsey Cole President and Managing Shareholder, Lewis Thomason: Brings decades of experience in complex civil trial litigation. Role as leader of firm and its Nashville office includes managing ethical and professional responsibility issues for its attorneys statewide.

George Crawford

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Attorney, Butler Snow: Has worked in a number of corporate specialties, though with a focus on emerging tech and health care, including regulation in specialized industries. A member of the firm’s executive committee.

Waverly Crenshaw

Alcoholic Beverage

Corporate

Estate Planning & Probate Insolvency 42

Litigation

Employment Family

Real Estate

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Tax

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee: Former Waller partner has been on the bench since 2016. During COVID-19, authored news-making rulings about mask mandates at Tennessee schools.

Member, Dunham Hildebrand: A former U.S. Air Force judge advocate now working on workouts and bankruptcies at small firm he co-founded.

Alberto Gonzales Dean, Belmont University School of Law: Has overseen BU law school’s continued growth since 2014 after a career in government work, culminating as White House counsel and U.S. attorney general under George W. Bush.

Chris Guthrie Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Law: Currently serving third five-year term at the helm of the region’s most established law school. An expert on behavioral law and economics, dispute resolution and negotiation.

Aubrey Harwell Partner and Co-Founder, Neal & Harwell: Longtime local leader who has worked on high-profile cases involving Pilot Flying J and former Nissan exec Greg Kelly. In 2021 helped coordinate support for under-fire Nashville Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle.

Ronald Harris Chief Administrator, Neal & Harwell: Longtime lawyer at the firm is now its day-to-day manager. His civil litigation practice has included libel and defamation cases, construction disputes and more.

Tucker Herndon Nashville Managing Partner, Burr & Forman: Practicing in the Birmingham-based firm’s lending group. Has overseen its Nashville office since 2018.

Michael Holley Member, Bass Berry & Sims: A partner at the Nashville-based firm for nearly a decade. Was recently picked to lead the powerhouse corporate and securities practice group, succeeding Kevin Douglas.

IN CHARGE

Jamie Hollin

Mark Manner

Sole Practitioner: Transpotainment, short-term rentals and obscure Metro policies are among the attorney’s wide-ranging and niche practice areas.

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Co-founder of the former Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner has worked for years in the realm of mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts and other corporate and securities matters.

Daniel Horwitz Sole Practitioner: Offers experience in various high-profile Nashville-area cases, including innocence efforts on behalf of a client whose murder conviction was vacated.

Lauren Jacques Nashville Managing Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Last year named managing partner of Bradley’s Nashville office, succeeding Lela Hollabaugh. Her practice is focused on health care transactions and regulatory matters.

Martesha Johnson

Ken Marlow Partner, K&L Gates: Former Waller health leader joined K&L Gates when the national firm opened Nashville office in early 2021.

Jerry Martin Partner, Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison: The Obama-era U.S. attorney works primarily on complex litigation, including the representation of False Claims Act whistleblowers, plus limited high-profile defense cases like that of indicted state Sen. Brian Kelsey.

Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender: First elected to top job in 2018. Is running for reelection unopposed in 2022.

Rocky McElhaney

Bill Koch Jr.

Anita Modak-Truran

Dean, Nashville School of Law: After serving on the Tennessee Supreme Court and Tennessee Court of Appeals, took over leadership of local law school where he has taught for more than two decades.

Attorney, Butler Snow: Works on mass tort and other cases on behalf of pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Has tried dozens of cases in state and federal court.

Stacey Garrett Koju Partner, Spencer Fane: A founding member of Bone McAllester Norton, the longtime legal industry leader joined Spencer Fane when it merged with Bone in 2021.

Member, Frost Brown Todd: A former leader of regional firm’s Nashville office, now leads its manufacturing industry group and practices in the areas of employment discrimination and wrongful termination.

Rob Laird

Marlene Moses

Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: Was managing shareholder of Maynard’s Nashville office until joining Baker in 2021.

Former HealthStream in-house counsel focuses on corporate and health technology matters.

Founding Partner, MTR Family Law: Family law leader merged her firm with Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin at year’s start.

Tom Lawless Attorney, Lawless & Associates: A politically engaged attorney with current and past roles on the Registry of Election Finance Commission and Board of Judicial conduct, specializes in his private practice on bankruptcy and creditor’s rights.

Amy Leopard Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Carved out an ahead-of-its-time niche in cybersecurity, especially in the highly regulated health care industry.

Ryan Levy Managing Shareholder, Patterson Intellectual Property Law: Leader at the specialized firm whose practice is focused on patent litigation.

Founder and Managing Partner, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Helms, and lends his name, to personal injury firm.

Mekesha Montgomery

Bill Norton Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Bankruptcy expert with decades of experience. Has taught at alma mater Vanderbilt Law School.

Roger Page Chief Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court: A former pharmacist, served at several levels of the judiciary before he was appointed to the state’s highest court in 2016. Was chosen by his peers as the new chief justice in 2021.

Larry Papel Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough: In addition to a career in real estate law, has served in leadership roles for organizations including the Nashville Civic Design Center.

Lauren Patten Nashville Managing Partner, K&L Gates:

Jacques nears one year in charge at Bradley

N

ashville is an important city for Birmingham-based Bradley Arant Boult Cummings.

Half of its name comes from the former Nashville law firm Boult Cummings. And the firm’s chairman and managing partner, Jonathan Skeeters, is based here.

So, running the Nashville office, home to well north of 100 attorneys, is a big job.

In 2021, the firm turned to Lauren Jacques to take over for office managing partner Lela Hollabaugh.

Jacques had been a partner for only two years when she was appointed to the leadership position, but she had been with Bradley for about a decade.

Her work at the firm has primarily been focused on health care transactions and regulatory matters — a significant practice area in a city with so much health care business.

“Lauren is a highly esteemed lawyer and colleague and has the skill, enthusiasm and leadership to help us maintain the highest standard of client service and execute on our vision for growth,” Skeeters said upon her appointment, now nearing its one-year anniversary.

— Stephen Elliott

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

43

IN CHARGE

Former Butler Snow partner leads the local outpost of the global firm that made a splash by hiring partners from several major firms when it moved to town at the start of 2021.

John Peterson Managing Shareholder, Polsinelli: A litigator with experience in corporate governance, real estate and commercial disputes. Leads firm’s local office after stint as partner at Riley Warnock & Jacobson.

Brant Phillips Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: As chair of firm’s litigation and dispute resolution group, oversees the work of nearly 100 attorneys. Has also carved out a specialty in certificate-of-need work for health care companies.

Edward Playfair Nashville Partner in Charge, Adams and Reese: Previously a solicitor in the United Kingdom, he joined Adams and Reese more than a decade ago and now leads its IP team. Was in early 2021 named to manage the local office.

Erin Palmer Polly Partner, K&L Gates: Former Butler Snow attorney and Nashville Bar Association president joined the global firm upon its arrival in Nashville early last year.

Stephen Price Office Managing Principal, Jackson Lewis: The former Burr & Forman Nashville leader spearheaded Jackson Lewis’ expansion to Nashville this year.

Gregg Ramos Partner, North Pursell & Ramos: Focuses on personal injury, employment law and workers comp. Past civic involvement includes leadership roles with the Nashville Bar Association, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and Conexión Américas.

David Raybin Co-Founder, Raybin & Weissman: Prominent criminal defense attorney who has worked on behalf of Nashville police officers, including Andrew Delke, who in 2021 agreed to a plea deal in a murder trial.

Todd Rolapp Managing Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: An attorney with experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and other corporate and securities issues. Has been leader of the local firm since 2013.

Robert Sartin Chairman, Frost Brown Todd: Leads the Louisville-based firm from his downtown Nashville perch. Has

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worked in heavily regulated industries including coal and auto.

Tom Sherrard Founding Member, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison: Corporate and securities veteran who has served as outside counsel to both public and private companies.

Jonathan Skeeters Chair and Managing Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Practice is focused on the health care industry. Leads the Birmingham-based firm from Nashville, one of its biggest offices and the source of half its name.

Joycelyn Stevenson Executive Director, Tennessee Bar Association: A Littler Mendelson shareholder and Nashville Bar Association president before taking over TBA in 2017.

Gerard Stranch IV Managing Partner, Branstetter Stranch & Jennings: A litigator whose most high-profile work has included suits against opioid manufacturers. Has led the local firm since 2017.

Peter Strianse Attorney, Tune Entrekin & White: A former prosecutor with a big-name list of criminal defense clients, including former Rep. Jeremy Durham and former Judge Casey Moreland.

Gif Thornton Managing Partner, Adams and Reese: A prominent lobbyist who has led the regional law firm since 2015, now chairs the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments.

Jack Waddey Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Previously a co-founder of Waddey Patterson, now focuses on intellectual property work at Waller, including mediation, IP disputes and business breakups.

DarKenya Waller Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: Has been at LAS since 2008 and led the regional office since 2018.

Among other focuses, the public service firm has worked on pandemic-related evictions.

Lang Wiseman Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: Formerly Gov. Bill Lee’s top lawyer and deputy governor, the former UT basketball star now works on high-stakes litigation and other matters in the Nashville and Memphis offices of the firm.

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Tyler Chance Yarbro

Jeff Drummonds

Managing Partner, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella: A litigator with experience in employment, personal injury and criminal law. Has led the firm since 2018.

Managing Partner and CEO, LBMC: Works with leaders of firm’s audit, tax and advisory practices and chairs management committee. Prior to assuming managing partner position in 2015, served as partner-in-charge of the LBMC tax division. Works closely with Mark Burnette, shareholder and advisory practice leader who guides information security effort and joined LBMC in 2013.

Ed Yarbrough Of Counsel, Spencer Fane: Former U.S. attorney whose practice is focused on major criminal defense cases. Joined Kansas City firm upon its merger with the former Bone McAllester Norton.

Gulam Zade Chief Legal Officer, Frontline Managed Services: Responsible for legal counsel and other matters at legal services outsourcing firm that acquired Logicforce, where he was CEO, in 2021. Formerly in private practice.

David Furse Co-Founder, Executive Aura: Former professor who built Nashville Consulting Group in 1980s and ‘90s and co-founded Executive Aura in 2012.

Decorated ex-military man has been adjunct professor at Vanderbilt since ’02 and led development of EC’s mentor program.

Ryan Gallagher

M a na g em ent Cons ulti ng Patricia Asp Founder and Principal, ASPire: Former Community Education Partners and ServiceMaster exec who joined Compass in 2011 and was named president in 2019, taking over day-today role from Art Rebrovick. Worked for 25 years with Fortune 500 member The ServiceMaster Co.

Christie Berger Executive Leadership Coach, CB Consulting: Launched firm in 2007 and has worked with small-biz leaders as well as Fortune 50 executives. Also was head of executive coaching for Belmont’s Center for Executive Education from 2011 to 2018 and founded Fusion Leader Circuit development program for women leaders and execs.

Bill Brown CEO, A2B Advisors: Revived consulting business after nearly a decade as CEO of EHR workflow software venture Entrada, which he grew and sold to NextGen Healthcare in 2017 for about $34 million. Entrepreneur Center board member and executive-in-residence for incubator’s Project Healthcare program.

Kevin Cowherd Senior Managing Director, Ankura: Tapped in late 2020 to succeed Beth Chase, who founded the former c3 consulting and led its 2018 sale to Ankura. Joined company in 2013 after more than two decades at IBM and specializes in HR, IT and sales work.

CEO, InfoWorks: Former firm president who was chosen in early 2021 to succeed co-founder Jim Clayton.

As president, helped more than triple revenues since joining in 2012 from industry giant Booz Allen Hamilton.

Dustin Hillis President, Southwestern Coaching: CEO of wide-ranging Southwestern Family of Companies launched sales-focused coaching business in 2008. Division has grown to more than 200 people in six countries and has worked with more than 10,000 people.

John Mark McDougal Audit and Advisory Practice Leader, LBMC: Lead shareholder for firm’s manufacturing and distribution work and member of its board since 2010.

Works primarily with private middle-market companies, specializing in manufacturing.

David Owens Professor of the Practice of Management and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management: Specializes in innovation, new product development and organizational design. Took over management in 2020 of VU-housed Wond’ry innovation and entrepreneurship hub.

Kimberly Pace President and CEO, Executive Aura: Communications-focused professor at Vanderbilt’s Owen school since 2005 who in 2012 launched firm with Michael Burcham and David Furse. Has worked with VUMC, Ingram Content Group and Lucent Health, among others.

Art Rebrovick Chairman and CEO, Compass Executives: Three-decade consulting veteran who brings background in manu-

IN CHARGE

facturing, distribution and experience with turnarounds to clients. A lead director with Synovus Bank.

Nancy Schultz Vice President, North Highland: Offers about 30 years of consulting experience, specializing in business processes and working with vendors. Launched firm’s Nashville office in 1999 and is now North Highland’s global health care leader. Holds electric engineering degree from Vanderbilt.

Brian Waller CEO and Co-Founder, Vaco: Teams with President and Co-Founder Jay Holloman to run company that, in 2019, acquired consulting firm MorganFranklin. That purchase grew revenues to $750 million. Company in 2020 added KraftCPAs team focused on Microsoft systems work.

Don Williamson Managing Director, Compass Executives: Former president and CEO of Rogers Group who helped launch Compass in 2006. Also held leadership roles at Aladdin Industries and with medical device company Symbion.

Manufa c turi ng Mike Apperson President and CEO, Resource Label Group: Oversees label printing business that is regular acquirer of niche peers and now employs 1,450 people. Has backing of private equity firms First Atlantic and TPG Growth.

Company acquired Dallas- and Seattle-based entities in late 2020.

Greg Bafalis CEO, Aries Clean Technologies: Named in 2016 to lead firm. Has 30plus years of leadership in clean technology and energy sector. Past work includes stints with Fortune 500 companies and launching PE-backed renewable energy company in Houston.

Company landed in early 2018 collective $46.4 million of new and additional equity from two entities.

Clay Bright CEO, Megasite Authority of West Tennessee: Former Brasfield & Gorrie leader was appointed transportation

commissioner by Gov. Bill Lee. Now is responsible for shepherding one of the largest manufacturing projects in Tennessee history: Ford’s electric vehicle plant and affiliated battery plants.

Reagan Farr

President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors North America: Company vet was this year promoted to top job at company’s North American arm.

President and CEO, Silicon Ranch: Stepped up from COO in mid-2019 to take over from Matt Kisber. Former state revenue commissioner during administration of Phil Bredesen who has helped grow Silicon Ranch to 140-plus solar farms in 14 states. Company in November 2021 announced it will build, operate and own its first solar farm in Canada.

Steve Cook

Philippe Fauchet

Executive Managing Director and Co-Founder, LFM Capital: Oversees private equity investment entity that focuses, in part, on manufacturing entities. Ex-principal with TVV Capital and COO of MFG.com. Former Navy lieutenant who flew combat missions in support of Desert Shield.

Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering: Veteran academician also serves as VU professor of engineering. An expert in silicon photonics who holds numerous patents and once founded a successful startup.

Helped land in 2019 a $20 million gift for engineering school from VU chair Bruce Evans.

Mark Chaffin

James Curleigh CEO and President, Gibson Brands: Former Levi’s exec has pushed mix of heritage and innovation for brand.

Company in 2021 acquired amplifier brand Mesa/Boogie and, also that year, launched Gibson Records.

Paolo Ferrari President and CEO, Bridgestone Americas: Took over from Gordon Knapp in January 2020 after leading tire giant’s European operations since 2016. Former luxury retail exec who moved to the auto industry in 2012 to lead Pirelli North America.

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IN CHARGE

TJ Higgins

Sam Strang

Global Chief Sustainability Officer Bridgestone Corp.: Joined Bridgestone Americas in 2014 as president of the Consumer Integrated Tire Group. Has worked with Pfizer, Merck and Vlasic Foods.

President, Alley-Cassetty: Vanderbilt grad who was in 2011 named to lead brick, concrete block and mortar company founded in 1879. In late 2018 bought assets from local peer LoJac that grew regional plant network to 14.

Jeff Hollingshead GM, Smyrna Ready Mix: Leads concrete company that acquired seven peers in four states.

Ted Klee Senior Vice President, Schneider Electric: Vanderbilt graduate who in 1985 joined what was then Square D. Was named senior VP in 2009 and in 2019 shifted role to help companies with large internet clients.

Steve Marsh Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America: Appointed in March of last year, taking over from Heath Holtz as leader of Nissan’s manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Has been with auto maker for more than 30 years.

Darin Matson President and CEO at Rogers Group Inc.: Replaced the retiring Jerry Geraghty in 2016 and has been with company since 2004. Rogers provides crushed stone, sand and gravel for the road construction industry.

Jérémie Papin Senior Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.: Nissan’s senior vice president of administration and finance since 2018 who in 2019 year took over leadership of auto maker’s North American unit. Assumed current role in April 2021.

Ikdeep Singh Regional President, Mars Petcare, North America: Oversees strategy and execution for company, which employs about 4,000 people and has 22 facilities nationwide. Company announced in early 2021 it will invest $145 million to expand its manufacturing facility located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Parent company Mars Inc. plans to acquire NomNom for a reported approximately $400 million.

Brad Southern CEO, Louisiana-Pacific: Replaced Curt Stevens in July 2017 as fifth CEO in company’s history. Joined LP in 1999 and led both siding and oriented strand board units before moving up to COO. Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forest resources from the University of Georgia.

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Dean Wegner Founder and CEO, Authentically American: Founded company in 2017 with goal of creating apparel-making jobs in the United States.

Jason Whitaker CEO, Shoals Technologies Group: Joined maker of solar energy equipment parts in 2009 as CTO and was named CEO in early 2020. Company went public in early 2021 in red-hot IPO that valued it at more than $4 billion.

Uzi Yemin Chairman, President and CEO, Delek US Holdings: Has led energy conglomerate since mid-2004, overseeing numerous acquisitions of pipeline and logistics assets. Began in 2021 facing calls for big governance and strategy changes from CVR Energy, a Carl Icahn-controlled company that, at the time, owned 15 percent of Delek.

Michael Youngs Plant Director, GM Spring Hill: Third-generation General Motors employee who took over in Maury County in 2019. Has worked at six GM sites over 27 years with auto giant, whose local operation employs about 3,700 people. GM execs in October 2020 said they will invest $2 billion to add an electric vehicle production line to plant.

Marketi ng

previously served at, among others, Franklin American Mortgage. Started Peabody in 2020.

Clint Brewer Managing Partner, Imperium Public Strategies: Communications industry veteran with expertise in politics, journalism and marketing. Former Tennessean government and politics editor, City Paper editor and executive director of Beacon Center.

Clark Buckner Co-Founder, Relationary Marketing: A B2B podcaster and content marketer who began podcasting in early 2013 and focuses on the city’s tech sector.

Jeffrey Buntin Jr. President and CEO, The Buntin Group: Leads Tennessee’s largest communications agency, which relocated in 2019 its 110 employees from Gulch-area building to former Tennessee Central Railway train shed.

Libby Callaway Founder and Principal, The Callaway: Oversees communications agency offering branding, event execution, marketing and PR focused on companies in fashion, beauty, retail and hospitality. New York Post writer and editor from 1997 to 2004.

Beth Seigenthaler Courtney Managing Partner, Southeast, Finn Partners: Assumed role in early 2019 with what had been DVL Siegenthaler. Firm counts Jack Daniel’s and NES among its clients.

Shari Day President and CEO, BOHAN: Promoted in 2015 from president/COO to CEO, replacing Kerry Graham. Joined the advertising and marketing agency firm in 2010 as senior VP for operations and planning.

Jamie Dunham Julia Bonner President, Pierce Public Relations: Oversees a small yet effective team that focuses on the professional/financial services, tech, manufacturing and building design/construction sectors.

Jeff Bradford President and CEO, Bradford Dalton Group: Has worked in the industry since 1985. In 2020 merged 20-yearold firm with Atlanta-based Dalton Agency.

Bobby Brannon President and CEO, Peabody Communications: Has worked within the sector for about 30 years, having

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Founder and President, BrandWise: Veteran marketing and branding adviser whose client roster includes HCA and Twice Daily. Founder of Red Letter Day event focused on marketing to women.

John Farkas CEO and Founder, Golden Spiral: Oversees marketing team geared toward assisting B2B technology companies. Company supports Women in Technology of Tennessee. Client roster includes Kasisto, Digital Reasoning and Socure.

David Fox Senior Partner, MP&F: Former reporter who once worked on the presidential campaigns of Howard Baker and Jimmy Carter. Joined MP&F as partner

in 1990 and specializes in strategic planning and media relations. Teams with Managing Partner Jennifer Brantley to lead firm that saw the death of beloved managing partner Alice Chapman in late 2021.

Rob Henderson CEO, JumpCrew: Has grown marketing and sales generation company to more than 300 people since launching in 2016 and moving to Nashville from New York City.

Keel Hunt President and Founder, The Strategy Group: Politics and media veteran who has consulted for HCA, Pilot, Ingram Industries and BellSouth. Noted author and columnist.

Jeff Lipscomb Executive Chairman, GS&F: Ex-CEO who teams with right-hand-men Gregg Boling (who was named CEO in December 2021) and EVP Roland Gibbons to oversee Cummins Station-based marketing agency that employs more than 115 people and has capitalized billings of more than $76 million. Has been with company since 1985.

Rosemary Plorin President and CEO, Lovell Communications: Joined firm that focuses on health care in 2000 and took over as its leader in 2015. In mid-2019 relocated team from longtime Green Hills home to space on West End.

Lauren Reed President and Founder, Reed Public Relations: Launched Wedgewood-Houston-based firm five years after moving to Nashville from Louisville to open office for Peritus. Has worked with O’Charley’s, Ford and Madame Tussauds, among others.

Ronald Roberts Managing Partner, Southeast, Finn Partners: Former journalist and MTSU official and instructor joined what was then Dye Van Mol and Lawrence in early ‘90s.

Hannah Schneider and Lisa Field Owners and Partners, BRND House: Team to oversee PR and branding agency that also maintains a New York office.

Susan Andrews Thompson CEO, The Andrews Agency: Founded boutique public relations, event management and advertising firm in 1990.

Helped open the Nashville Ronald McDonald House and has served as president of its board of directors.

IN CHARGE

Deborah Varallo President, Varallo Public Relations: Energetic PR sector veteran who manages to attend seemingly every local event of note with camera in hand. Known for impressive network of contacts.

Justin Wilson Partner, Hall Strategies: Joined Hall in 2015 and has since built a strong roster of real estate development clients (including GBT, SomeraRoad and The Congress Group, among others). Was named partner in late 2020, 10 years after he moved to Nashville from Washington, D.C.

M e dia Chuck Allen Executive VP and COO, Athlon Sports Communications: Has since 1997 run company known for its college and pro sports season preview annuals.

Former U.S. Army captain. Sold AMG/

Parade to The Arena Group earlier this year after having served as that entity’s president and CEO.

David Bailey CEO and Co-Founder, BTC Media: Oversees company that publishes what it bills as world’s only print magazines about Bitcoin and blockchain industries. With interest in Bitcoin growing globally, BTC claims millions of readers.

LaDonna Boyd President and CEO, R.H. Boyd Publishing: Runs family’s 116-year-old religious publishing company. In mid2019 made $1 million contribution to the National Museum of African American Music. Father is Boyd Publishing Chairman Emeritus R.H. Boyd, who stepped down in late 2017 from running daily operations.

Frank Daniels President, FW Publishing: Oversees parent company of Nashville Scene, Nfocus, Williamson HomePage and Nashville Post. Duke grad previously served as political columnist for The Tennessean.

Chris Ferrell CEO, Endeavor Business Media: Founded B2B company in December 2017. Ex-Metro Councilmember and former CEO of then-Post parent SouthComm.

Carol Goss-Daniels EVP, Tennessee Press Service: Oversees organization that provides government relations services, lobbying, management and oversight on behalf of the Tennessee Press Association.

Former general manager of Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.

Resources: Elected LifeWay’s 10th president in June 2019. Oversaw LifeWay’s $95 million sale of North Gulch building in May 2021. Announced in January company will move to Brentwood.

Stuart McWhorter Partner, D17 Ventures: Veteran early-stage investor, former Entrepreneur Center CEO and recent state finance commissioner under Gov. Bill Lee has made headlines in recent years by investing in Shannon Terry’s Outsider and buying Kentucky Sports Radio and the Clemson Insider.

Jasmine Hardin

Rosetta Miller-Perry

General Manager, WSMV News4: Hired in December 2021 to replace Rene LaSpina. Previously served as GM of WVLT News.

Publisher and CEO, The Tennessee Tribune: Venerable elder stateswoman of local media sector launched the Tribune, generally considered Tennessee’s most influential African-American-owned publication, in 1991.

Background includes work with the U.S. Navy, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

John Ingram Chairman, Ingram Content Group: Princeton and Vanderbilt grad also is lead owner of Major League Soccer franchise Nashville SC. Named chairman of Ingram Industries in 2008.

Ben Mandrell President and CEO, LifeWay Christian

Bob Mueller Anchor, WKRN News2: Veteran and no-nonsense broadcast journalist has

Congratulations to all on the 2022 In Charge List

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

47

IN CHARGE

Congratulations Bill Freeman, President and Co-Founder oF Freeman WeBB ComPany, For Being reCognized in nashville Post in Charge!

co-anchored WKRN’s main desk since 1982. Has been honored with three National Telly Awards and two National Communicator Awards.

Lyn Plantinga VP and General Manager, WTVF NewsChannel 5: Previously served as WTVF’s station manager. Has been with broadcast entity since 1989 and in current role since 2014.

Erik Schelzig Editor, Tennessee Journal: Ex-Associated Press reporter covered Tennessee state government and politics for 12 years before succeeding Ed Cromer as Tennessee Journal leader in 2017.

Once worked for the Washington Post and German paper Der Spiegel.

Steve Swenson President, Nashville Public Radio: Named to role in 2019. Has worked in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. Teams with Anita Bugg, VP of programming, to oversee public broadcasting station.

Shannon Terry Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Outsider: Serial entrepreneur behind Rivals and 247Sports who has cracked the code on niche digital properties. Outsider focuses on country music and outdoor lifestyle with 10 million users monthly. Also launched new college sports property On3.

Bud Walters Founder, Cromwell Group Inc.: Oversees company he began in 1969.

Company owns 31 radio stations in six markets in four states.

Phil Williams Chief Investigative Reporter, WTVF NewsChannel 5: Tenacious hard news broadcast journalist who boasts three duPont-Columbia University Awards and a trio of George Foster Peabody Awards. Started decorated broadcast media career as a newspaperman.

Mu s i c

John Allen

Derek Crownover

President, New West Records: Former VP at BMG Chrysalis opened New West’s first Nashville office after being appointed president in late 2014. Roster includes, or has featured, Buddy Miller, Ben Folds, Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt and Nikki Lane.

Partner, Loeb & Loeb: Prominent entertainment, media and sports attorney whose songwriter, publisher, artist and producer clients have sold more than 1 billion albums and singles. Has practiced for more than 21 years.

Dan Auerbach

Founder and Chairman, Curb Records: California’s former lieutenant governor and ex-acting governor.

Songwriter, producer and owner of independent record company since 1962, yielding more than 400 No. 1 records. Major Belmont University benefactor.

Musician, Producer, Frontman of The Black Keys and The Arcs: Owns and operates Easy Eye Sound recording studio and record label. Has produced albums by The Pretenders, Lana Del Rey and Yola. Co-founding business partner at Barista Parlor Golden Sound.

Scott Bailey

freemanwebb.com 3810 Bedford Ave # 300 Nashville, TN 37215

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CEO, Mechanical Licensing Collective: Worked on various labels’ legal teams and at Rhino Entertainment before rising to president of U.S. Shared Services for Warner Music Group in Nashville. Was tapped in early 2020 to lead the MLC, which was created by publishers and songwriters to license and administer rights under the Music Modernization Act.

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Doyle Davis and Mike Grimes

President, Opry Entertainment Group: Former president of The Enthusiast Network’s automotive group was named to current position in September 2018. Has overseen launch and buildout of Circle TV joint venture and various livestreams.

Co-Owners, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music: Co-proprietors of nationally respected indie record store, which moved from Eighth Avenue South to East Nashville in 2018. Davis focuses on retail efforts, while Grimes runs live music venues The Basement Nashville and The Basement East.

Scott Borchetta

Mike DuCharme

President and CEO, Big Machine Label Group: Set in motion label ecosystem that launched Taylor Swift and also is home to Rascal Flatts, Cheap Trick and Lady A, among others. In 2019 sold to entity led by artist manager Scooter Braun for reported $300 million.

VP, Nashville Regional Office, AEG Live: Moved to Nashville from AEG’s Kansas City office to help oversee work on venues prepped for downtown’s Nashville Yards.

Richard Busch Head of Entertainment and Intellectual Property Sections, King & Ballow: Lawyer who won famous “Blurred Lines” case also has successfully represented numerous other clients in trials and appellate court cases, including copyright infringement actions for big names such as Eight Mile Style and Jillian Michaels.

Jamie Cheek President and Co-Owner, Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy: Role was elevated in 2018 when founding partners Chuck Flood, Frank Bumstead and Mary Ann McCready stepped away from day-to-day operations at financial advisory firm that focuses on entertainment industry clients.

Dave Cobb Kris Ahrend

Mike Curb

Producer: One of Nashville’s most in-demand producers. Has worked with and won awards alongside Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Rival Sons, among others. Tenant of historic RCA Studio A since 2016.

Pat Collins President and CEO, SESAC: Replaced Kelli Turner in late 2021. Trevecca grad has been with SESAC since 1995.

Mike Dungan Chairman and CEO, UMG Nashville: Former Capitol Records Nashville president and CEO. Appointed to position at UMG following 2012 merger with EMI. Regular on Billboard’s Power 100 list.

John Esposito Chairman and CEO, Warner Music Nashville: Formerly at Def Jam, Polygram and WEA Corp. Runs Warner Music Nashville, encompassing Warner Bros. Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, Elektra Nashville and LoudMouth.

Rod Essig VP, Creative Artists Agency Nashville: Helped build CAA into one of the most formidable agencies in Music City.

Moved into penthouse of downtown’s SunTrust Plaza building in 2012. Agent for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Martina McBride and Tim McGraw.

Katie Mitzell Fagan Head of A&R, Prescription Songs Nashville: Helped launch L.A.-based firm’s Nashville office in 2017 and was promoted to head of A&R in 2018.

Leslie Fram Senior VP of Music Strategy, Country Music Television: Omnipresent exec who oversees music integration throughout CMT’s brands and across all platforms, including on CMT, CMT.

IN CHARGE

com and CMT Radio. Georgia Radio Hall of Fame member and T.J. Martell Foundation Award recipient.

Joe Galante Chairman, Galante Entertainment Organization: Industry veteran and former Sony Music Nashville chairman holds key positions in various philanthropic organizations. Vice chairperson of CMA Foundation, which raises funds for music education programs, and adviser to numerous entrepreneurs.

Becky Gardenhire Co-Head, WME Nashville: Promoted to partner role in 2019 alongside Scott Clayton, Joey Lee and Jay Williams. Serves on boards of Academy of Country Music, TJ Martell’s Nashville chapter and W.O. Smith Music School.

Randy Goodman Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville: Former VP and general manager of RCA Label Group and senior VP of marketing at RCA before that. Member of Music City Music Council and board member of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Jed Hilly

Ken Levitan

Executive Director, Americana Music Association: Has overseen nonprofit artist advocacy group since 2007 and been key in growing genre’s stature.

Grammy and Emmy winner as producer of “Levon Helm: Ramble at the Ryman” and two-time Regional Emmy winner.

Co-President and Founder, Vector Management: Co-partner of Vector and past chair of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. board. Launched upscale Music City Food & Wine Festival in 2013 with concert promoter C3 Presents and longtime clients Kings of Leon.

Joe Hudak

Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group: Longtime label group executive has had relationship with label’s flagship artist Jason Aldean since start of latter’s career. Industry giant BMG bought label group in 2017.

Senior Editor, Rolling Stone Country: Former TV Guide editor and Country Weekly managing editor who helped launch and now oversees Rolling Stone’s Nashville-based country coverage. Also contributes to magazine’s non-country reporting and hosts panels and Q&As.

Jay Joyce Producer, Songwriter and Session Musician: Has produced career-defining albums by Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert, Cage the Elephant, Patty Griffin, Little Big Town and Thomas Rhett, among others.

Songwriting credits include tunes cut

by Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban and Faith Hill. 2015 winner of ACM Honors Studio Recording Award.

Jonathan Loba

David Macias CEO and Co-Founder, Thirty Tigers: Versatile Grammy-winning producer who handles marketing, distribution and management for Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Aaron Watson, Trampled by Turtles and others.

Shane McAnally CEO, SMACK and Co-President, Monument Records: Respected hit songwriter founded music publisher SMACK in 2012. In 2017, Sony Music tapped him and Sandbox Entertainment CEO

Jason Owen to run revival of Monument, which released early albums by Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and others.

Michael Milom Partner and Founding Member, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan: Founding member of Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts board. Legal counsel to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Country Radio Broadcasters and other big industry names. Taught copyright and entertainment law at Vanderbilt for more than 35 years.

Jason Owen President and CEO, Sandbox Entertainment: Company’s client roster includes Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill and Little Big Town. Billboard’s 2018 Executive of the Year for Country Power Players. Sandbox in February landed deal with Sony Music to produce film, TV and digital projects.

John Peets Founder, Q Prime South: Manages from East Nashville office Eric Church, The Black Keys, Rhiannon Giddens and The Wild Feathers.

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IN CHARGE

Sherod Robertson President and Owner, Music Row Enterprises: Former CFO for since dissolved and ex-Post parent company SouthComm. Bought publisher of MusicRow magazine in 2010 and oversees brand’s operations and strategic initiatives.

Jessie Scott

THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN PRODUCING SMILES ON AN INDUSTRIAL SCALE RE-IMAGINED AND ARRIVING EARLY 2023

TORY KLIN

Jim Selby Chief Publishing Executive, Concord: Former Naxos of America CEO who has been with Concord since March 2016 and was its COO until taking over publishing role from Jake Wisely at beginning of 2021. Concord has employees in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London and Berlin.

Mike Sistad Vice President, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: Belmont University alumnus and recipient of the Music City Milestone Award in 2019. Promoted to ASCAP VP in 2019.

CEO, Girlilla Marketing: Founded digital marketing firm in 2008, with client roster now including Tim McGraw, Brandy Clark and the Academy of Country Music. Making industry opportunities for women has been major focus.

President, Live Nation’s Tennessee Business Unit: In charge of programming at Live Nation’s Ascend Amphitheater. Nominated for Talent Buyer of the Year at the 2015 Pollstar Awards.

2K SF - 100K+ SF

Sarah Trahern CEO, Country Music Association: Former Great American Country executive who before that covered politics and public affairs at C-SPAN. Took over as trade group’s leader in early 2014 and has grown membership.

Lester Turner President, Tuned-In Broadcasting: Company is home to WRLT Lightning 100 and Live on the Green Music Festival. Family owns downtown building housing Acme Feed and Seed.

Mike Vaden

R E TA I L L E A S I N G : ELAM FREEMAN

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Principal, Elliott Davis: Accountant with long history of working with music industry figures including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and George

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

615 219 5174

naming it Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens. Has raised more than $15 million in corporate and individual giving.

Jack White

Corinne Bergeron

Musician and Owner, Third Man Records: Grammy winner known for work with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather.

Landed a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2015 and opened record pressing plant in native Detroit.

Executive Director and CEO, Frist Foundation: Replaced Pete Bird (who remains as senior fellow) at year’s beginning. Oversees more than $390 million in foundation assets.

Jason Moon Wilkins Program Director, WNXP: Longtime stalwart of local music scene. A founder of Do615 and later a daily host on Nashville’s NPR affiliate, now leading programming at its startup indie music station.

Sally Williams President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy, Live Nation: Former head of Opry Entertainment Group programming and artist relations division and Grand Ole Opry GM. Oversees Live Nation operations of Live Nation Nashville venues Ascend Amphitheater, The Quarry and Brooklyn Bowl.

Nonp rofi ts

Jennie Smythe

Brian Traeger

RETAIL & DINING

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Program Director, WMOT: Veteran DJ and radio programmer with more than 45 years of industry experience. Hired when MTSU-based station switched to Americana format in 2016. Co-founder of Americana Music Association and popular YouTube channel Music Fog.

Jones. Leads regional firm’s entertainment and family office/business management practice.

Barbara Bovender Tennessee Region Chair, American Red Cross Tiffany Circle: Founding member of Nashville chapter of Tiffany Circle, female donors to Red Cross who pledge to donate $10,000 or more annually. Serves on Tiffany Circle National Council. Tennessee Region’s Tiffany Circle has grown to nearly 70 members, making it one of the nation’ largest.

Agenia Clark CEO, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee: Dynamic leader of organization that serves more than 10,000 girls and 5,000 volunteers in 39 Middle Tennessee counties.

Glenn Cranfield President and CEO, Nashville Rescue Mission: Oversees operation that serves more than 7,000 men, women and children annually. Mission facility in SoBro is being encircled by nearby development.

Jane Allen

Tina Doniger

CEO, Entrepreneur Center: Appointed in 2019 to lead organization which has provided assistance to 10,000plus entrepreneurs, helped create more than 1,300 jobs and raised $208 million in capital.

Executive Director, Community Resource Center: Stepped into role in 2019 for organization that facilitates donations for more than 300 nonprofit agencies in nine Middle Tennessee counties. In 2020, oversaw massive donation drive ($10 million) for tornado and COVID-19 relief efforts.

Tatum Hauck Allsep Founder and CEO, Music Health Alliance: Launched in 2013 to provide access to health care and insurance for music community. Vanderbilt grad oversees entity that has served more than 11,000 clients and secured more than $50 million in cost savings.

Janet and Jim Ayers Co-Founders, The Ayers Foundation: Founded organization in 1999 to improve quality of life for Tennesseans through health, education and social welfare programs. Foundation has awarded more than 4,300 college scholarships, providing services to 21 high schools and two community colleges in the state.

Bari Beasley CEO, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County: In 2017 named historic preservation entity’s first-ever CEO. Oversaw purchase of former O’More College of Design campus, re-

Rasheedat Fetuga President and CEO, Gideon’s Army: Founded the grassroots activist organization in 2010 to serve North Nashville community. In 2020, mobilized volunteer and tornado relief efforts across the neighborhood.

Sarah Figal Executive Director, Nashville Conflict Resolution Center: Joined NCRC staff in 2011 (after volunteering with organization) and became executive director in 2015. Earned degrees from Yale and Harvard.

Rachel Freeman President, Sexual Assault Center: Named to position in 2018 after 17 years on staff at only agency in Middle Tennessee whose primary purpose is to provide support to survivors of sexual assault.

IN CHARGE

Pete Griffin

Liz McLaurin

President and CEO, Musicians on Call: Instrumental in growth of charity providing live and recorded performances to patients in hospitals to 90 programs in 20 major markets and serving more than 775,000 patients, families and caregivers.

President and CEO, The Land Trust for Tennessee: Named president in July 2015 and assumed CEO office in May 2016. Since 1999, conservation nonprofit has protected almost 130,000 acres of public and private land statewide through more than 400 projects.

In 2020, organization was awarded National Land Trust Excellence Award.

Jenny Hannon Executive Director, Friends of Warner Parks: Appointed to position in 2019.

Oversees nonprofit arm of citywide parks system, dedicated to preservation and conservation. Major projects include the restoration of the Allée at Belle Meade Boulevard entrance of Percy Warner Park and a seven-year plan to remove invasive species from parks’ 1,930 acres.

Danny Herron President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville: Has served in the position since 2010. Leads organization that, since 1985, has built or upgraded about 1,313 new homes and served 3,200-plus individuals.

Tari Hughes President and CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management: In 2016, named fourth president and CEO of organization that serves more than 800 Middle Tennessee nonprofits. Previously served as president of Nashville Public Library Foundation for 12 years.

Sallie Hussey Executive Director, Fifty Forward: Named to position in 2019. Seasoned nonprofit professional oversees numerous programs benefiting adults over 50 through its seven learning centers in Nashville and Williamson County.

Nancy Keil President and CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank: Named to position in 2019 after five years as chief development and marketing officer. Runs 1978-founded organization fighting hunger with 450 partner agencies working in 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties.

Kay Kretsch Interim CEO, Dismas House: Former board chair who took over in 2020 from Gerald Brown, who had for four years led organization that provides housing and social support programs for formerly incarcerated men. Dismas in spring 2020 opened four-story residential facility.

Ellen Lehman Founder and President, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: Oversees entity that has since 1991 distributed more than $1.1 billion in charitable donations via approximately 1,350 separate funds.

Sharon Roberson President and CEO, YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee: Oversees organization with more than $10 million in assets. Programs for women and girls include the Family Learning Center and the state’s largest domestic violence shelter.

Lori Shinton President and CEO, Hands on Nashville: Has led, since 2016, organization that connects thousands of volunteers to 300-plus service projects each month.

Martha Silva and Tara Lentz Co-Executive Directors, Conexión Américas: Replaced Juliana Ospina Cano, who stepped down in mid2021, to run various programs that assist region’s Latino families. Nonprofit has assisted more than 9,000 Hispanic families.

Becca Stevens Founder and President, Thistle Farms: Episcopal priest, author and entrepreneur whose nonprofit works with women recovering from prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Twoyear residential program and social enterprises employ residents who, with graduates, manufacture all-natural beauty products sold nationwide and work in its café.

John Tumminello Executive Director, Centennial Park Conservancy: Appointed to position in 2019 after eight years with organization. Oversees nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the Parthenon and Centennial Park. Brings more than 30 years of nonprofit experience.

Steve Turner Chairman, James Stephen Turner Family Foundation: Credited for philanthropic efforts and helping lay the groundwork for what became downtown Nashville’s post-2000 boom. Supports Nashville Symphony and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Joe Woolley CEO, Nashville LGBT Chamber: Has served in role since August 2018. Has helped chamber membership grow almost 50 percent to more than 500 members and see its income triple.

Rea l E s ta te

AT THE CENTER OF

Lewis Agnew President, Chas. Hawkins Co.: Named co-leader of long-time firm in 2016, teaming with chairman Bill Hawkins.

Received the 2016 NAIOP Developing Leader Award for Middle Tennessee.

Allen Arender Director of Development, Holladay Properties: Has helped Indianapolis-based Holladay create Nashville market presence. Company bought Germantown-area property in late 2021. Remains focused on Donelson Plaza shopping center adaptive reuse project, to feature a public library and retail.

Steve Armistead Partner, Armistead Arnold Pollard Real Estate Services: Co-founder (with Bill Barkley) of Armistead Barkley Inc., a company that helped jumpstart development of The Gulch.

WHAT’S NEXT Fueled by ideas and expertise across borders and beyond service lines, Cushman & Wakefield creates real estate solutions to prepare our clients for What’s Next.

Explore what’s next at cushmanwakefield.com.

Jessica Averbuch CEO and Owner, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty: Started her residential real estate career in 2001. Involved with Nashville Chamber, Williamson Inc., Leadership Nashville, Nashville Downtown Rotary, Nashville Downtown Partnership, Jewish Federation of Nashville, Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee and Renewal House.

1033 Demonbreun St, Suite 600 Nashville, TN 37203 | USA +1 615 301 2800 cushmanwakefield.com

Shawn Bailes President, FMBC Investments: Far-sighted developer who sold his 83 Freight apartment property derived from shipping containers in Wedgewood-Houston for about $11.2 million in 2020. Has undertaken work in 12South and West End Park, among other areas.

Luca Barber Managing Director, Mill Creek: Oversees local operations of Boca Raton, Florida-based company. Previously served as VP of development and acquisitions in Nashville for Lincoln Property. Mill Creek is underway or planning multiple large-scale residential buildings within the city’s urbanized districts.

Doug Brandon Managing Principal, Cushman & Wakefield: CRE industry veteran who oversees daily operations of entity that merged with DTZ in 2015. Previously worked at Smith Barney. Joined Cushman in 2006.

Ben Brewer President, Elmington Capital Group:

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IN CHARGE

Teams with Cary Rosenblum (CEO) to lead company that is now focused on mixed-used Edgehill project. Company sold portion of that site to Raleigh-based SLI Capital in late 2020 for $9.1 million. ECG has undertaken developments in Hillsboro Village and Edgehill, among other local spots.

Sean Buck VP, Office Leader, JE Dunn: With local office of Kansas City-based builder since 2003. On his sixth title in 17 years. Elevated from group manager role in late 2019.

Freeman leads Ojas to retail space respectability

I

t’s an ideal time to be involved in the Nashville commercial real estate industry.

And Elam Freeman knows it.

The founder and principal of locally based Ojas Partners, Freeman specializes in retail space leasing, particularly involving the city’s newish mixed-use towers.

Though Ojas is not even two years old (Freeman founded the company in July 2020), its impact has been noteworthy. Company signs are often seen in the windows of prominent commercial buildings, and Freeman herself has brokered about as many retail deals of late as have more veteran commercial real estate agents.

“We take our role as stewards of how people experience Nashville very seriously,” she says.

Freeman, who sits on the boards of Harding Academy and Walk Bike Nashville, previously worked at Baker Storey McDonald Properties as an affiliate broker. Prior to that, she served as an assistant director of commercial properties at Elmington Capital Group.

Her resume also includes stints as a research fellow at the office of the president of her alma mater, Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and as a press assistant in the U.S. Senate.

“Ojas is fortunate to be involved in some of Nashville’s most dynamic, urban mixed-use developments that will shape how people live, work and play in the city for years to come,” says Freeman, a yoga enthusiast who oversees an Ojas Partners team of 10 employees.

“Our goal is to position both local and first-to-market [business-to-consumer] brands in locations where their customers — studied from both a demographic and psychographic perspective — spend their time.”

— William Williams

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Jim Caden Investor: Gentlemanly industry veteran who helped lead the reinvention of M Street in The Gulch. Part of investor group that sold a key Gulch parcel for $11.5 million in 2019.

Wood Caldwell Principal, Southeast Venture: Arguably the most visible member of company with multiple heavy-hitters.

Serves with Cam Sorenson in SEV’s development services division. Company sold Gulch site at Eighth and Division for $38 million in late 2021.

Bo Campbell

Goodyear. University of the South grad previously worked as co-founder with Aaron White at Evergreen Real Estate. Firm merged with Parks in early 2020 and kept its brand, with those two having combined resources with Pilkerton Realtors this past January.

David Creed President, Creed Investment: Is now fully underway on 20-story mixed-use Moore Building in Midtown, a project with which Atlanta-based Portman is participating. Works closely with Stan Snipes, founder of Snipes Properties and a former XMi official. Owns downtown’s The Pilcher Building.

Dwane Crews Owner and CEO, Synergy Realty Network: Former music industry official who is a licensed general contractor and Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast.

Roy Dale CEO, Dale & Associates: Offers 30plus years of experience in planning, zoning, development and construction management. Teams with trusted deputy Michael Garrigan to lead company involved in multiple local projects.

Partner, Real Estate Industry CoChair, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Has been involved in several first-time transactions or development deals in Tennessee, including the redevelopment of the former Nashville Convention Center site with the $400 million mixed-use Fifth + Broad project.

Mark Deutschmann

Tyler Cauble

Sheila Dial-Barton

Founding Principal and President, The Cauble: Focusing his development attention on Dickerson Pike corridor. Founded Parasol Management in 2018 for property management duties.

Principal, EOA Architects: Oversees design firm long led by Gary Everton.

University of Tennessee grad has been with company since 1997.

Rodney Chester CEO, Gresham Smith: Has worked for firm for nearly 24 years. Joined company’s board of directors in 2015 and previously served as COO since 2018 before assuming new role in January.

Succeeds Al Pramuk, who remains company chairman.

Neal Clayton Owner, Engel & Völkers: Nashville native (a Hillsboro High School graduate) and veteran of the local residential real estate scene. Also owns Neal Clayton Realtors.

Hunter Connelly CEO, Village Real Estate Services: Named to role in January 2019 and teams with Principal Broker Zach

Chairman Emeritus, Village Real Estate Services: Sold majority interest in Village, which he started in 1996, in 2019. Oversees Core Development, known for Werthan Mills Lofts and its multiple projects in Wedgewood-Houston, with Andrew Beaird.

Glynn Dowdle Principal, Dowdle Construction Group: Has worked within industry since 1988. Teams with Allen Buchanan and Chase Manning to oversee company.

Tim Downey CEO, Southern Land: Leads company known for its mixed-use Vertis Green Hills, which won the NAIOP multi-family development of the year award in early 2020. SLC in 2014 sold its Elliston 23 for a then-record $287,000 per unit.

Ryan Doyle GM, oneC1TY: Now in ninth year of leading development of mixed-use oneC1TY, which saw the $80.6 million sale of apartment building The Shay in 2019. In February 2021 completed hotel building housing a Marriott Element.

IN CHARGE

Rick French

Chairman, Eakin Partners: Long-standing industry pro oversees with Barry Smith company that has developed mixed-use mid-rises Roundabout Plaza, SunTrust Plaza, 1201 Demonbreun and the 2020-completed Peabody Plaza in Rolling Mill Hill.

Principal, French King Fine Properties: Teams with Tim King to oversee long-standing local residential real estate company. Co-founder in 1985 of the no-longer-operational but still remembered French Christianson Patterson and Associates.

John Eldridge III

Steve Fridrich

President, E3 Construction: Continues focus on Clifton Avenue and surrounding streets of McKissack Park (which he calls City Heights). Known for his friendship and work with fellow real estate investor Max Khazanov.

President and Managing Partner, Fridrich and Clark Realty: Launched real estate career in 1979 while a Vanderbilt student and became a full partner in 1982 of company founded by his father. Has closed more than $231 million in residential sales collectively during past five years.

Tarek El Gammal Executive Managing Director, Newmark: Former JLL and SEV official who holds M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago.

Pat Emery CEO, Hall Emery: Founder of Spectrum, Emery teamed with Fred Hall to create company in late 2017. Company paid about $11 million in 2019 for Music Row site on which it continues work on 17th & Grand office building.

Sold 18th & Chet office building in August 2021 for $78.5 million. One of the local industry’s elder statesmen.

Gina Emmanuel Principal, Centric Architecture: Teams with Jim Thompson, Justin Lowe and David Plummer to guide forward-thinking design firm. Board member of NAIOP, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and the Metro Housing Trust Fund Commission.

Meg Epstein Founder, CA South Development: Working on multiple projects, including those in Edgehill, Pie Town and North Capitol. Paid $1,325,000 in 2021 for a Wedgewood-Houston building to which her company has moved.

Now tackling some industrial development. Has 10 projects under development and manages private equity real estate fund.

David Frazier CEO and Owner, Hardaway Construction: Acquired venerable company in 2018 after serving as president and operations manager.

Bill Freeman Co-Founder, Freeman Webb Companies: Oversees 41-year-old company with about 450 employees and nearly 15,000 apartment units and 1 million square feet of commercial property under management in four states. Owns Post parent company FW Publishing. Freeman Webb completed nearly $250 million in transactions in 2021.

Gary Gaston Executive Director, Nashville Civic Design Center: Principal contributor to “The Plan of Nashville.” A TEDx Nashville Fellow who oversees nonprofit now 22 years in operation and playing a lead role in rebuild of bomb-damaged Second Avenue.

Hunter Gee Principal, Smith Gee Studio: Teams with fellow principals Fleming Smith, Dallas Caudle and Greg Tidwell at architecture firm focused on boutique projects throughout multiple urban districts in the city.

Tony Giarratana Principal, Giarratana: Skyscraper advocate who has developed downtown sites on which rise five towers of 200 feet or taller, including the 550-foot-tall 505. Company underway with skyscrapers at 900 Church St. and 801 Church St. and is planning 750-footer on portion of downtown YMCA site. Considered by many the city’s most well-known developer due to the high-profile nature of his company’s projects.

Jimmy Granbery CEO, H.G. Hill Realty: Has overseen urban infill projects in 12South, Five Points, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village and Sylvan Heights. Now focused on Germantown site for mixed-use building and completion of re-building at Five Points site damaged by March 2020 tornado. Part of city’s oldschool development community who garners props for using progressive design and planning concepts and local companies.

Joseph Griffin

All

in.

John Eakin

Colliers Nashville has built a legacy of delivering creative, game-changing commercial real estate solutions for clients’ one-of-a-kind needs, desires, and challenges.

Janet Miller CEO

Our team of interdisciplinary specialists, spanning from valuation, brokerage, project management,

Bert Mathews Chairman

property management, debt and equity, and advisory solutions, meets Nashville businesses where they are.

We are highly capable, accomplished, and invested in the future of our

Patrick Gibson

Valuation & Advisory

clients and this city.

For more on these diverse lines of

business, go to colliers.com/nashville

CEO, Ragan-Smith Associates: After more than three decades at firm, was promoted to top job in 2020.

Erika Palmer

Property Management

John Gromos Vice President and GM, Turner Construction: Ex-Vanderbilt quarterback

Colliers Nashville Client Focused. City Strong.

Chris Neese

Project Management NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022 53

IN CHARGE

has worked with local office of NYCbased Turner since 2004. Company has built, among others, Bridgestone Arena, Hill Center Brentwood, Tennessee State Museum and vertical addition to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Chad Grout Founder and Principal Broker, Urban Grout Commercial Real Estate: Oversees Brentwood-based boutique company with trusted deputy John Toomey. Paid $13.75 million for 12.3acre property located near Trevecca Nazarene University and is eyeing redevelopment.

Roberto Gutierrez Managing Partner, Jackson Builders: Oversees acquisitions, financing and investor relations for boutique development business that has completed more than 150 infill homes in Nashville’s urban core. Focuses work on Buchanan Arts District and Bordeaux.

Current pipeline amounts to $75 million across 30 project through Q4 2024. At 30, one of city’s youngest developers.

Kristy Hairston Managing Director of Nashville Sales‌, Compass Green Hills: Former president of Greater Nashville Realtors and member of CABLE and Nashville Rotary.

Whitfield Hamilton Regional Partner, Panattoni Development: Teams with brother Hayne on development of Music Row-area sites, including office buildings on 16th Avenue (home to SESAC) and on Music Circle South. Company continues work (started in 2020) on Row office building at ex-site of Bobby’s Idle Hour.

Kim Hartley Hawkins Co-Founding Principal, Hawkins Partners: Teams with husband Gary Hawkins to lead influential land planning and landscape architecture firm.

Company, which is contributing to massive Nashville Yards project, lost its Five Points office to March 2020 tornado and is part of the rebuild with owner Hill Realty.

Jonathan Harris Founder and CEO, Scout Realty: Leader of residential real estate company also founded Homes for Homes, a nonprofit that provides safe housing to people in need.

Jeff Haynes Founder, Boyle Nashville: Oversees firm that worked with Northwestern Mutual and Northwood Ravin to develop Capitol View sites in North Gulch. Teams with Thomas McDaniel, Boyle’s director of office properties.

Company captured NAIOP developer of the year award in early 2020.

Ray Hensler Principal, Hensler Development Group: Known for $80 million, 23-story Gulch luxury condo tower Twelve Twelve. His mid-2000s-finished Adelicia in Midtown still garners positive attention. Eyeing mid-2022 start on Rolling Mill Hill residential tower.

Bob Higgins President and CEO, Barge Design Solutions: Has served in current roles since 2009. Joined Barge in 1996 as an intern following graduation from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering.

Kelly Knight Hodges Chief Development Officer, Market Vice President, Gresham Smith: During her roughly 21 years at Gresham Smith, has worked with Jackson National, the State of Tennessee, Ramsey Solutions and Schneider Electric.

Ginger Holmes Co-Principal Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty: Teams with Co-Principal Broker Nancy Malone and Principals Tonya Hamilton and Tisa Musgrove to own and operate robust residential brokerage.

William Hastings

Jason Holwerda

Principal, Hastings Architecture Associates: Teams with David Bailey and David Powell to drive firm that designed Asurion building in North Gulch for Highwoods and MCC Roundabout-area tower 805 Lea for New Orleans developer Key. Company continues to land clients seeking high-rise designs.

Partner, Brokerage Services, Foundry Commercial: Coordinated the 2018 purchase of brokerage business of OakPoint Real Estate’s Nashville office.

With that deal, industry veteran Rick Helton joined Foundry, giving company a noteworthy combo.

Michael Hayes President and CEO, C.B. Ragland: Classy industry official whose company completed in SoBro in 2021 the Hyatt Centric hotel at ex-Listening

54

Room site. Completed with Hines the mixed-use 222 2nd in SoBro and is now focused on Hyatt Caption project in Gulch.

Tom Hooper Managing Director, JLL: Teams with Co-Managing Director Bo Tyler to oversee national power’s Nashville office. Oversaw in 2019 the Nashville office’s addition of property management and retail brokerage services.

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Bill Hostettler Principal Broker, HND Realty: Chief Manager, Craighead Development: Frank-talking and quick-witted industry veteran (about 41 years in the business) focused on developing reasonably priced condos and townhomes.

Allen Huggins Owner, WH Properties: Nashville native earned his real estate license in 2003 and started residential-focused brokerage in 2017.

Janet Jones Managing Broker, President and Owner, Worth Properties: Offers 35 years of experience in the residential real estate sector, with focus on Davidson and Williamson counties.

Drives development, acquisitions, financing and institutional/investor relations for The Mathews Company. University of North Carolina grad is also a partner with Nashville office of Colliers International. Teaming with Seattle’s Eagle Rock Ventures on WeHo and SoBro micro-housing projects.

Mark McDonald Senior Partner, M Cubed Developments: Teaming with Mark McGinley to undertake projects in 12South, Buena Vista, Five Points and Music Row. Veteran Nashville-based investor and developer is a partner with Oldacre McDonald, which is developing Century Farms in Antioch.

Bruce McNeilage

Owner, MiKeN Development: Focused on the city’s once mainly working class west side. Known for mixed-use The Phoenix and residential project Treaty Oaks, both in The Nations. Remains focused on work in Charlotte Park.

CEO and Co-Founder, Kinloch Partners and Harpeth Development: Has garnered attention the past few years for his work in South Inglewood (Solo East), Williamson County (Fairview Station) and in the Crooked Creek and the Derryberry Estates subdivisions on the Maury County side of Spring Hill.

Stephen Kulinski

Janet Miller

Managing Director, CBRE: Assumed current role in 2015 after 31-year career as an architect, most recently with Gresham Smith. Has served as president of local NAIOP chapter.

Commands respect for his connections, insider info.

CEO and Market Leader, Colliers Nashville: Former Nashville Area Chamber ECD leader who moved to Colliers in July 2014. Firm was sold to Colliers International Group Inc. for an undisclosed sum in late 2020.

Ken Larish

Founder, Molette Investment Services: Plans to start this year on seven-story condominium building Contralto at Midtown intersection of 15th Avenue North and Church Street.

Michael Kenner

CEO, The Mainland Companies: Teaming with Chicago’s Speedwagon to reinvent a segment of Chestnut Hill with mixed-used urban node called the New Heights District.

Larry Lipman Broker and Owner, RE/MAX Homes And Estates, Lipman Group: Ageless and energetic residential real estate pro who seemingly has undertaken as many transactions as anybody else in town.

Derek Lisle Co-Partner, Cottingham Capital Partners: Partners with Michael Young and Matt Laitinen at locally based company focused on Salemtown and Germantown projects.

Rob Lowe Executive Managing Director and Partner, Stream Realty Partners: Former Cushman & Wakefield senior managing director is one of city’s most respected and versatile commercial real estate pros. Teaming with New York entity to overhaul The Arcade. Known for work with Elliott Kyle and McClain Towery.

Bert Mathews President, The Mathews Company:

Lee Molette

Russ Oldham Managing Director, Walker Dunlop: Teams with Brett Kingman and Robbie O’Bryan to focus on multifamily work.

Trio had led local CBRE office’s investment properties multifamily group.

Rebecca Ozols Owner, Bell Construction: Former vice president of growth operations who joined Bell in 2018. Was tapped as owner, along with Sam Hand, in late 2021.

Marie Parks President, Parks Realty: Partners with husband and company chairman Bob Parks to oversee residential real estate company that includes Village and that in early January completed merger with Pilkerton Realtors.

Dane Peachee President, Compass Real Estate Advisors: Assumed greater role with CREA after the 2020 retirement of Tim Stowell, company founder and managing member. Has been with firm since 2003.

IN CHARGE

Brian Reames Senior VP and Regional Manager, Highwoods Properties: Oversees company that developed SoBro site on which sits 30-story Bridgestone Americas Tower.

Todd Robinson President, ESa: Veteran health care building designer who joined ESa in 1981 and in 2018 was named to The College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects. Works in tandem with Chairman Dick Miller, who has been with firm (founded by the late Earl Swensson) since 1967.

Ben Rooke Regional Vice President, Brasfield & Gorrie: Auburn grad started career at Brasfield & Gorrie in March 2000.

Based in Franklin and has held role since July 2018.

Mary Roskilly Principal, Tuck-Hinton Architects: Partners with Co-Principal Chuck Miller to oversee one of city’s most established architecture companies. Has been with Wedgewood-Houston firm

since 1994. Studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati.

Floyd Schecter President, SmartSpace: Boutique company focuses on management and maintenance of commercial buildings.

Mike Shmerling Chairman and CEO, Clearbrook Holdings: Opened Pearl Street Apartments with Tony Giarratana in 2017, with the two friends also having partnered to develop Midtown site with 1818 Church. Veteran real estate investor works closely with Henry Menge, managing director and principal broker with Clearbrook (formerly known as XMi Holdings) sister operation FifthGen.

Barry Smith Co-Founder and President, Eakin Partners: Combines with John Eakin to form experienced commercial real estate pair. Former executive VP and principal of now-defunct Grubb & Ellis/Centennial Inc. Company developed Rolling Mill Hill site with Eakin Plaza, which opened in 2020.

Warren Smith III

Lizabeth Theiss

Principal and Managing Director, Avison Young: Ex-Cushman & Wakefield | Cornerstone CEO leads local office of Canadian-based heavyweight. Former partner and president of Mid-South Financial Corp. and ex-president and CEO of Q10 | Vista Mortgage Group.

Business Development Director, DPR Construction: Joined company in mid-2019 after having served in a similar role with Crain Construction, which she joined in 2004. Skilled at marketing, media relations, customer relations and business development.

Andrew Steffens

George Tomlin

Managing Director, Wood Partners: Helped launch Nashville office of Atlanta-based company in January 2019. Wood has quickly become one of Nashville’s most active apartment developers, with four projects offering a collective 1,129 units having started since mid-2020. Previously spent five years at Alliance Residential Company as development director, overseeing Broadstone Germantown, Broadstone 8South and Broadstone Gulch.

President and CEO, GBT Realty: Steers Brentwood-based company developing sites (or planning to) in The Gulch, River North, Green Hills and the West End corridor with mixed-use large-scale buildings.

Jim Terrell Managing Partner, Pilkerton Realtors: Leads company that in January merged with Parks Realty and Village.

Has served in current role since 2002 and a licensed broker since 1986.

McClain Towery President, Towery Development: Has experience with projects located in or near 12South, Edgehill Village, The Nations and East Nashville. Often works with Elliott Kyle, Rob Lowe or Jamie Pfeffer.

Tom Trent Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: A member of both the firm’s economic development practice group and real estate teams. Offers

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE

In Charge Honorees Compass, now the largest brokerage in the United States in terms of closed sales volume*, is proud to be the home of Regional Vice President, Kristy Hairston.

Whether you are buying, selling, or renting a home — Compass is here to streamline your experience with Greater Nashville’s trusted agents, strategic marketing, and industry-leading technology. *RealTrends 3/16/22 Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. To reach the Compass RE office, call 615.475.5616.

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | LEADERS 2022

55

IN CHARGE

about 41 years of experience in real estate and economic development law. Vanderbilt grad. Represents manufacturing companies, corporate users of commercial real estate, institutional investors, developers and lenders.

Jay Turner Managing Director, MarketStreet Enterprises: Teams with Joe Barker and Dirk Melton to lead company focused on The Gulch. MarketStreet sold a Division Street property in late 2021 for $22 million, a figure that flirted at the time with Nashville’s peracre record related to land deals.

James Weaver Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Power broker who can move urban development projects through Metro Planning and fundraise for Democratic political candidates.

Represents Chicago-based Monroe Investments related to River North land deals.

Stuart White President and CEO, Realtracs: Started company more than 20 years ago, growing it into the largest MLS in Tennessee.

Tom White Partner, Tune Entrekin & White: Ageless attorney who commands admiration. Teams with colleague Shawn Henry for an effective combo related to land-use legal work. Co-founded firm in 1978.

Christie Wilson President and CEO, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services: Ranks among local residential real estate sector’s most community-spirited members, having been active with Greater Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, The Women’s President Organization, The Nashville Wine Auction and The Fulcrum Society of the YWCA.

D.J. Wootson Principal, Titus Young Real Estate: Known for North Nashville work. His 1821 Jefferson mixed-use building offers 18 apartments and retail. Sold for $2.5 million, two-and-a-half times the price he paid in 2015, a TSU-area apartment property in late 2020.

Manuel Zeitlin Owner, Manuel Zeitlin Architects: Oversees boutique design firm whose 21st century aesthetic (seen at, for example, Chelsea and the TAR Building) elicits a range of opinions.

Announced in late 2019 firm is employee-owned by 11 other partners, retaining 60 percent ownership.

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Lee Zoller Principal, Division Street Development: Commercial real estate industry veteran founded company in mid2017. DSD is focused on boutique projects and is aligned with Gulch office of Toronto-based Avison Young.

Plans to break ground on West End Avenue residential project this year.

Reta i l Austin Benedict First Vice President, CBRE: Among the city’s most respected brokers for urban retail space. Was important factor in filling first-floor commercial spaces at mixed-use tower Encore in SoBro.

Nora Buikstra General Manager, The Mall at Green Hills: Assumed post in 2018, replacing Kimberly Shadwick, who had been mall’s GM since February 2013. Mall continues to add high-end tenants, with California-based men’s warm weather fashion-centric retailer TravisMathew and Canadian upscale women’s clothing retailer Aritzia having been announced in 2021.

Crissy Cassetty Director of Economic Development, Nashville Downtown Partnership: Major contributor to downtown’s landing of soft goods and food-and-beverage retail businesses.

Skillfully toggles between working with owners of properties and of retail businesses.

John Dyke Owner, The Turnip Truck: Always-pleasant natural foods advocate who in 2020 opened a grocery on Charlotte Avenue in West Nashville to supplement his Gulch and east side stores, the latter of which began operations in early 2001.

Sonya Hostetler President, Kroger Nashville Division: Replaced company veteran Zane Day in mid-2019. Former Walmart vice president and regional general manager who oversaw 13 markets, 122 stores and 45,000 employees in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Hal Lawton CEO, Tractor Supply: Replaced Greg Sandfort weeks before COVID arrived in the United States, which sparked a boom in sales. Former Macy’s president rallied the team to scale up and in early 2021 announced a $297

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

million acquisition of Midwest peer Orscheln Farm and Home.

David Meadows

erations and merchandising. Turnaround plan was successful when COVID struck in early 2020, as spending on household items elevated.

Senior General Manager, CoolSprings Galleria: Left mall in late 2016 before returning in 2018. Has worked with Chattanooga-based CBL & Associates, which owns the Galleria, since 1994. Oversees about 150 stores at Franklin-based retail facility.

Sports

Tom Miller

Amy Adams Strunk

GM, Fifth + Broad and Brookfield Properties: Oversees the retail component of the massive mixed-use development, the residential and office towers for which opened in 2020. The National Museum of African American Music and the first phase of Assembly Food Hall opened in 2021.

Controlling Owner, Tennessee Titans: Has asserted herself in numerous ways, most notably by leading effort that brought 2019 NFL Draft to Nashville. Now undertaking new challenge, as franchise and Metro negotiate whether to renovate Nissan Stadium or build a new one entirely.

Jad Murphy

Casey Alexander

General Manager, Opry Mills Mall: Oversees facility highlighted by about 200 stores, many of them outlets of popular retailers. Spanning 1.2 million square feet, the mall in 2021 saw the opening of Vineyard Vines, Adidas and Sephora.

Men’s Basketball Coach, Belmont: Belmont Athletics Hall of Fame member was named head coach of men’s basketball team after legendary coach Rick Byrd retired. Has kept the program humming, with 25-plus wins in both of first two seasons.

Ann Patchett

Mikki Allen

Author, Co-Owner, Parnassus Books Nashville: New York Times bestselling author and co-owner, with Karen Hayes, of the literary landmark in Green Hills.

Director of Athletics, Tennessee State: Took over as TSU AD for retired Teresa Phillips, who held the position for 16 years. Lured Titans legend Eddie George to coach football program.

Charlie Robin

Ian Ayre

Owner, Robin Realty: Has been involved in local commercial real estate industry since 1976. Replaced father William H. Robin, who founded the company in 1947. Admired for knowledge of city’s pre-1970s-constructed retail buildings and spaces. Has offered a Second Avenue office presence for years.

CEO, Nashville SC: With background in directing professional soccer teams in England and Germany, Ayre led Nashville’s entry in Major League Soccer. Took over as CEO of Nashville SC in 2018 and now looks to welcome fans to the team’s newly built stadium.

Todd Vasos CEO, Dollar General: Took over from Rick Dreiling in 2015 after overseeing store operations, merchandising and supply chain. Joined Goodlettsville-based company in 2008. Oversaw the launch of suburban-focused Popshelf concept in 2020.

Mimi Vaughn President and CEO, Genesco: Joined Genesco as vice president for strategy and business development in 2003 and replaced Bob Dennis as CEO in early 2020 after two years as COO. Two years ago announced plan to move retailer’s HQ to former Bridgestone building near BNA.

Woody Woodward President and CEO, Kirkland’s: Recruited from Crate and Barrel in 2018 to revamp home goods retailer’s op-

Bernard Childress Executive Director, TSSAA: Under his direction, body achieved long-discussed public-private split with its 2017 reclassification and expanded to nine classifications for football. Managed challenge of competition amid COVID-19.

Tim Corbin Baseball Coach, Vanderbilt: Sustained success over 18 seasons including two national championships and has produced string of Major League players and prospects, including first overall MLB draft picks (David Price in 2006 and Dansby Swanson in 2016). Has become resource for coaches in other sports both on campus and nationwide.

Scott Corley Director of Athletics, Belmont: Star basketball player during Belmont’s NAIA era has applied a contemporary business model to athletics depart-

Thank you for your leadership in

SMASHVILLE

David Poile GENERAL MANAGER

SEAN HENRY PRESIDENT & CEO

JOHN HYNES HEAD COACH

IN CHARGE

ment operations since 2016 hiring.

Recently landed BU an invite to the Missouri Valley Conference.

1995. Worked with Predators GM David Poile with the USA Hockey National Development team.

Willy Daunic

Mike Jacobs

Nashville Predators Play-by-Play Man and Co-Host of Darren, Daunic & Chase (102.5 The Game): As Preds’ television broadcast voice, has the ears of loyal and passionate fan base.

Role as co-host of mid-day talk show on Predators’ flagship station affords opportunity to share NHL franchise’s message.

General Manager, Nashville SC: Worked with CEO Ian Ayre to construct a roster that included 2020 and 2021 MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman. While keeping the core from the inaugural season, has made several key moves ahead of 2022 season.

Beth Debauche Commissioner, Ohio Valley Conference: In 11 years on the job, now faces the prospect of schools departing the Brentwood-based league and attracting programs to fill the void.

Mark Elliott Director of Athletics, Trevecca: Has led school’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition and wrote operating codes for G-MAC, the first new NCAA Division II conference in 25 years, to ensure Trevecca had a place to compete. Also has upgraded facilities, including new basketball floor and a high-tech lighting system for baseball.

Head Coach, Vanderbilt Football: A former Commodore who was DC at Notre Dame before returning to Nashville. Trying to rebuild a struggling program.

Candice Storey Lee Athletics Director, Vanderbilt: Took over for Malcolm Turner as Vanderbilt AD in 2021. Served as deputy director of athletics for five years and sports administrator for football and women’s basketball. Became first Black woman to lead an SEC athletics program. Fired football coach Derek Mason after a disappointing seven-year run and hired VU alum Clark Lea as his replacement.

11-win season since 2008, and in 2021 the team secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Titans have made playoffs every season with Vrabel at helm.

David Poile

Frank Ward

President of Hockey Operations and GM, Nashville Predators: Winningest general manager in NHL history and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.

Was NHL’s 2017 General Manager of the Year after having been finalist three other times. Lone resume missing item is a Stanley Cup.

Co-Owner, Nashville Sounds: With partners bought AAA club (now again affiliated with Milwaukee) in 2009 and laid out vision for what is now First Horizon Park near downtown. Stepped into bigger operational role in early 2021 after GM Adam Nuse departed for a vice president role with the Titans.

Shea Ralph Head Coach, Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball: Former player and assistant coach at powerhouse UConn who came to VU for 2021-22 season and has already shown signs of a revival.

Te c h n o l o g y

Scott Ramsey

Antoine Agassi

President and CEO, Nashville Sports Council: Nashville sports’ biggest cheerleader who has his hands in efforts to bring major events to town, including NFL Draft and NHL Stadium Series.

Chairman and CEO, Trinisys: Has led data management and integration company since early 2015. Was previously president of Cogent Healthcare and CIO at 21st Century Oncology.

Jon Robinson

Executive Director, Belmont Data Collaborative: Arrived at Belmont in August 2021, having previously served as director of the Data Science Institute at MTSU Jones College of Business. A key player in region’s efforts to boost IT workforce.

Executive Director, Metro Sports Authority: Between negotiations over a renovated or completely new Titans stadium, the opening of a Nashville SC stadium and the return of NASCAR to Nashville, it’s a busy time to be a city government official focused on sports.

Program Director, 104.5-FM The Zone: His station is the flagship for the Tennessee Titans as well as local outlet for University of Tennessee football and basketball. Three daily local shows rank among most highly rated anywhere in country and influence local dialogue.

Executive VP and General Manager, Tennessee Titans: Has shown he won’t settle for status quo. Fired head coach Mike Mularkey following playoff appearance and has been willing to move on from fan favorites such as Demarco Murray and Marcus Mariota in attempt to improve franchise.

Signed franchise faces Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry to big-money extensions in 2020 offseason.

Sean Henry

Chris Massaro

Gary Smith

CEO, Nashville Predators: Franchise sold out every home game from 2017–20, leading team to put a cap on season ticket sales, until the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season prematurely. Impact of franchise’s fan engagement under his leadership was apparent in tens of thousands who turned up outside Bridgestone Arena for 2017 playoff games and a large showing for this year’s Stadium Series at Nissan Stadium.

Director of Athletics, Middle Tennessee State: In 14 years on the job, MTSU teams have won 58 conference championships. School launched $100 million campaign for facility upgrades to benefit all sports. Considered moving MTSU to MAC from C-USA during recent conference realignment wave.

Head Coach, Nashville SC: Led club to playoffs in first two years in the MLS, a rare achievement. Now heads a team that retains much of its core and preps to compete in new stadium.

Monica Fawknotson

Philip Hutcheson Director of Athletics, Lipscomb: Bison men’s basketball team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018 and men’s and women’s soccer teams each advanced in their respective NCAA tournaments. His direction over past decade is paying dividends for nearly all of school’s athletic programs.

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Clark Lea

and chief sales officer of Nashville Predators and director of corporate partnerships and sponsorship sales manager with San Jose Sharks.

Paul Mason

Chase McCabe Program Director, ESPN 102.5-FM The Game: A well-known voice on talk shows and Predators’ broadcasts, late last year took on new leadership role at station.

Erik Moses President, Nashville Superspeedway: First Black track president in NASCAR history. Previously ran D.C.’s XFL franchise. Now among those overseeing NASCAR’s return to Middle Tennessee.

John Hynes

Chris Parker

Head Coach, Nashville Predators: Named third head coach in franchise history in 2021. Won NCAA national championship with Boston College in

President, Music City Grand Prix: A top-level corporate sales, sponsorship and marketing strategy guru. Previously served as executive vice president

LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

Jerry Stackhouse Head Coach, Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball: Former college and NBA star, now in his third year coaching the Commodores. Has secured recruiting coups and this year showed signs of improvement by doubling conference win total from marks of previous two years.

Rick Stockstill Head Coach, MTSU Football: Blue Raiders coach since 2006 has tallied more than 100 wins in Murfreesboro.

Mike Vrabel Head Coach, Tennessee Titans: Threetime Super Bowl champion as a player, took over as Titans head coach after firing of Mike Mularkey. In his second season, guided Titans to their first AFC championship game since 2002. In 2020, he coached Tennessee to first

Charlie Apigian

Rob Bellenfant Founder and CEO, TechnologyAdvice: Retook reins of business technology consulting firm in 2017 after short stint as chief strategy officer.

Previously CEO of Thrive Marketing Group also founded investment vehicle 615 Ventures.

Michael Berman CEO, Ncontracts: Has been with financial and compliance software firm since 2009 and has overseen growth spurt driven by several acquisitions.

Company’s deal for California-based QuestSoft grew team to 260 and client roster to 3,700 financial institutions.

Joan Butters CEO, Xsolis: Leads growing marketer of machine learning and artificial intelligence tools that mine EMRs and claims data. In 2019 bought fellow local software company MEDarchon and in 2020 hired former Brookdale and Change Healthcare exec Chris Bayham to be COO.

Elise Cambournac CEO, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Former cybersecurity lead at HCA’s Parallon was this year tapped to succeed longtime Nashville tech scene booster Brian Moyer.

New leadership. New drive.

Same reliable reputation.

Joe Griffin RaganSmith CEO eyes the horizon to write the company’s next chapter.

AN 88 YEAR OLD COMPANY and a lifetime of experience reflects a rich history that will lead RaganSmith into the future.

Griffin, a 34-year veteran of the company, was charged with establishing and growing its transportation consulting services in the late 1980’s. His vision today is broader than ever, representing the firm’s full array of Land Development Services.

“Our world has changed dramatically in the past 18 months. Where we live, where we work, when we work….our life decisions have a new sense of flexibility. This mindset has led to an accelerated population growth in Nashville presenting challenging infrastructure needs. How we choose to embrace these challenges will have an everlasting impact on who we are as a people.

RaganSmith is equipped with seasoned professionals leading our Planning, Survey, Construction Inspection, Landscape Design, Environmental, Civil, and Transportation services. We are excited to rise to the challenge, serve our clients, serve our communities, invest in our employees, and leave a positive influence on the environments we touch.” – Joe Griffin Why RaganSmith?

Our people are our strength.

Our knowledge is our skill.

Our desire is our drive.

Our ingenuity is our talent.

Our future is why we care.

Through our people, we define, assess, create, connect, inspire, and develop purpose driven solutions for tomorrow’s communities.

IN CHARGE

Meg Chamblee EVP, Tennessee, UDig: Tapped in 2020 to lead lT consulting firm’s team across the state after working as director at CGI. Was 2020 president of Women in Technology of Tennessee and is co-founder of Tech Council’s emerging leaders program.

Alex Curtis Chief Development Officer, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Spearheads council’s advocacy work at state and federal levels. Previously was director of Creators’ Freedom Project.

Greg Daily Chairman and CEO, i3 Verticals: Serial payment tech entrepreneur in 2012 launched i3, which now processes $14 billion in transactions annually.

Wellford Dillard

The local tech scene’s biggest cheerleader

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his spring, the Greater Nashville Technology Council turned to Elise Cambournac, a former health care executive and IT veteran, to continue on its path of profound growth. In the past five years, the Tech Council has doubled its membership and staff and secured nearly $3 million in grant commitments for tech workforce development and education.

Cambournac is replacing Brian Moyer, the longest-tenured leader of the 22-year-old organization. She is well regarded in tech circles and within the Nashville health care scene for work at Parallon, an HCA company, where she served as senior vice president for nearly nine years.

During her time at Parallon, Cambournac worked on more than 35 acquisitions. Earlier in her career, she was a senior software engineer and director of enterprise solutions for WedMD/Emdeon, now Change Healthcare. She later worked overseas for multiple companies, including publicly-traded Cognizant Technology Solutions. She also was CEO of ITTI Private Ltd., a tech professional services firm in India.

Cambournac will continue to serve on the board of Interfaith Dental Clinic — a Nashville nonprofit that provides affordable dental care to uninsured, low-income families — and as an adviser to the Nashville Entrepreneur Center.

She told the Post her new position with the Tech Council will allow her to achieve “a greater sense of purpose.” — Kathryn Rickmeyer

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LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

CEO, CM Group: Leads global marketing technology player that bought local success story Emma in 2017.

Backed by NY investment firm Insight Partners. Team bought five firms during recent two-year span, growing revenues to more than $250 million.

Keith Durbin CIO and Director of IT Services Department, Metro Government: Has led Metro’s IT team since 2009 after being member of Metro Council. Former HCA IT&S manager established data center for city and led push to make more data publicly available.

Tod Fetherling Managing Director, Huron: Serial entrepreneur who built on IT career at HCA to help build GoNoodle, Stratasan and other firms and, as Tech Council president, was part of core team that launched EC. Recently left Perception Health for Huron.

Nikki Gibson Nashville Site Director, Dell: Oversees with Henry Pile (former GM of Marathon Music Works and Exit/In) the tech giant’s local campus, which has grown to 1,800 people in recent years.

HR specialist who joined Dell in 1999 and was named to leadership position in 2017.

Bill Grana

learning and AI clients include PhyMed and Decode Health, the former IQuity.

Amy Harris Graduate Program Director, Middle Tennessee State University: Longtime professor of computer science and related disciplines, now also leading advocacy group Women in Technology of Tennessee.

Tammy Hawes Founder and CEO, Virsys12: Started and leads firm that helps health care companies integrate Salesforce. Previously worked in tech positions at HCA, Central Parking and Paradigm Health.

Amy Henderson President and COO, Nashville Software School: Leads growing nonprofit education venture day to day.

Led Firefly Logic through growth and sale to LeanKit and was 2020 chair of Greater Nashville Technology Council board.

Dov Hirsch GM, Immersive Health Group, The Glimpse Group: Veteran health care and tech exec who joined New Yorkbased Glimpse in 2019 after stints with Entrepreneur Center and other organizations. Also adviser to entrepreneurs going through Vanderbilt’s Wond’ry program.

Beth Hoeg COO, Trinisys: Joined data conversion and integration company in 2009 and has more than 20 years of IT and organizational improvement experience.

Past president of Women in Technology of Tennessee.

Jim Jirjis Chief Health Information Officer, HCA Healthcare: Former VUMC chief medical information officer who joined hospital giant in 2013 to focus on interoperability, clinician and patient tools and tech acquisitions such as PatientKeeper and MobileHeartbeat. In 2019 was named to federal government’s Health Information Technology Advisory Committee.

Kevin Jones

CEO, HCTec: Former PureSafety CEO who has helped build health IT and managed services company into major player that now works with more than 1,000 hospitals.

CEO, Celero Commerce: Veteran fintech exec who in 2018 founded Celero with backing from LLR Partners.

Company processes more than $14 billion in card payments annually from 40,000 businesses.

Ray Guzman

Peter Marcum

CEO, SwitchPoint Ventures: Cofounded consulting/equity investing firm in 2018 with Damian Mingle after building WPC Healthcare and transitioning to buyer Intermedix. Machine

Founding Partner, Dev Digital and Managing Partner, Kernel Equity: Serial entrepreneur has built web application and development company after running Nashville Computer

IN CHARGE

Liquidators and Bargain Hunt, among others. Has added Bahamas and India offices to presence here.

Marty Paslick Senior VP and CIO, HCA: Three-decade veteran of hospital operator, where he oversees more than 5,800 IT&S workers working at five data centers and 15 support offices. Named to Tech Council Hall of Fame in 2020.

Joelle Phillips President, AT&T Tennessee: Has since 2013 overseen state operations for telecom giant, which has invested billions in networks. Now leading AT&T’s reinvention of downtown building damaged during Christmas Day 2020 bombing.

Martin Renkis VP, OpenBlue Security and Innovation, Johnson Controls: Founder and CEO of cloud software and video venture Smartvue Corp., which he sold to Republic of Ireland-based Johnson Controls in 2018.

Paul Ricci CEO, Qualifacts: Former Nuance Communications leader who recently took over from David Klements as leader of firm that develops software for behavioral health care providers.

Company works with more than 800 agencies. Acquired in 2020 a Maryland peer with backing of Warburg Pincus.

Aaron Salow CEO, XOi Technologies: Founded wearable tech company that now focuses on field service work and has completed more than 600,000 jobs.

In 2019 landed $11 million in funding from investor group that includes Nashville Capital Network.

Shaun Shankel CEO, Fresh Technology: Former songwriter who has since 2017 run Fresh Hospitality arm that markets multiple IT systems that handle $330 million in annual food sales.

knowledge and advocacy connector, former Greater Nashville Technology Council board chair and now board member of TechBridge TN.

Barry Vandevier COO, Asurion: Leads product management, tech and supply chain teams for device insurer and tech services titan. Former Tech Council board chair who previously was, among others, CTO at Travelocity and CIO at Sabre.

John Wark CEO, Nashville Software School: Founded and bootstrapped nonprofit training academy now based in airport area and recruited Amy Henderson to be first president.

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Jan Freitag Senior VP of Lodging Insights, STR LLC: Known for his work with local and national media providing data related to hotel industry. Also serves as national director, hospitality analytics, for CoStar Group.

Henry Hicks President and CEO, National Museum of African American Music: Leads nonprofit that unveiled 56,000-squarefoot cultural attraction at Fifth + Broad.

Was a White House fellow in 1998 under then-President Bill Clinton.

Steve Hinkley

Nicole Tremblett

VP of Information Technology Group, HCA: Leads strategy and planning for hospital company’s national tech team of more than 5,500. Regional

torium-based museum that exhibits instruments owned and played by both well-known artists and behindthe-scenes session musicians. Former songwriter who inducted cultural attraction’s first class in 2006.

Joe Chambers Founder and Director, Musicians Hall of Fame: Oversees Municipal Audi-

President and CEO, Adventure Science Center: Has led educational attraction since July 2017. Tufts University graduate previously oversaw The Wolf Museum Of Exploration + Innovation in California.

science of beer THURSDAY, APRIL 21st

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IN CHARGE

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

Amanda Hite President, STR LLC: With company since 2006, as president since 2011.

Ex-Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce official is member of boards of directors of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, U.S. Travel Association and Executive Council of Women in Lodging.

Rick Schwartz President, Nashville Zoo: Leader of exotic wildlife park that now annually welcomes 1 million-plus visitors.

Steve Smith

Executive Director, Tennessee State Museum: Assumed role in 2017 and oversaw move to new home in late 2018. Previously worked at what is now Frist Art Museum.

Owner, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Man behind Nashville’s most legendary honky-tonk who also co-owns Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central and The Diner. In 2018 opened four-story Fourth and Broadway building home to a Kid Rock honky-tonk.

Howard Kittell

Butch Spyridon

Ashley Howell

President and CEO, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Previously served as executive director at Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. In 2021, won Spirit of 1812 Award from National Society of the United States Daughters of 1812.

President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.: Arguably the city’s most vocal tourism advocate. Helped lead effort to see the Music City Center come to fruition. Was key figure in landing 2019 NFL Draft event that drew major national attention.

Jeff Lane

Charles Starks

Owner, Lane Motor Museum: Established cultural attraction, which specializes in European vehicles of unusual design, in former Sunbeam Bakery warehouse in 2002. LMM offers more than 20 cars from Czech car-maker Tatra.

Bill Miller Owner, Johnny Cash Museum, Nudie’s Honky Tonk & Patsy Cline Museum: Opened Cash Museum in 2013 and later added downtown attractions Nudie’s Honky Tonk, Cline Museum and live magic venue House of Cards.

In 2018 bought building home to restaurant Skull’s where he plans Frank Sinatra-themed bar.

President and CEO, Music City Center: Oversees massive SoBro convention facility. Has been in position since March 2005.

Kyle Young Director, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Has led iconic downtown-based cultural attraction since 1999 and regularly posted record numbers pre-pandemic. Joined nonprofit in 1976 before becoming its head of education in 1978.

Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel: In position since 2019 and with downtown hotel since 2004, rising from original role of rooms executive.

Oversees hotel and its Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit.

Colin Reed Chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties: Leads company that owns Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and radio station WSM. In late 2021, RHP announced it would jumpstart effort to acquire Block 21, the entertainment complex home to Austin City Limits.

Rob Schaedle

NASHVILLEPOST.COM LEADERS 2022 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

tracks and rewards ridesharing behavior and is funded, in part, by a state grant and employer partners. Teamed in late 2019 with San Francisco-area-based Bay Area Council on new coalition of transportation ventures.

Mike Honious CEO, Americas, Geodis: Tapped last summer to succeed Randy Tucker as leader of former Ozburn Hessey-Logistics. Joined Brentwood-based OHL 16 years ago and previously served as COO. Previously held several senior level operations positions at Gap Inc.

Ryan Hunt CEO, Premier Parking: A 12-year veteran of the parking industry who began his career at Premier as an account specialist and climbed the ranks. Replaced Ryan Chapman in 2019. Began with company as an account specialist in 2006.

David Ingram Chairman and President, Ingram Entertainment Holdings: Owns nation’s largest distributor of home entertainment products, with six distribution centers around the country. Company in 2018 processed 60 million units. In late 2019 sold California distribution business DBI Beverage Inc. for reported $550 million. In January 2020 paid $11.4 million for Forest Hills property home to National Register of Historic Places, listed The Hibbettage.

Orrin Ingram

Tra ns p orta ti on

President and CEO, Ingram Industries: Leads holding company that includes inland marine transportation company, Ingram Barge and publishing industry services company Ingram Content Group. Vanderbilt grad known for work with university’s board of trust.

Charles Abbott

Doug Kreulen

Dee Patel

Managing Partner, Chartwell Hospitality: Co-founded hotel development entity in 2003 and later constructed and then sold Hilton Garden Inn in SoBro. Company developed Capitol View site with 10-story Hampton Inn and is

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now focused on getting Hilton Conrad opened at Midtown’s Broadwest.

CEO, Gray Line of Tennessee: Leads company that is battling back from pandemic-related challenges. Has also worked at company as COO and CFO.

Diana Alarcon Director, Nashville Department of Transportation: Joined Metro in early 2022 to lead the newly created DOT. Tasked with implementing mayor’s transportation plans.

Steve Bland CEO, WeGo Public Transit: Former Pittsburgh transit head who replaced Paul Ballard in 2014. Continues challenging effort to bolster and expand what had been called, until 2018, the Metro Transit Authority.

Mark Cleveland CEO and Co-Founder, Hytch Rewards: Leads company whose app validates,

President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority: Former airport COO assumed CEO role in December 2017 and now leads authority’s $1 billion upgrade plan. Continues to lure nonstop flights and destinations new to Nashville.

David O’Loughlin CEO, Ingram Barge Co.: Oversees one of area’s largest private companies. In late 2020, Ingram Barge agreed to acquire the assets of Houston-based Cheryl K LLC and San Jacinto River Fleet LLC.

Michael Skipper Executive Director, Greater Nashville Regional Council: Former executive director of Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which transitioned into GNRC. Council includes 13 counties and more than 60 mayors.

TECHIE

MIKE AUDI OF TIKI (FROM BOSTON)

JORGE TITINGER (FROM SILICON VALLEY) SAGAR SHUKL A OF FORESIGHT (FROM NYC)

Nashville’s got talent City attracts tech workers and companies from the sector’s traditional hubs

BY KATHRYN RICKMEYER

here are technology companies finding new talent? Increasingly, the answer is far outside Silicon Valley. Markets like Nashville are ballooning with tech workers — so much so that some are calling Nashville the “Silicon Valley of the South.” From 201520, the number of tech jobs in Middle Tennessee grew by 51 percent — outpacing national tech job growth by 32 percent, according to the 2021 State of Middle Tennessee report.

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Middle Tennesseans are responsible for filling a number of these new jobs thanks to a variety of nonprofit and for-profit accelerator programs and tech bootcamps that intend to foster the talent pool locally. But many are not Nashville natives. A growing number of the area’s tech professionals are transplants from cities like Boston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. This isn’t a coincidence. Tech workers in those six major markets are the target of Greater Nashville Technology Council’s “TechIntoNashville” campaign, which aims to entice them to relocate to the Nashville area — where there are more tech jobs open than there are workers to fill them.

In the past three months, numerous news outlets, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune and Los AngelesTimes, have all taken note — each reporting on the migration of tech talent from their respective towns to Nashville. For example, the San Francisco

Chronicle called Nashville “the next hot spot in the Bay Area exodus.”

But the mass exodus of California tech professionals began before the TechIntoNashville campaign was even dreamed up. According to research from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, in the past two years, more than 15,000 workers in tech fields have relocated to Nashville from out of state.

Jorge Titinger immigrated to San Francisco from Peru in 1980 to attend Stanford University on a soccer scholarship and study engineering. Upon graduation, Titinger quickly made a name for himself in Silicon Valley and, during his time in the Bay Area, became the CEO of three publicly traded companies, most notably Silicon Graphics, the company responsible for the technology behind the animations in Jurassic Park.

“For years, traditional tech towns like San Francisco struck a hard bargain with tech

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TECHIE

‘The growth will continue. Nashville is like no other city, and people will continue to pack up their bags and head here.’

BRIAN MOYER, GREATER NASHVILLE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

workers,” Titinger says. “Rent was astronomical. Taxes were high. Your neighbors didn’t like you. But it was worth it for a long time. But it got to a point that it was no longer worth it.”

After almost 40 years in the Bay Area, Titinger decided enough was enough, and he began to look elsewhere. Austin and Tampa were at the top list. Nashville wasn’t on Titinger’s list but a friend encouraged him to take a

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look. In late 2019, Titinger hopped on a plane to Nashville for the weekend. The following Monday, he purchased a home.

“I immediately knew Nashville was it,” Titinger says.

Like Titinger, some tech titans and talents see Nashville as the Silicon Valley of the South.

He says he and others were exhausted with the “liberal politics” of these traditional tech cities.

“I know people are worried we are going to bring our politics here, but they don’t need to worry,” Titinger says. “We left because we didn’t like the politics. They weren’t helping our businesses or our people.”

Over the past two-and-a-half years, the state has recruited 25 California-based companies to either relocate to Tennessee or expand their footprint here. The projects represent 3,400 new jobs and an investment of $1.2 billion in the state, according to government estimates.

But it’s not just Californians. Tech talent from New York and Boston is making its way to Nashville, too.

Sagar Shukla, the co-founder of Foresight — a new Software-as-a-Service startup based in Nashville — relocated to Nashville from New York City to start his business. He says he and co-founder Nigel Hammond chose Nashville over other cities including Raleigh and Austin because of the business-friendly environment, the growing tech ecosystem and the influx of new investment.

“Nashville is the land of opportunity,” Shukla says. “This town has all the ingredients to be successful in technology. Whether you are a programmer looking for a better quality of life or a founder looking to springboard your startup, Nashville is the town to move to.”

ERIC ENGLAND

TECHIE

Mike Audi, the founder of Tiki, a tech startup that recently relocated here from Boston, echoes Shukla’s sentiments. He says that Nashville’s university ecosystem adds to the allure. Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont and others churn out some of the top local tech talent.

Lauren Collett, an account executive for Google Cloud, grew up in Nashville but moved to Washington, D.C., after college, working for major tech companies like Oracle and BEA Systems. After concluding it wasn’t the right place to raise her son and was too expensive, she decided it was time to head home. She’s since found Nashville has a more dynamic tech scene, with greater variety in terms of jobs and types of companies setting up shop.

“If you are out and you’re meeting new people who are hanging at Char in Green Hills, chances are they’re from out of town and moved to Nashville in the past two or three years, and chances are they work in tech,” Collett says.

Retiring Greater Nashville Technology Council CEO Brian Moyer predicts flexible work policies will allow more tech professionals to retain roots in their hometowns, rather than making their careers in expensive cities where most jobs have been based.

If the remote work trend continues, tech workers will be able to contribute and connect to their communities in a different way, Moyer says.

“If you think of cities you love, is what you love about them the number of cubicles? No,” he says.

“Allowing workers to stay distributed across more American cities,

contributing to schools, the tax base and local politics in their own backyards could produce exciting results. I want to see what that looks like.”

Money follows talent. For decades, the most valuable tech companies invested heavily in both real estate and talent in the Bay Area and a handful of other cities. But as tech talent continues to migrate south, so do large employers like Amazon and Oracle.

Since 2020, Amazon has created more than 25,000 full- and parttime jobs in Middle Tennessee.

Last year, Oracle announced it was expanding its footprint to Tennessee and would construct a 65-acre business and technology campus along the East Bank of the Cumberland River. The development is projected to create 8,500 new jobs in Nashville by 2031, with an average salary of $110,000.

Moyer and the Tech Council have played a major role in creating a culture that attracts tech talent and companies like Amazon and Oracle. During his tenure at GNTC, the organization’s membership more than doubled.

He also worked with government and private entities to court large companies like Amazon and small startups like Tiki.

Moyer is leaving the nonprofit this summer, he says, in part because he wants to be on the other side of the excitement. While he has not revealed where he is going, he says he wants to be a part of the entrepreneurial upswing and startup scene again.

“The growth will continue,” Moyer says. “Nashville is like no other city, and people will continue to pack up their bags and head here.”

A P RI L 2 1 5-8 PM | THE THOMPSON

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L I B AT I O N S P ROV I D E D BY

LEADERS

Joe Hall Partner InCharge – Government Relations

Justin H. Wilson Partner InCharge – Marketing and Public Relations

Taking care How one local company treats child care like a crucial benefit for workers

BY KATHRYN RICKMEYER

orking hasn’t worked well lately for many moms. About 3.5 million American mothers living with school-age kids lost their jobs, took leave or left the labor market between March 2020 and December 2021.

About 40 percent of employers beefed up child care assistance during the pandemic — mostly through remote work and flexible schedules, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation researchers found. Still, only 1 percent of employers provide direct support such as backup child care or on-site facilities, according to the foundation’s August 2021 report.

But a Nashville-based technology company was ahead of the pandemic push for workplace child care.

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SEE OPPORTUNITY, SIEZE OPPORTUNITY. HallStrategies.com

Darvis, an artificial intelligence company that recently relocated its headquarters from San Francisco to Nashville, made a commitment to parents from Day One: on-site child care for all. The company, founded in 2015, provides on-site child care and allows parents to bring older children who don’t necessarily require hands-on care at all four of its offices — Nashville plus locations in Germany, England and Pakistan.

More than half of Darvis’ 90 employees are women. According to company leaders, Darvis retained all of its female employees during the pandemic, an impressive feat considering one-in-three women between the ages of 25 and 44 who left their jobs during the pandemic cited child care demands as the primary reason for their departure.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that employers were sometimes unwilling to invest in women who left the workforce to care for their children “because they will view them as less committed to their jobs.” Because of these patterns, the study predicts disruptions from the COVID era will continue to affect careers for years to come.

LEADERS

PREPARING ADULTS FOR CAREERS IN

Software Engineering Web Development Data Analytics Data Science CONSIDERING A CAREER IN TECH?

‘Women are making decisions out of need. Those decisions aren’t necessarily in the best interests of their career.’

JAN SCHLUETER, DARVIS

Nashville Software School can get you there.

WANT TO INVEST IN YOUR CURRENT TALENT? Nashville Software School can upskill your team.

READY TO HIRE JUNIOR TECH TALENT? The in-progress recovery of the economy has helped women regain some ground, but the setbacks of the pandemic have stalled career progress for many. While the share of mothers of school-age kids who are actively working has increased by 30 percent since last spring, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, those figures don’t reflect the quality of the jobs landed and don’t include mothers with children under the age of 5, who need the most hands-on care.

“Women are making decisions out of need,” Darvis co-founder and COO Jan Schlueter says.

“Those decisions aren’t necessarily in the best interests of their career.”

Schlueter says he recently hired a female project manager who left her high-paying job during the pandemic to take care of her elementary school-age children who,

ERIC ENGLAND

like many, were forced to learn virtually. After months of looking, she found a full-time sales job. The company gave her child care flexibility, but it paid only $40,000 a year.

“A mom with two children can’t survive off that,” Schlueter says.

“That amount can barely sustain one person.”

While he declined to disclose exact figures, Schlueter says that mother is earning nearly double the salary from her last job and has access to on-site child care and can work from home if her children are sick or learning virtually.

The caregiving crisis is universal, but it is more severe in some places, according to Schlueter.

“If not for on-site child care, I don’t know that we could have recruited any women to work at our Islamabad office,” he says.

Nashville Software School has job-ready graduates.

Learn how Nashville’s non-profit bootcamp can help you at

nashss.com/tech

VITALS

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Shubhada Jagasia Former VUMC official is the new president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas’ Midtown and West hospitals

BY KATELYNN WHITE

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early a year has passed since Shubhada Jagasia moved from a leadership position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center into her new role as president and CEO of two of the largest hospitals in Middle Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas’ Midtown and West campuses. She believed the move would be monumental to her career.

“I knew that this milieu would enable me to realize continued professional growth while contributing to the health of our community,” Jagasia says.

She values working at Saint Thomas because of, she says, its inclusive and supportive environment dedicated to patient-centered care, plus the value placed on the personal contributions of each caregiver and associate.

“Input from our clinicians, for example, was a vital element of our plans to create a ‘hospital of the future’ on our Midtown campus,” she says. “As a mission-driven health system, we are committed to making quality, personalized health care a reality for all Middle Tennesseans, including the uninsured and underinsured.”

Jagasia has been in the health care field for more than 20 years, including as an expert in diabetes care, but in the past 10 years she has climbed the professional ladder by taking on new roles with responsibility for in-patient and out-patient medicine, hospital management and ambulatory clinics.

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ERIC ENGLAND

VITALS

“My prior formal training in health care administration and my previous leadership positions exposed me to the nuances of health care, both within hospitals and ambulatory clinics,” she says. “I was confident of the support I would receive from my leadership and team at Ascension Saint Thomas, where I actually completed my internal medical residency early in my career. Despite the unfamiliar and challenging nature of the pandemic, coming to Ascension Saint Thomas in 2021 felt like returning home.”

Jagasia came to Saint Thomas in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge on several fronts for health care providers. The hospitals she manages saw cases surge and wane, in both the ICU and less intensive wards, and burnout and other factors thrust the hospitals into a labor shortage, especially among nurses. She was previously engaged in COVID

response work at VUMC, experience that was valuable in the new role.

“There is opportunity in every challenge you face. It takes a village to achieve anything and everything,” Jagasia says.

Jagasia’s medical education started at King Edward Memorial Medical College in Mumbai, India. She moved to Tennessee for a postdoctoral fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis in 1994. Later, she moved to Nashville for her internal medicine residency with the Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown and West campuses. Jagasia continued her clinical training at Vanderbilt, with a fellowship in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism. She also earned a Master’s of Management in Health Care from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt.

Jagasia credits her childhood with helping her realize how important working with a team is.

“My parents had a big shaping influence on my life,” she says. “My father was a professional cricket coach, and he always encouraged us to play a sport. We played a lot of sports, and it taught me the importance of team right from the get-go. You win some and you lose some, but fairness and equality are the ingredients when playing a sport well.”

She trusts that confidence, education and dedication can take anyone far in life. And she offers some advice for those, especially women, following in her path.

“Follow a passion, follow a dream, achieve what you set out to achieve, and don’t be overwhelmed by obstacles on the way because there are bound to be some,” she says. “If you believe, you will achieve. For women everywhere and all tracks of life, don’t overanalyze your gender in everything that you do. Consider yourself to be equal to everybody that you’re working with.”

New to Nashville or a lifelong resident, our goal is the same; to

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Congratulations to our Broker/Owner Christie Wilson for being honored in 2022's In Charge Magazine!

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VITALS

On the offensive Trying to prevent patient falls, Tennessee Hospital Association partners with AI company

BY HANNAH HERNER

The technology

fter two years in pandemic survival mode, Tennessee hospitals are moving from defense to offense by taking a step forward in preventative care.

In 2021, there was a jump in serious patient safety incidents in hospitals nationwide, as self-reported to The Joint Commission, a nonprofit health care accreditation organization. The most common incident, by far, was falls — 485 cases — as compared to the next highest category at 97.

In March, the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Center for Innovative Solutions announced a partnership with VirtuSense, an Illinois company that uses artificial intelligence to prevent patient falls.

Deepak Gaddipati, VituSense’s founder and chief technology officer, invented the walk-through airport scanners that became commonplace earlier this century. In 2011, Gaddipati’s grandmother died 10 days after falling, so he turned his attention to trying to prevent falls and started VirtuSense in 2012.

The company deploys a small sensor, typically mounted to a TV across from a patient’s bed.

Like self-driving vehicles, it uses lidar, which reconstructs the road in 3D, scanning the road multiple times per second.

VirtuSense sensors scan the patient’s room 30 times per second. The technology uses more than 2 million hours of data on patient movement to identify when they are actually trying to leave the bed or a chair rather than just shifting their weight.

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Using technology similar to that of self-driving cars, VirtuSense touts an ability to reduce falls by an average of 80 to 85 percent, and falls with injuries by more than 90 percent, therefore improving patient satisfaction and saving money for hospitals. It’s also more accurate than other fall prevention solutions, saving nurses from alarm fatigue, the company says.

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‘More companies are using technology and artificial intelligence to solve the issues that their hospitals have and have had for years.’

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CONGRATULATIONS TINA DONIGER

Thirty-to-65 seconds ahead of time, the technology is able to identify the intention of the patient to get up, the company says. Within a small fraction of a second, the sensor alerts the assigned caregiver. The device asks the patient to stay where they are and, with assistance from a nurse on call, can help prevent falls.

It’s less intrusive and expensive than having someone sit in the room with a patient who is at risk of falling, or watching them on a camera, says VirtuSense Chief Growth Officer Aditya Nath.

Joint Commission data suggests that a fall with injury can cost a hospital somewhere around $15,000 per incident, without factoring in potential lawsuits, so this technology can save hospitals money, too. VirtuSense reports it can reduce costs related to falls by 60 to 70 percent.

Preventing alarm fatigue Another common fall prevention solution is a pressure pad, which alerts staff when a patient has moved. It often gives false alarms, producing 10 or 15 alarms per day. On the other hand, VirtuSense is 98-percent accurate, Nath says, and it alerts about four-tofive times a day.

“We are alerting very precisely,” he says. “And as a result, the nurses are getting one false alarm every two, two-and-a-half days as opposed to 10-to-15 alarms a day, of which maybe two-thirds of them are false. So the nurses are not chasing their tail; they’re not running after false alarms.”

This partnership is part of the

Tennessee Hospital Association’s focus on taking care of nurses, especially in 2022, says Joe Greene, senior vice president at the organization.

“THA as a whole is working and will be working this year on ways in which to help hospitals retain their nursing staff,” he says.

“It’s just a huge issue.”

The future and telehealth VirtuSense is already in 4,000 senior living facilities nationally, and has more recently expanded into hospitals — at 40 now. As it looks to expand to Tennessee hospitals, it’s starting with trials at HCA locations this spring.

While the fall prevention technology does not use video, the same device allows for two-way video calls, and the company has begun to step into telemedicine.

VirtuSense is also developing technology around pressure ulcers and patches that attach to a patient’s chest to send information on vital signs via Bluetooth technology.

Greene says he could see this partnership growing to utilize some of the telehealth technologies, as well. It’s a move toward the future of medical technology, and a move toward a more preventive position in 2022.

“More companies are using technology and artificial intelligence to solve the issues that their hospitals have and have had for years,” Greene says. “I think you’re going to see more and more technology used in the area of prevention, treatments and all types of patient care.”

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When the Big Apple meets Music City NYC-founded SomeraRoad focuses on Nashville work in Gulch, Wedgewood-Houston

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

hen then-New York-based SomeraRoad announced in July 2020 plans to open a second headquarters in Nashville, those who follow urban placemaking issues took note.

At the time, SomeraRoad was still newish to Music City — and even a relatively youthful company, having been founded in 2016. It garnered local headlines in 2017 with its announcement of the Pins Mechanical project in the North Gulch and again in December 2019 with the announcement of what would evolve as Paseo South Gulch, now under construction in the downtown district from which its name derives.

However, the company also has been active in the general Wedgewood-Houston area, in which its local office is located. In April 2019, SomeraRoad paid $9.3 million for property located at 1414 Fourth Ave. S. The project for that site will offer a multifamily residential component, an existing warehouse, the construction of additional buildings and a small park.

Demolition at the Fourth Avenue site is completed, and a summer groundbreaking is slated.

In March 2020, SomeraRoad once again captured local attention when it announced it had offered a $17 million property purchase and leaseback package as an alternative to the then-pending Watkins College of Art and Belmont University deal announced a few months earlier. Though the effort failed to gain traction, the company would announce four months later its plan to open a local office.

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Jonathon Reeser

In short, SomeraRoad was here to stay.

Jonathon Reeser serves as principal and head of the Nashville office team with Andrew Donchez, who is a principal and head of development. Reeser says SomeraRoad began targeting Nashville in 2016-17, with company officials having had no local ties at that point.

Since then, six company officials have relocated to the city from New York, and the company’s local office is home to 10 employees.

The numbers are noteworthy considering SomeraRoad also has small office presences in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Cleveland, with an office soon to open in Austin.

“We are invested in over 40 markets across the county, and Nashville has risen to the top of cities we want to continue to invest in,” Reeser says.

With the company well-established in Music City, it is prepped to elevate its local efforts.

Recently, SomeraRoad completed demoli-

tion on the aformentioned Wedgewood-Houston site on Fourth Avenue South. A summer groundbreaking is tentatively set.

And the company is underway with Prima, a residential tower to rise between the Downtown Antique Mall Building and the Bill Voorhees Company Building in its Paseo South Gulch development. SomeraRoad is hoping to have the project — which also will include a second future tower — completed by mid-2025.

Reeser says the pandemic created a challenge coordinating schedules and meeting in person.

“Our business is most efficient when done in person,” he notes. “That said, technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams has allowed our team members and counterparts to constantly stay in touch and be connected.

“Outside of a few closures for potential COVID exposures, we haven’t had major interruptions,” Reeser adds.

BOOM

Breaking ground Pay parity is within reach in the construction industry

BY KATHRYN RICKMEYER

f you’ve passed a construction site lately, you may have noticed more women in hard hats.

Women are joining the business in growing numbers, as it’s one of the few industries for which the pay gap is nearly closed. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, women’s earnings as a percentage of their male counterparts’ — 99.1 percent — are higher in construction than in any other industry.

Young project managers coming in as assistants make $50,000 to $75,000 annually, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. The median salary for female senior project managers is $95,000.

Construction sites are as much a part of the fabric of a city or town as a park or museum. After 27 years in the real estate industry, longtime Nashville-area broker Moren Adenubi is embarking on her first construction project — a townhome development in Madison.

“Traditionally, you don’t see a woman’s touch on a building until you walk inside,” Adenubi says. “For a long time, interior design — the chairs, the carpet, the drapes — were the only place you saw a feminine work, but that is changing. People want to see a woman’s design not just inside buildings but outside too.”

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Aron Thompson is the leader of the Amazon-backed real estate development academy for minority developers in Nashville. He says that construction’s growing reliance on technology has also opened doors for women in the field.

“You’ve got to work with so many different people — workers, contractors, owners, architects, engineers, surveyors, CEOs,” Thompson says. “You don’t have to be a psychologist but you have to be detail-oriented and have the right personality to fill those needs and work.

Women often meet those needs better than men.”

Of the women employed in the construction field, 31 percent are in professional management roles, according to the NCCER. Another 45 percent are in sales and office roles.

In order to remove barriers to women entering the field, the primary obstacle, Adenubi and Stephanie Wigger of Skanska say, is education. While there are a number of organizations like National Women in Construction encouraging younger generations to learn more about the industry and opportunities, most schools and parents aren’t teaching or promoting construction careers.

Wigger, a preconstruction manager for Skanska, has worked on a number of high-profile projects — 5th + Broadway, the JW Marriott and Vanderbilt’s Kirkland Hall among them — that have transformed the city’s skyline. She says the original draw to construction was that it was “concrete” and she could tangibly see her work.

“It’s real,” Wigger says. “There’s a special feeling when you drive by a building and can point and say, ‘I worked on that.’”

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FAVORITES

My favorite trend in the local craft beer scene BREWER AND BANKER GARR SCHWARTZ LIKES INFLUX O F T A P R O O M S F R O M O U T- O F -T O W N B R E W E R I E S

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fascinating element of the local craft beer scene is the introduction of taprooms from non-Nashville-based brewing companies.

We kind of saw this coming — and I like it.

Industry consolidation since the 1950s pushed distributors and retailers to sell more beer with less product variability. Craft beer proliferation since the 2000s now overwhelms distribution and retail channels with local taprooms meeting consumer demand.

Beer distributors provide access to thousands of brands, but most major retailers in Tennessee marginally support local products — forcing consumers to enjoy their favorite beers at local taprooms and craft-friendly restaurants.

The messy distribution channels entice breweries nationwide to open multiple taprooms, enabling them to expand market share

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by selling direct to consumers. Marketing and tax benefits are the lure, but lucrative profit margins are the prize as brewery owners bypass overcrowded distribution channels.

We’re seeing this dynamic in Nashville, as out-of-towners are establishing a local presence. First it was Atlanta’s Monday Night Brewing with its taproom in Germantown.

Since then, we have learned that Good People (Birmingham), Hi-Wire (Asheville) and Braxton (Cincinnati) are planning taprooms in the city.

These are four quality brewing companies whose presence might spur a locally based brewery owner to, perhaps sooner than later, establish a taproom outside Nashville.

On a positive note, Nashville’s hot market provides opportunity for growth by breweries from both inside and outside Middle Tennessee. Supporting brewery infrastructure comes

with challenges and not everybody agrees that growth is good. But the focus and investment appears to benefit Nashville overall in many facets. Ironically, breweries tend to be catalysts of gentrification before being forced out themselves.

Nothing comes without challenges, and the current environment reminds me of the late 1980s and early ’90s when we experienced the proliferation, failure and consolidation of brewpubs. People came to try the beer but returned for the food. Brewpubs and modern taprooms are tricky entities demanding highly skilled operators with tremendous knowledge ranging from exploiting quirky tax laws to appeasing finicky consumers. Today’s younger drinkers have always known craft beer, and now there are local brewery taprooms in even small cities with suitable products.

The modern taproom must provide fantastic beer along with stellar food and entertainment, and there will always be room for another great brewery or taproom — local or not — that deserves our support.

Garr Schwartz is a Fifth Third Bank vice president and wealth management adviser and the founder of Garr’s Beer Co.

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