Nashville Post Leaders 2024

In Charge

Riverside centerpiece

Diverse developers shape the East Bank

Achieving Remarkable Service and Results

with Gabriela Lira

What sets the Lira Group apart?

As the leader of the Lira Group, I believe our team stands out in three distinct ways:

Remarkable Service and Results: Our motto, “Remarkable Service, Remarkable Results,” isn’t just a slogan – it’s the foundation of everything we do. With over a decade of experience in the Nashville real estate market, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service to every client and achieving remarkable results on their behalf. Our track record speaks for itself, with a steady stream of repeat business, referrals, and lifelong clients who trust us for transactions anywhere around the globe.

Business Expertise and Master Negotiation Skills: Our team brings a wealth of business expertise and master negotiation skills to every real estate transaction. We know how to make the numbers work for both buyers and sellers, ensuring that our clients get the best possible deal. Our ability to navigate complex negotiations and secure favorable outcomes sets us apart from other agents and positions us as trusted advisors in the industry.

High Tech, High Touch Approach: At the Lira Group, we believe in combining the best of both worlds – cutting-edge

technology and personalized service. We leverage hightech tools and digital platforms to streamline the transaction process and enhance communication with our clients. However, we also understand the importance of personal interaction and attention to detail. Our high tech, high touch approach ensures that our clients receive the efficiency of technology along with the warmth of personalized service, making us true innovators in the real estate industry.

NO.02

What do you love the most about Nashville?

What I love the most about Nashville is its vibrant and diverse culture. From its rich musical heritage to its thriving arts scene, Nashville offers something for everyone. I’m constantly inspired by the city’s lively music venues, delicious food scene, and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Whether I’m exploring the historic neighborhoods, attending a live concert, or sampling local cuisine, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Nashville. Additionally, the sense of community in Nashville is truly special – people here are passionate about supporting local businesses and artists, which creates a unique and inclusive environment. Overall, Nashville’s charm, creativity, and sense of community make it a truly wonderful place to live and work.

Ojas founder

Turnover

Véronique

Diverse

After

Cherae

Elam Freeman

Moving on

This particular note is especially di cult to write, as it’s my final contribution to the Post as editor-in-chief. By the time you read this, I’ll have moved on to a new job after more than seven years at the publication (including the last couple as editor).

It’s fitting, then, that our cover story (page 8) is about a changing of the guard in Nashville’s nonprofit sector. The article comes from reporter Hannah Herner — whose hiring, along with those of reporters Nicolle Praino and John Glennon, represents my most important legacy here.

I’ve always learned a lot from the people we interview and the stories we write. And this time is no di erent. I know I will take the lessons those new nonprofit leaders o er with me into the future, and I hope the team that remains with the Post can, too.

There’s plenty more to check out throughout the issue, though I’m sure many of you will flip straight to our annual In Charge list (page 25), another ongoing labor of love that has taught me a lot about the people in our city.

In addition to the reporters mentioned above, I want to thank a lot of other people for supporting me at the Post: Most of all, managing editor William Williams, the indefatigable real estate reporter and endlessly entertaining scoop machine. There’s also our team of photographers and designers, our publisher Heather Cantrell Mullins, president Mike Smith, colleagues at FW Publishing’s other publications (namely D. Patrick Rodgers at the Nashville Scene), former Post editor Geert De Lombaerde and countless others. Without them, this issue and my entire tenure with the company would have been less successful — and less fun.

So with that I o er this pearl of wisdom, gleaned from personal experience and those of the subjects of seven years of stories: Change can be good, as long as you’re prepared.

Stephen Elliott, Editor

editorial

EDITOR

Stephen Elliott

MANAGING EDITOR

William Williams

STAFF WRITERS

Logan Butts, John Glennon, Hannah Herner, Nicolle S. Praino

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Caitlin Burke, Margaret Littman

art & production

ART DIRECTOR

Mary Louise Meadors

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angelina Castillo, Eric England, Hamilton Matthew Masters

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Sandi Harrison, Tracey Starck

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Christie Passarello

publishing

PUBLISHER

Heather Cantrell Mullins

SENIOR ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS

MANAGERS

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Niki Tyree, Keith Wright

ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS MANAGERS

Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Allie Muirhead, Kailey Idziak

SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER

Chelon Hill Hasty

ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

events

MAJOR EVENTS DIRECTOR

Olivia Moye Britton

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Robin Fomusa

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS MANAGER

Alissa Wetzel circulation

CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION DIRECTOR

Gary Minnis business

PRESIDENT

Mike Smith

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Todd Patton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Jones

IT DIRECTOR

John Schae er

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Susan Torregrossa

FW Publishing, LLC

OWNER

Bill Freeman

210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100

Nashville, TN 37203 nashvillepost.com

Nashville Post is published by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is July 10. For advertising information, call Heather Cantrell Mullins at 615-844-9252. For subscription information, call 615-844-9307. Copyright © 2023 FW Publishing, LLC.

On the cover

Rico X Photo by Eric England

ESa: Designing Nashville’s Skyline

Honoring the Past

“Anyone who has a passion for design should also have a passion for humanity.” These words were spoken by ESa’s founder, Earl Swensson. For more than 60 years, our professionals have endeavored to demonstrate that the intent of those words are always at the center of everything we design.

Beginning in the kitchen of his home, with his wife, Sue, by his side, Earl assembled a team that allowed the firm to grow and flourish into what it is today. Known for designing such iconic buildings as AT&T headquarters aka “Batman Building”, Opryland Hotel, Centennial Medical Center and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, the landscape of Nashville has been established by other iconic structures that many might not know were designed by ESa: Tennessee State University Avon Williams campus, NewsChannel 5, the now-gone Imperial House apartments, the Gordon Jewish Community Center, and the former Wildhorse Saloon.

Focusing on the Future

Consistently named as one of the top healthcare design firms in the United States, according to Modern Healthcare Magazine, ESa remains a one-location office with one business – architecture, and we call Nashville and Middle Tennessee “home.” We have chosen to focus on the built environment and to design facilities that embody the tenets on which the firm was founded – humility, by honoring the needs of others; drive, having passion with a purpose; loyalty, committing to relationships; and attitude, consciously choosing an outlook and mindset.

From architecture, interior design, master planning and interior architecture, ESa continues to be a leader in healthcare, residential, commercial, education, hospitality and senior living architecture and interior design sectors. Our longevity is testament to the strength of our founder’s vision, and the dedication of the employees who bring that vision to life.

COMPANY PROFILE

ESa, founded in 1961 and based in Nashville, TN, is a nationally-recognized architectural firm. We provide services in architecture, interior architecture, master planning and space planning for clients in commercial, community and arts, education, healthcare, hospitality, residential and senior living sectors.

For more information, visit www. esarch.com.

Location 1033 Demonbreun Street Suite 800

Website esarch.com

Facebook Facebook.com/ESa

X (formerly Twitter) @ESa_Architects

Instagram esa_architects

LinkedIn Linkedin.com/company/ESa

SPECIALTIES

Hospitals, Medical Office

Buildings, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Medical Centers; Performing Arts Facilities, Residence Halls, Academic Buildings, Medical and Health Science Buildings; Retail, Commercial, Mixed-use; Residential; Hotels; Resorts

TriStar Centennial Medical Center Atrium Renovation

NewsChannel 5

Imperial House

The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University

Tempo by Hilton

Prima – Paseo South Gulch

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Elam Freeman

Founder of commercial real estate company Ojas Partners takes youthful approach to leadership

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

As a young business owner, Elam Freeman understands the value of having mentors and seasoned advisers.

But the 30-year-old founder and principal of commercial real estate company Ojas Partners also realizes she does not necessarily need such folks to be involved in her company for it to flourish.

Founded in summer 2020, Ojas Partners is home to 15 individuals, with an average age of 32.5.

“This is a great average age because we are young enough to still be relevant with the brands we work with and technologically savvy — we grew up with computers — but old enough to have some life and career experience,” Freeman says.

“I used to be bashful about our young employee base and my young age,” she adds. “But over the years I have grown to see it as an asset. While it is very important to have leaders, mentors and/or a board of advisers (whether official or unofficial) of more experienced individuals, I have learned over the years that these people don’t have to be within your company in order to be impactful on your career or your company.”

Freeman says all of her confidants were external to the companies she worked for as she earned her chops in the commercial real estate business when she returned to Nashville after graduating from Pepperdine University.

“While it is a goal at Ojas to create a workplace where we have internal support systems for issues that our team experiences both professionally and personally, I continually encourage our team to plug into business and real estate communities and relationships external to Ojas as I believe that can create perspective and give a sense of ownership in their respective career journeys,” she says.

On this theme, Freeman last year joined a forum related to Nashville’s chapter of

Entrepreneurs Organization.

“Five of the seven others in the group are old enough to be my parents, but it has been such a gift to heed their advice on challenging issues that they have weathered many times that I am just experiencing for the first time.”

Drive around Nashville’s urban core and you will see a good number of Ojas Partners signs within the main levels of mixed-use buildings. Though working within multiple segments of the commercial real estate sector, Ojas is perhaps best known for its retail leasing work.

And the rise has been meteoric.

As Freeman was considering starting her company not quite four years ago while she worked at Nashville commercial real estate company Baker Storey McDonald, she wrestled with doubts.

“In a lot of ways, my heart was pulling me towards starting something, but my mind was getting in the way of [my] pulling the trigger. In early 2020, I knew I needed to do something different but starting my own company was just one of several options.”

But with COVID requiring Freeman to spend more time with her husband, Spencer Freeman, than otherwise, she pondered her options.

“He heard a lot of my hemming and hawing over what to do,” she says. “I credit him for encouraging me and giving me the confidence to take the leap.”

Freeman enjoys art, design, fashion and cuisine. And she loves to travel, having visited all 50 U.S. states with her family by the time she turned 16.

And a special talent?

“I can sleep just about anywhere and may be borderline narcoleptic. It is an ‘incredible gift’ that allows me to maximize my efficiency.”

Freeman is taking a philosophical view of her burgeoning career, noting she is going to face “headwinds” as she moves into its various phases.

“And like any of those headwinds, age can be a scapegoat or it can be an opportunity,” she says. “At Ojas, I have humbly come to view it as a strength. For all the things that make us less qualified due to lack of lived experience, there is something that makes us more qualified — like being in phases of life with little responsibility outside of work and a myriad of opportunity at our fingertips or being the target demo in a world where the majority of decision makers we are advising are not.”

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THE NEW GUARD THE NEW GUARD

Turnover at the top of Nashville’s nonprofits coincides with post-pandemic recalibration

BY HANNAH HERNER

ERIC ENGLAND

As the capital of the Volunteer State, perhaps it’s no surprise that Nashville has around 1,100 nonprofits. Nashvillians leaned on these organizations heavily during the past few years, as a pandemic raged and the people already in precarious situations needed even more help. Many of the nonprofits grew and pivoted, landing in 2024 changed from who they were in early 2020.

Now, the new leaders of some of Nashville’s most notable nonprofits are tasked with forging a new era, replacing those who retired or moved out of the field entirely in the past year.

These leaders now must manage pandemic mission creep and more recent ebbs in funding while striving to communicate to Nashvillians (and donors) what makes them stand out in a sea of more than a thousand.

In May, after 10 years at YMCA of Middle Tennessee, Rico X was named CEO at Project Return, an organization focused on employment and other reentry services for people who were formerly incarcerated. For X, managing the stress of the pandemic gave him a renewed confidence to make the leap.

“I felt like if I can take my team through

this, I can do anything,” he says.

Andrew Freeman, the new CEO of family homelessness services organization Safe Haven, came from the YMCA, too, as the former head of its Franklin location. He started working there at 15 years old as a lifeguard and was ready for a change, he says. He joined the staff as the overnight shelter manager while he studied for his real estate exam in December 2022 and ended up taking the lead role six months later. Former CEO Jim Shulman stepped away during a review of employee concerns in 2022.

Katie Richards came into her role at Siloam Health with a to-do list: replace three of the organization’s six leaders — including herself (she formerly served as CFO). Former CEO Morgan Wills went to work at Belmont University’s new medical school.

A paradox of nonprofits can also be that those working with Nashville’s low-income and disabled residents toe the line of needing the help themselves. With all of the CEO turnover, there’s surely as much or more in the direct service positions.

Meagan Flippin came to lead the Center for Nonprofit Management, a training and con-

sulting firm for philanthropic organizations, by way of United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County. Former CEO Tari Hughes is now special adviser at the organization.

“I would say after the pandemic, probably a lot of leaders were in a place where either they felt led to pursue a new challenge or to retire or to leave the sector altogether,” Flippin says. “I don’t think that’s unique to the nonprofit sector. In a lot of industries, there has been a change in leadership for the past year to 18 months.”

Former Metro school board chair Christiane Buggs tells the Post her political career is over, and she took over at MNPS support organization PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement & Leadership) earlier this year. She replaces Angie Adams, who retired at the end of 2023.

Some left, and others shuffled. Will Connelly left the top role at mental health services and housing outfit Park Center to move to a smaller organization, The Contributor street paper and social enterprise for the homeless, an organization he helped found in 2007. Amanda Bracht, who led the charge

for alternatives to policing in Nashville at Mental Health Coop, wanted a smaller institution to wrap her arms around, which she found in Park Center.

Allie Wallace says she wants to be a reliable presence for the staff of homeless outreach and advocacy organization Open Table Nashville, where she’s served in various roles for 14 years. She is its third executive director in since 2019.

“I think it speaks to the level of burnout in this work,” she says. “I think that nonprofits stand in the gaps of so many services that we’d love to see just automatically provided that aren’t always there, or there’s barriers to them. … That’s exhausting and it’s really tiring work. I think sometimes the turnover we see is because people are exhausted and they need a change or they need rest.”

Nonprofit veteran Hal Cato returned to the field as leader of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee after leaving Thistle Farms and considering a mayoral run in the interim. He’s experienced burnout himself, and left the field twice because of it. It’s important to pace yourself, he says, and to be friends with other nonprofit leaders.

“Being an executive director of an organization is lonely work, so you’ve got to have a good group of peers,” he says.

A common theme in Post conversations with the new nonprofit leaders was correcting mission creep. For example, Project Return offers weekly professional development classes and career coaching, but during the pandemic, it pivoted almost completely to delivering food to clients. Many nonprofits began offering services that were not originally part of their purview during the height of the pandemic, as they saw their clients’ needs become more acute. Flippin noticed many organizations trying to be “all things to all people.”

“The pandemic really forced a lot of organizations and businesses to go back to basics and recalibrate towards what their original mission or focus was,” she says.

Wallace points out that Open Table was founded out of a reaction to disaster — the 2010 flood that destroyed a well-known homeless encampment.

“As a group we want to respond to crises, and we want to be in action quickly, and we are a lot of the time,” she says. “But we also have to take those moments to slow down and be intentional about what we’re doing. Because if we’re going to last in a work that is as intense as ours, we have to do that, or we won’t make it.”

Nashvillians were especially keen to open their pockets to health care organizations like Siloam Health during the pandemic, but that money hasn’t necessarily been sustained, Richards says. She’s tasked with building it back.

“We have seen a dip the past two years in our fundraising efforts, and I know that that mimics or mirrors a national trend and a little bit of a decline in philanthropy,” she says. “But I also think it’s because people gave so much during COVID, that maybe it’s kind of

a pendulum swing-back.”

Thanks to a surge of pandemic-era funding, The Contributor, Safe Haven and other nonprofits began housing some of their clients temporarily at hotels around the city. Both groups have had to scale that effort back once funding dried up. For Safe Haven, that looks like 10 hotel units instead of 40, in addition to their 10 onsite rooms to shelter families while they work to secure permanent housing. Freeman says there are 500 local families experiencing homelessness waiting for a nonprofit to step in.

Nonprofit leaders perhaps always knew that it is easier to help people get back on their feet when they have a roof over their heads, where clients can more easily be located for social service delivery. However, more organizations recently decided that if they want housing for their clients, they may have to take matters into their own hands, bypassing landlords who are often unwilling to accept people who have a criminal record or poor rental history.

Project Return’s clients are among the most challenging to place, especially prospective tenants who have committed a violent crime or are on the sex offender registry. Public housing does

Meagan Flippin

not accept many with a criminal record. X says he wants to grow the organization’s newest social enterprise, which allows the organization to serve as landlords, from its 32 units. Freeman says Safe Haven would like to do the same.

When it comes to housing stock, Park Center is in a relatively good position. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the organization snagged valuable land to preserve for affordable housing units while Nashville boomed around it. It is currently building some affordable housing units on Gallatin Road, but it’s just a dent in the need, Bracht says.

Meanwhile, Open Table is doing what it can to actually preserve homeless encampments (while fighting against Tennessee’s most punitive anti-camping law in the nation). Because it can take months to get someone into their own unit, the camps provide some stability and safety for people, the nonprofit argues. While nonprofits value collaboration in ethos, and recently worked together on a local challenge to house 100 homeless families in 100 days, the fact of the matter is they’re all seeking a piece of the pie for their own clients, especially in Nashville’s

Katie Richards

scarce affordable housing stock.

The scarcity mindset is one Cato has noticed in his years in

“Social justice is not a competitive sport,” he says. “We’re all trying to achieve the same thing at the end of the day. … That’s where the scarcity mindset kicks in. And that’s where the lack of trust comes in. So people grab the toys and go back to the corner rather than play-

Cato isn’t a hardliner when it comes to new nonprofits, but because of the 1,100 nonprofits vying for their place in the sun, he’s often suggesting people join existing efforts instead of starting their own. Nonprofits also need a sustainable business model, he says.

A common saying in nonprofits relates to the desire to “work oneself out of a job,” but the new generation of nonprofit leaders seems to be more clear-eyed

about the idea that they will be needed for the long haul.

“Our goal would be to make sure that PENCIL is never even needed, because every student, every school has everything they need,” Buggs says. “Based on the history of this country, and public education, I just don’t see that happening anytime soon, and so we will likely always be working to ensure that we are meeting some of the most basic needs for educators in schools.”

People look to nonprofits to fill needs, including income, food and shelter. Nonprofits fill the cracks in the sidewalks left by the government, Cato insists, and they’ll always be needed to be nimble in that way.

All of the leaders the Post spoke with expressed a desire to make their nonprofit better known in the community. They want to keep helping their clients, and must appeal to the hearts and

Allie Wallace

pockets of donors, who can reliably keep them alive when grants and the government fail.

Though many of the new leaders of Nashville nonprofits spend time reflecting on the changes of the past few years, they are also focused on what’s to come.

Bracht, a career social worker, says she plans to retrain social workers who came up during the pandemic and never got in the habit of knocking on doors. She wants to offer work-life balance

at Park Center, but for her profession, that often cannot mean work-from-home flexibility.

“These are often individuals who are underserved. They struggle to have the basic needs,” Bracht says. “Doing a Zoom call is not necessarily going to be the most effective for that person who doesn’t have a home for you to do a Zoom call in and doesn’t have the technology in order to do that. We also miss the human touch, too. We’re

in the relationship business. … That can be very hard to do in a remote environment.”

Open Table’s Wallace says she wants staff to have upward mobility. She had it, but there’s not much of it in the field, so she wants to expand programs and leadership roles. She wants to offer better compensation and benefits so that her employees are able to afford to live in Nashville.

Nonprofit leaders can some-

times have saintly shoes to fill. X is one example. Project Return’s longtime CEO Bettie Kirkland died in 2023, just one year after she stepped down from the organization.

“I definitely recognize that I have huge shoes to fill,” X says. “But also at the same time, I think that she definitely wanted me to be in a space where I could put my own imprint on the next several years of Project Return and take it to a different level.”

Unsolved mystery

BY HANNAH HERNER

nly 5 to 10 percent of cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, most commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS, can be traced to family history, leaving the majority of cases unexplained.

In her research, Dr. Véronique Belzil is determined to make sense of those seemingly random cases and, in turn, quickly diagnose and effectively treat them. She has spent 15 years studying the disease at Université de Montréal and the Mayo Clinic. Earlier this year, she brought her expertise to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to lead its newly minted Vanderbilt ALS Research Center.

Belzil beat out up to 40 other candidates for the role, says Dean Chetkovich, chair of the

VUMC Department of Neurology. Four team members from the Mayo Clinic followed her to Nashville.

“She’s a really unique investigator because I would say the majority of ALS researchers in the United States focus on genetic causes of ALS, and that’s really a small minority of the patients,” he says.

VUMC has operated a dedicated ALS treatment clinic since 2008, when it began serving patients from Tennessee and neighboring states as one of the only ALS clinics in the region. Because of this, when Chetkovich joined the department in 2017, there was an eightmonth waitlist for treatment. He worked to expand the department of neurology from 45 to 125 faculty members since then, while Amanda Peliter, neuromuscular division chief at VUMC, brought the number of neuromuscular specialists from three to six, a major increase for a specialty with few professionals in Tennessee, she tells the Post

When the Live Like Lou foundation came knocking in 2021 looking to replicate the ALS center it had already established in Pittsburgh, VUMC raised $2 million, and the nonprofit combined with grants from the state to pool a

total of $5.5 million and get the center off the ground. Evan Campa, a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center employee with the disease, and her family helped lead the campaign

ALS reached broader public consciousness in 2014 with the ALS ice bucket challenge, years after Belzil and her family turned their focus to the disease. The campaign raised awareness and millions of dollars when people doused themselves in ice water on camera to imitate the effects of ALS on the muscles. Among rare diseases, ALS is especially devastating because it typically affects people in the prime of their life, Belzil says. She originally trained as a psychologist, but she and her husband, a nurse, decided to change career paths after his uncle died from the disease in 2000.

“We realized at this point that it was our life’s mission to help patients and do something about it,” she says. “Before the ice bucket challenge, nobody was talking about ALS.”

ALS occurs in one or two out of every 100,000 people. Once diagnosed with the disease, patients live on average two to five years, during which time they lose control of their muscles, eventually becoming unable to swallow

Véronique Belzil hopes to decode ALS origins at new VUMC research center

Véronique Belzil

or breathe. Treatment options are nearly nonexistent: There are three FDA-approved drugs that can extend life by a few months.

The ALS research lab’s focus is split in two: finding biomarkers to catch the disease early, and researching methods to slow or stop progression. Today, the diagnosis typically comes after everything else has been ruled out and the disease has progressed. Belzil hopes to create a test like a pregnancy test to diagnose ALS earlier. She says clinical trials have been largely unsuccessful because all patients are treated the same regardless of the source of their ALS. Demystifying those biomarkers could allow for more personalized treatment.

Belzil knows military veterans are more likely to develop the disease, as well as professional athletes and those who have worked around pesticides. It also tends to occur among especially fit people. She plans to use artificial intelligence to analyze which combinations of environmental factors make a person most at risk for ALS.

“I think a strength of the center will definitely be to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to our approach to be able to learn more about what’s happening, and then try to mimic it,” Belzil says.

Chetkovich says there are some doctors who never think about science, and there are some scientists who never think about medicine,

but Belzil can do both.

“Véronique is unique in that she has personal experience with ALS in her family, and she consistently has been present in the clinical aspects of ALS,” he says. “I think she’s ideal to solve problems in science and medicine, because she understands both the patient side and the science side.”

It’s important to Belzil to be involved with ALS charities and spend time talking to patients face to face outside of the lab. She explains to them in simple terms what scientists have discovered about the disease thus far. She’s also advocated for more government research dollars, better insurance coverage for ALS drugs and additional resources for families dealing with ALS. Households struck by ALS struggle when one adult is sick and the other is a caretaker.

Sometimes patients are too hopeful, Belzil says, and people prey on their diagnosis and try to sell “cures.”

“It’s so sad because they are so desperate to find something,” she says. “I think it’s very important for them to understand exactly where we are, to have realistic views of where we are in research.”

Until the VUMC lab or other scientists make a breakthrough, the disease largely remains a mystery.

In Charge 2024 Honoree

“ALS patients are so generous,” Belzil says. “Most of them want to participate [in research], and they say, ‘I want to do this for the next generation of patients.’” president & ceo, ascend federal credit union

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Shaping the Bank

BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO

ith shovels already in the ground for the future Titans Stadium, Metro’s East Bank development is not far behind. Local companies that partner with future master developer the Fallon Company are poised to have a seat at the table for a historic change in Nashville’s urban landscape.

The master developer agreement between Fallon and Metro is making its way through Metro Council for approval as the Post’s Leaders magazine is being printed. Any potential partnerships with local companies are subject to that approval. But, based on documents from the procurement stage, Fallon plans to include two boutique minority-owned businesses in the effort: Polk & Associates and Pillars Development.

Polk would assist Turner Construction Company in construction management. Pillars would be a co-developer alongside another local small business, Holladay Ventures, and EDENS out of Washington, D.C. Fallon has also tapped Nashville female-owned design company EOA Architects as well as New York-based architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. Locally based Barge Design

Solutions would be the civil engineer.

While all these subcontractors are pending contract approval, the tap on the shoulder is no doubt significant for these companies with a substantive project such as the East Bank development. Metro seeks to amplify its local minority and women-owned businesses through its Equal Business Opportunity Program, which sets a percentage target or asks for demonstration of a good-faith effort for main contractors to include those businesses as subcontractors.

Polk President and CEO Reggie Polk says it’s important to him that all businesses have a fair opportunity to win work for their business and for the employees.

“I do appreciate the efforts put forward by Metro Nashville and the local authorities to provide a level playing field for everybody to get involved,” he says. “That’s been a major win, I think, for all small businesses in Nashville and in the surrounding cities.”

Pillars Principal Edward Henley agrees: “That support from Metro, and many committed to uplifting businesses like mine, has allowed for a path to success that I am sure would not have been present in other places around the country.”

Working on the projects like the East Bank opens doors to more opportunity, Henley and Polk say.

“Looking forward, this opportunity is likely to catapult the firm and that is largely due to the opportunity to work with world-class teams to plan, design, construct and operate great spaces,” Henley says. “This has been something that has propelled Pillars to this point, and this opportunity will just be a supercharged instance.”

Polk emphasized that his goal is also to build trust and integrity in the process.

“Obviously a project like this allows you to

do more,” Polk says. “When you are able to do more, you’re able to touch the lives of more people in a more substantial way. So our intent is to continue to give back and continue to contribute in a positive way to our community.”

Building relationships in the community is part of what Polk and Henley say put their companies in a position to win this kind of project.

“After connecting, we aim to find alignment and discuss beneficial and collaborative partnerships,” Henley says. “Collectively adopting the mindset on our work’s importance and the desire for collaboration has been the foundation that positions Pillars for opportunities like this one.”

Polk adds, “We just all came together with the right synergy, the right focus and we’re putting together our efforts to offer the greatest return back to the city and to Metro … We’ve earned the trust of our development partners and we’ve been able to make a significant impact in Nashville and within this footprint.”

That impact comes from working on a project that has the potential that the East Bank does.

“We like to take part in projects that create sustainability, that help shape the landscape of Nashville and give back to the community. And once the East Bank project is completely done, it will make such a major contribution back to Nashville that it will be — in my opinion — a centerpiece for our city,” Polk says.

Henley says Pillars aims to serve by working on city-shaping opportunities like this one.

“The importance and responsibility that comes along with working on large-scale projects that will have such a large impact on the landscape of the city is something that isn’t lost on our team,” Henley says. “The opportunity on the East Bank seems like a continuation of Pillars commitment to serve the city of Nashville and our communities.”

Diverse local businesses leave footprints on riverside centerpiece

Adventure Science Center is evolving … again!

In late 2022, the science center launched the Beyond 75 campaign in recognition of its long history of service in Nashville and to announce major changes to over 15,000 square feet of exhibit space. Now, as Adventure Science Center approaches another significant anniversary, 80, that work continues to propel the organization forward with even more exciting additions on the horizon.

This June, the science center will unveil a model of NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover, which landed on Mars in 2012. The rover – which is the size of a small car – will be displayed in a Mars diorama, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Red Planet. The exhibit will include interactive displays and the chance to touch a real Mars meteorite. The surrounding Wonders of Universe exhibit will feature a life-sized comparison of NASA’s Hubble and James Webb telescopes, showcasing their contributions to space exploration.

In the fall, a new exhibit will demonstrate how solar panels work, coinciding with the installation of a rooftop solar array to help power the facility. Visitors will learn about the benefits of solar energy for homes and businesses. Building from the

COMPANY PROFILE

For over 75 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for students, teachers, and families in Middle Tennessee and beyond through hands-on, interactive exhibits, innovative programs, unique events, and full-dome productions in the state-ofthe-art Sudekum Planetarium.

Address:

800 Fort Negley Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203

Website: adventuresci.org

Instagram: instagram.com/adventuresci/

Facebook: facebook.com/ AdventureScienceCenter/

popularity of the science center’s longstanding live beehive, a Tennessee Pollinators experience will open in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, highlighting the importance of pollinators as a part of the Nobody Trashes Tennessee program.

The largest renovation, PEAK Performance: The Science of Health, will open in late 2025 or early 2026, encompassing nearly 10,000 square feet. This gallery will delve into human body systems, health science discoveries, and how medical advancements keep us healthy and capable of extraordinary feats. Fundraising efforts are underway, and the science center is collaborating with local and international experts to create this cutting-edge exhibition.

As Adventure Science Center continues to push boundaries and ignite curiosity, these new additions and enhancements represent its commitment to providing engaging and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. By blending interactive exhibits with real-world applications, the science center reinforces its mission to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, inspiring unforgettable memories along the way.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ adventure-science-center/ Number of Employees: 58

Founded: 1945

Contact:

Phone: 615.862.5160 Email: info@adventuresci.org

SPECIALTIES

STEM Education, Field Trips, Camps, Private Event Rentals, Special Events (all ages, 21+)

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 8

Solar Eclipse Programming

Saturday, April 13

Touch-a-Truck

Saturday, May 4

Family Star Wars Day

Saturday, June 1

Mars Curiosity Rover Exhibit Opening

Saturday, June 1

Mars: The Ultimate Voyage Debuts in the Sudekum Planetarium

Friday, June 14

Camp Way Late Play Date (21+)

Thursday, July 4

Red, White, & BOOM

May 27 – August 2

Summer Camp

Something’s brewing

BY CAITLIN BURKE

n the decade that Grayson Miller has resided in Nashville, he’s established

himself as a leader in the microbrewing industry with his Crazy Gnome Brewery in East Nashville and the coming-soon Cyanide Cider in South Nashville. In 2024 and beyond, Miller has plans to further grow his businesses as spaces for community gatherings.

Miller started homebrewing in college, driven by a fascination with the science and the challenge of the process. Now he’s also experimenting with the complex process of producing cider, which has a few key di erences compared to brewing beer.

“It’s been very refreshing for me to alternate

between producing beer and cider,” Miller says. ough the businesses seem to be on steady footing now, opening Crazy Gnome on Main Street four years ago presented several near-fatal challenges.

“I was homebrewing like crazy and hosting house parties to share my beer with people, gathering feedback before we opened,” Miller says. “We signed an initial lease, it fell through a year later, and then we signed another lease, then it got hit by a tornado two days after we brewed our rst beer in the space. We had put in almost three years of work before we were able to open our doors, and during that time I might as well have just been getting a second degree in small business at that point with how much we learned through the process.”

A tornado destroying the brewery just as it was about to open was not the end of Miller’s challenges, as COVID-19 spread through Nashville in the ensuing days and weeks, forcing businesses like his to shut down.

“We were cleaning up after the tornado wreckage for so long that it took a long time for COVID to sink in,” Miller says. “It wasn’t until summer when we were nally trying to open that it sunk in that COVID was a ecting the business. Opening post-COVID was de nitely more of a learning curve, adjusting to all the changes in regulations and restrictions ending.”

Miller’s leadership style, he says, is focused on honesty, transparency and adaptability — traits he learned from the back-to-back tornado and pandemic. One goal, he says, is to understand his employees’ strengths so he can place them in roles where they can succeed, aiming to foster long-term relationships and happy workers.

Crazy Gnome and Cyanide Cider both have small teams anchored by Grayson and his brother, Bennett. e cidery is gearing up to open to the public by May, but in the mean-

After COVID and a tornado, Grayson Miller’s Crazy Gnome is finally growing

Grayson Miller

time, Crazy Gnome has been busy hosting events and partnering with Vanderbilt University to offer a new marketing internship.

“In 2023, our big focus was on small events,” Miller says. “From the beginning, we wanted to make Crazy Gnome a pillar of the community, and we saw success in small events filling up our calendar with game nights, speed friending, sip and sketch, and swing dancing. We’re looking to grow those programs with local organizations and nonprofits that we have a relationship with.”

Looking forward, and in addition to the cidery, Miller hopes to open a second Crazy Gnome brewery and taproom in Inglewood by February 2025. The expansion will allow the business to begin canning beers

and could eventually replace the original location on Main Street, though a final decision has not yet been made.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the industry for newcomers because our industry is showing signs of maturing,” Miller says. “The craft beer industry is new and infantile, which isn’t a negative — we just haven’t been around that long. The structure has historically been someone like me interested in opening a business, brewing beer, finding a place and hiring a few bartenders. It wouldn’t have made sense to have a marketing intern or a lawyer or an HR department back when it started, which are all important parts of our business now. You don’t necessarily have to fit your skillsets into a narrow box anymore.”

Making it happen

BY HANNAH HERNER

herae Farmer-Dixon’s team bought her a mug that said “Make it Happen.”

The 10-year dean of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry hadn’t noticed she’d been saying that so often. For a self-described “workaholic,” mantras like “failure is not an option,” or “always strive for excellence, not mediocrity,” or “do something impactful every day” easily roll off the tongue.

The small-town Mississippi native and twotime Meharry alumna told the Post she has always been an over-achiever.

“I was in Girl Scouts. If they said we could earn badges, I was competing with myself,” she says. “I want to earn the most badges. Nobody told me that. Nobody said, ‘OK, let’s compete.’ That was just me. I want it.”

She continues: “Even with becoming dean, I’m in this quiet competition with myself. I want to leave a legacy, and what is that legacy going to be?”

One pet project is the renovation set to begin this year on the school’s first floor. The dental college recently received a $2 million grant from the Center for Research and Education in Technology, a national foundation bringing updated tools like 3D printers and lasers to dental students. The space will also include a special-needs clinic.

“Technology is touching all aspects of all entities and that includes dentistry as well,” she says. “To have the opportunity to do den-

tistry in a different way is exciting, and to allow our students to be able to train in that manner. In the private sector outside of dental education, that is what is happening. It is our goal and our intent to make certain students are ready for today’s practicing of dentistry.”

Farmer-Dixon also worked to mitigate the dental shortage by increasing the school’s class size in 2022.

In her own personal practice, she worked to bridge the gap in another even more dire shortage — dentists who accept Medicaid. She says dentists shy away from taking TennCare, which began offering dental benefits in January 2023, because the reimbursement rates are significantly lower than for private insurance. Dentists have to do more work for the same money, often facing a mound of student debt to pay off.

“I call myself a public health dentist, so I’ve always been passionate about [the] underserved,” she says. “I took TennCare and I made it work. I also had a portable dental unit that I used to go in to areas that needed access with the [U.S. Army Reserve]. It was an opportunity for me to help to serve my country and to be able to give back using dentistry.”

While Farmer-Dixon was climbing the

ranks at Meharry, having started as director of student affairs in 1998, she was doing the same at the Army Reserve. She joined in 2002, part of a wave of participation following the Sept. 11 attacks, and a need to pay off her own student loans. The military experience aligned with her professional desires: to have a process laid out for everything, and to participate in continuous leadership training. She’ll officially retire from the military this year.

As she shepherds students through the storied institution that still produces 40 percent of the nation’s currently practicing Black dentists, Farmer-Dixon says to be successful they must have determination and smarts, as well as an intangible trait — people skills.

“The patient has to trust you, and just because you say ‘this is what you need and this is what I’m going to do’ does not mean that they’re going to trust you,” she says. “You have to build that rapport and that relationship with your patient.

She continues: “You can be the smartest person but if you can’t communicate and you can’t connect with the patient, that’s going to be a challenge for you to be a successful dentist.”

Cherae Farmer-Dixon still charging ahead after 10 years at Meharry dental college

Cherae Farmer-Dixon

SUPERIOR VISION, EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

TWENTY YEARS OF DIFFERENTIATED SUCCESS

For the last eleven years, Truxton has been recognized by American Banker as one of the top 200 best performing community banks in the nation (ranked 13th in 2023)1

In sharp contrast to many of our competitors, Truxton shareholders have enjoyed over the last 5 years an average annual return (including robust dividends) of roughly 16.7% 2. Since our founding in 2004, the original TRUX shareholders have enjoyed a total return of 12.6% per annum2

We’ve generated this remarkable outcome over two turbulent decades because of our intense strategic focus on client success.

FAMILY OFFICE MINDSET

With $2 billion in assets under management, Truxton Wealth works to provide the same level of family office services enjoyed by the ultra-wealthy to those of more modest wealth. In this capacity, we assist 250 clients in managing their wealth and everything that it intersects: family (children, their spouses, grandchildren, etc.), taxes, retirement, real property, insurance, trusts, estates, philanthropy, and so on and so forth. Our team is deliberately

organized to oversee fewer clients per team member, ensuring a more robust and fulfilling relationship that extends across generations.

Likewise, Truxton Banking provides high-touch business and personal lending and depository services, especially for those wealthy individuals who don’t fit in the standard bank “box”. We answer the phone at Truxton. Our clients are not to relegated to robotic responses online or over the phone – truly a difference-maker in today’s automated world.

MOVING INTO THE FUTURE

This summer, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of Truxton with a move to a new office. Our new headquarters will allow us to accelerate organizational growth, elevate our service experience, and enhance convenience and safety for our clients.

If you are unhappy with your current financial counsel or seek greater resilience and peace of mind, give us a call. We’d love to speak with you.

COMPANY PROFILE

Truxton is a premier provider of wealth, family office, and banking services for wealthy individuals, their families, and their business interests. Serving clients across the world, Truxton’s vastly experienced team of professionals provides customized solutions to its clients’ complex financial needs. Founded in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, Truxton upholds its original guiding principle: do the right thing. Truxton Trust Company is a subsidiary of financial holding company, Truxton Corporation (OTCPK: TRUX).

WEALTH

Strategic Wealth & Tax Planning, Investment Management, Risk Management, Fiduciary Services

FAMILY OFFICE

Trustee & Executor Services, Long-Term Care Management, Intergenerational Planning, Family Education & Governance, Philanthropic Management

BANKING

Private & Commercial Banking, Treasury Managment, Lending Solutions, Capital Advisory

Small but mighty

How Lipscomb men’s soccer coach Charles Morrow has turned a low-profile program into a national power

BY LOGAN BUTTS

or most of the past 30 years, Charles Morrow has been involved with the Lipscomb men’s soccer team in some capacity — first as a player during the school’s NAIA era, and then, for the past 19 seasons, as the program’s head coach.

Entering his 20th season in charge, Morrow has overseen an unprecedented level of success on the pitch. During the past seven seasons, Lipscomb has made five NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2018, Lipscomb advanced all the way to the round of 16, falling just one goal shy of the quarterfinals. In 2022, the Bisons spent much of the season ranked in the top 10 of the United Soccer Coaches National Poll, becoming the only program at Lipscomb to do so since the school’s transition to Division I in the late 1990s.

In January, Bisons Tyrese Spicer and Malachi Jones — an alum of Franklin’s Grace Christian Academy — were drafted first and eighth overall in the MLS SuperDraft, a remarkable feat for a school of Lipscomb’s size.

But despite having more than 150 wins under his belt and a crowded trophy cabinet, success isn’t Morrow’s ultimate goal. Or at least, the conventional definition of sports success.

“I have a lot of conversations about basic life stuff,” Morrow says. “It’s part of what makes the college environment really special to me. You get to walk alongside these guys as they’re experiencing all this growth and devel-

opment as a person during these four years.

“Championships are awesome and winning is great, and certainly better than losing, but, if my goal was solely chasing championships and getting guys into the pros, I’d be pretty unsuccessful. It’s just not as fulfilling. Seeing guys achieve their goals and dreams is fulfilling, but seeing them struggle through the daily grind of growing into and developing themselves as a person — that’s the work that is really satisfying.”

Wins and accolades also come with the loss of the very people who make the experience special, not just players moving on to careers, whether in soccer or otherwise, but assistants

moving up the coaching ladder at a different program. This is especially tough in the collegiate soccer world where players come together not just from across the country, but from across the world, creating a tight-knit, familial atmosphere.

“If we’re doing our job right, we are producing people, not just players, but staff that are highly desirable,” Morrow says. “For me there’s always a little bit of a time of mourning when you lose somebody.”

Everyone is integral to the overall goals of the team. From the head coach down, they all have a role to play in creating a successful environment.

Charles Morrow

“It’s not just surrounding yourself with people that think the same way as you,” Morrow says. “I like to be challenged. I think that there needs to be an environment where staff and players feel like they can ask questions and even disagree with me.”

For someone who has had his hands in just about every aspect of a college soccer program, this is by design. Complacency can often lead to stagnancy, and for a school of Lipscomb’s size, innovation is key.

“We’ve been able to grow the program by relinquishing control and giving ownership

to more than just one person,” the veteran coach says. “At the end of the day, there’s a lot of things that I have final say on and have control over. But, I think what I’ve been able to do is get good people around the program and then lean on them for their expertise and their opinion. When we are operating at our best, this is much more of a collaboration than it is a dictatorship.”

This sort of open-minded collaboration is how you can build a nationally respected program at a school with an enrollment of less than 5,000 students.

“It’s been a fun journey, a labor of love,” Morrow says. “I don’t stop and think too much about what it was like when I was a student here versus where we’re at now. There has been a lot of hard work and a lot of people that have worked to grow the program into what it is today. But it’s also a response to our environment. If you look at the school, what it is today versus 25 years ago, or even the city, where it is today versus 25 years ago, I think soccer being the world game it is, we’ve been able to capitalize on a lot of that growth.”

CONGRATULATIONS

FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AMONG THE 2024 INCHARGE HONOREES !

ANDREW BRUNETTE

BARRY TROTZ

MICHELLE KENNEDY

SEAN HENRY

New beginnings are a theme in this year’s issue. It’s a presidential election year and Nashville has a new mayor, but leaders are rotating into this esteemed list every year. Whether it’s been decades or weeks leading the companies, whether they’re well-known or under the radar, the 2024 In Charge list represents people to call on to make the city the best it can be.

Arts

Micah-Shane Brewer

Artistic Director, Nashville Repertory Theatre: Named regional theater’s fifth director in 2023 after joining as teaching artist in 2020. Company performs in TPAC space.

Patrick Cassidy

Artistic Director, Studio Tenn: Veteran producer and director who began tenure at Franklin nonprofit theater company in 2019. In 2023 opened permanent home, Turner Theater, at The Factory at Franklin for 300 patrons.

Seth Feman

Executive Director and CEO, Frist Art Museum: Photography expert and Nashville native took the helm in 2022 and has since focused on outreach. Previously spent decade at Chrysler Museum in Virginia.

Tim Henderson

Executive Director, Humanities Tennessee: Tenured leader of organization that presents history and culture programs statewide, including Nashville’s Southern Festival of Books. Celebrated 50 years in 2023.

John Hoomes

CEO and Artistic Director, Nashville Opera: Longtime leader and former artistic director has led several world premiere productions and oversaw upcoming Opera on Wheels offering.

Martha Ingram

Chairman Emerita, Ingram Industries: Longtime stalwart of local philanthropic and arts communities helped fund construction of Schermerhorn Symphony Center and regularly supports Nashville Symphony, Nashville Opera and Nashville Repertory Theatre.

Daniel Jones

Producing Artistic Director, Kindling Arts Festival: Curates and markets yearly performance art festival since 2018. Also serves as manager of artistic programming at OZ Arts.

Wesley King

Artistic Director, Nashville in Harmony: Experienced composer and minister leads choir for LGBTQ community founded in 2004. Also serves as chair of faith caucus of Tennessee Democratic Party.

Alex Lockwood

Director, Elephant Gallery: Created North Nashville gallery and leads alongside gallery manager Ellie Caudill. Focuses on local artists and is connected to area nonprofit Buchanan Arts.

David Lusk

Owner, David Lusk Gallery: Opened Wedgewood-Houston branch of Memphis gallery focused on fine and contemporary art in 2014. Also works as art dealer.

Jane MacLeod

President and CEO, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Has led sprawling gardens and event center for more than 10 years with art gallery inside its historic mansion and occasional outdoor installations. In recent years introduced four-season and evening programming.

Elisheba Mrozik

President, North Nashville Arts Coalition: Tattoo artist and muralist also known as Queen Bee Ink specializes in watercolor and realism designs on skin, as well as public art and canvas paintings. Founded One Drop Ink Tattoo Parlor and Gallery in 2010.

Nick Mullikin

Artistic Director and CEO, Nashville Ballet: Trained dancer and teacher replaced Paul Vasterling in 2023, overseeing all company productions. Former school director rose in ranks after joining company in 2015.

Mark Murphy

Executive and Artistic Director, Oz Arts Nashville: West Coast transplant and decorated teacher and director was named leader of contemporary art and performance center after brief run as artistic director in 2021. Is also an active writer and radio documentary producer.

Ernie Nolan

Executive Artistic Director, Nashville Children’s Theatre: Became leader in 2017 of institution that presented its first production for children in 1931. Has drama school, hosts field trips and in 2018 began offering shows for children 0-5.

Jason Padgitt

Executive Director, Nashville Film Festival: Former Gibson Brands exec took the helm at Nashville Film Festival in 2018. Was founded in 1969 and hosts week of screenings each fall.

Jamaal Sheats

Director and Curator, Fisk University Galleries: Alumnus of local HBCU and accomplished repoussé artist manages school’s permanent collection of more than 4,000 items.

Stephanie Silverman

Executive Director, Belcourt Theatre: Began leading one of state’s oldest institutions in 2007. Nonprofit indie theater has seen facility facelifts while maintaining its themed series.

Susan Tinney

Founder, Tinney Contemporary: Former biotech professional founded namesake downtown gallery in 2008 and helped launch First Saturday Art Crawl.

Isabel Tipton-Krispin

Executive Managing Director, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival: Former Nashville Ballet executive took over in 2022 for longtime leader of yearly public festival Denice Hicks, who is set to step down in 2024.

Jennifer Turner

President and CEO, Tennessee Performing Arts Center: Has led organization that hosts Broadway touring acts and other performances since 2019. In 2023 was promised $200 million from lawmakers to build new home as part of East Bank redevelopment.

Alan Valentine

President and CEO, Nashville Symphony: Decades-long leader has overseen growth of Grammy Award-winning institution, including fundraising for its 2006-built home.

Lain York

Director, Zeitgeist Gallery: Leader in local art community and painter began overseeing Wedgewood Houston-based Zeitgeist in 1999.

Education

Maryam Abolfazli

Founder, Rise & Shine Tennessee: Following Covenant School shooting founded nonprofit to build civic engagement. Group has been focused on gun safety and education-related issues. Also chair of Metro Human Relations Commission with career expertise in nonprofit, political and economic development.

Adrienne Battle

Director, Metro Nashville Public Schools: Head of city’s public school system since 2019. Led through pandemic and funding challenges. Has spent more than 20 years with system.

Dan Boone

President, Trevecca Nazarene University: Leads Church of Nazareneaffiliated institution as it earns grants to support initiatives ranging from environmental efforts to support for preachers in school of theology. Also continues to add degree programs and expand athletics fundraising. Has led university for nearly 20 years.

Randy Boyd

President, University of Tennessee: Has led UT on a permanent basis since 2020 after a stint as interim president. Former Haslam adviser, lost his 2018 bid for governor. Along with wife, Jenny, founded Boyd Foundation, which funds education and youth development programs among others like mental health and arts.

Christiane Buggs

CEO, PENCIL: Took over head role at education nonprofit in 2024 after founder Angie Adams announced her retirement. Former Metro Nashville Public Schools teacher and board member, first elected in 2016.

Kimberly Clay

Founder and CEO, Play Like a Girl: Head of organization that supports girls in sports who have STEM interests. Former public health expert and professor.

Agenia Clark

President, Fisk University: Former CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee took over as 18th leader of HBCU in November 2023. Also previously worked for Tennessee Education Lottery and Vanderbilt.

Katie Cour

President and CEO, Nashville Public Education Foundation: More than 20-year veteran of education, political and nonprofit industries now head of group that aims to support Nashville public schools. Former MNPS official and consultant.

Daniel Diermeier

Chancellor, Vanderbilt University: Leading multibillion-dollar fundraising initiative as part of school’s sesquicentennial celebration. Former University of Chicago administrator and Guggenheim fellow who took over on West End in 2020.

Rachael Anne Elrod

Chair, Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education: Reelected to board and chosen as chair in 2022, former teacher has spoken out against legislation for a statewide school voucher program. Has called funding among her top priorities, along with teacher recruitment and retention.

Glenda Baskin Glover

President, Tennessee State University: Announced retirement for end of 2023-24 school year after leading state’s biggest and only public HBCU for more than a decade.

Jason Golden

Superintendent, Williamson County Schools: Head of top-ranking school district was elevated to current leadership role in 2019. Contract runs through 2026. Has been with WCS since 2006.

Shanna Jackson

President, Nashville State Community College: Began at NSCC in 2018 after associate vice president role at Columbia State’s Williamson campus. Oversaw opening of community college’s Madison campus in 2022, with new building for school of health sciences to open in 2024.

Greg Jones

President, Belmont University: Leads growing school, which plans to welcome students to new medical school in fall. Replaced Bob Fisher in 2021.

Watechia Lawless Mitchell

Director of Children and Youth Initiatives, O ce of the Mayor: Former executive principal at Napier Elementary who moved to take community superintendent job for Hamilton County Schools. Returned to Metro at invitation of new Mayor Freddie O’Connell.

Candice McQueen

President, Lipscomb University: Took the helm of Church of Christ-a liated university in 2021. Previous CEO of National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. Former state education commissioner under Haslam and dean of Lipscomb’s College of Education.

Sidney McPhee

President, Middle Tennessee State University: Head of one of state’s most important educational institutions for more than 20 years. Has overseen expansion of online course options. Lead openings of health sciences and construction management buildings along with groundbreaking for future student-athlete performance center.

Holly Rachel

Executive Director, Darrell S. Freeman Sr. Incubation and Innovation Center: Co-founder and president of Nashville’s Blacks in Technology chapter was named to role at Fisk in 2023. Has launched several tech education programs to serve underrepresented communities.

Lizette Reynolds Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education: Sworn in June 2023. Previous vice president of policy for ExcelinEd. Served as deputy legislative director under then-Gov. George W. Bush and was chief deputy commissioner at Texas Education Agency.

Finance

Vic Alexander

Chief Manager, KraftCPAs: Joined accounting and advisory firm in 1982 and was named to top job in 1993. In addition to practice, oversees operations and management.

Paul Allen

President and CEO, Wealth Strategies Partners: Founded firm in 2014. Provides financial services planning services to families, institutions and executives.

Rajeev Amara

CEO, Arcline Investment Management: From Nashville, oversees private equity firm with additional offices in New York and San Francisco. Closed $4.5 billion fund last year. Former managing director at Golden Gate Capital.

Teresa J.W. Bailey

Nashville President, Waddell & Associates: Was promoted last year to lead Nashville o ce of investment firm with further presence in Memphis and Aspen. Maintains wealth strategy and professional services practice.

Sam Bennett

O ce Managing Partner, KPMG: Has worked with firm for nearly entire career. Oversees Nashville and Knoxville o ces of Big Four firm and focuses on clients in consumer, retail and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Seth Bernstein

President and CEO, AllianceBernstein: Moved asset management firm from New York to Nashville. Earlier this year brought on Jackie Marks from Condé Nast as CFO.

David Briggs

President, Fifth Third Bank (Tennessee): Former market president for Capital Bank and longtime Bank of America o cial joined Cincinnati lender in 2018.

Monique Villa Capra

Senior Investment Adviser, Beyond Ventures: Founded Build In SE networking group for entrepreneurs. Was chief investment o cer at Launch Tennessee before taking on role at venture capital and philanthropy strategy firm last year.

Sid Chambless

Managing Partner, Nashville Capital Network: Last year celebrated 20year anniversary for early-stage investment firm. Dozens of companies have raised more than $100 million via the platform.

Lindsey Cox

CEO, Launch Tennessee: Returned to public-private entrepreneurial organization in 2022 after stints at The Company Lab in Chattanooga and U.S. Economic Development Administration.

John Crosslin

and Justin Crosslin

Co-Managing Principals, Crosslin: Jointly lead CPA firm that was founded more than three decades ago.

Maura Cunningham

Founder and CEO, Rock the Street, Wall Street: Former finance professional launched organization more than a decade ago that seeks to draw girls into finance sector.

They envision and work toward a better future.

Aida Whitfield Family and Children’s Services

Allie Omens Metro Nashville Waste Services

Jennifer Hess VUMC Emergency Medicine

Elizabeth Leiserson Legal Aid Society

Chris Whitney One Generation Away

Paul Demastus

Board Chairman and Audit Shareholder, LBMC: Has more than 25 years of experience working with public and private companies of various sizes and complexities in providing attest and risk-based audit services. Joined LBMC in 2003.

Aaron Dorn

CEO, Studio Bank: Co-founded bank in 2018 after stints with Avenue. Opened offices in Clarksville and Williamson County for the company with assets near $1 billion.

L.A. Galyon

Managing Partner, Brentwood Capital Advisors: Oversaw move of 1999-founded investment bank from Williamson County to Midtown.

Chase Gilbert

CEO, Built Technologies: Co-founded construction loan software management company that achieved “unicorn” status in 2021. Has laid off some workers and hired a CFO with experience in taking companies public.

Laurel Graefe

Regional Executive, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta: The Fed’s Nashville representative. Frequent speaker on panels and other community discussions about economy. Serves in various leadership positions.

Tony Gregory

CEO, Volunteer State Bank: Former Simmons Bank regional leader joined Volunteer State Bank in 2021. Last year oversaw its merger with Fourth Capital, also owned by Gaylon Lawrence.

Parker Griffith

Southeastern Market Director, Robert W. Baird Private Wealth Management: More than three decades of experience at Morgan Stanley and, since 2012, Baird.

Robyn Hari

Nashville Managing Principal, Diversified Trust: Veteran financial planner has since 2016 been local managing principal for regional firm.

Clay Hart

Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Leads bank’s commercial banking group for Middle Tennessee. Held past positions at Renasant and Capital Bank and Trust.

Greg Herman

Managing Partner, LBMC Investment Advisors: Spent nearly two-and-a-half decades at accounting and advisory firm. Joined office to help spearhead tax and investment advice offerings.

Chris Holmes

CEO, FB Financial: Top leader at FirstBank parent for past decade. Bank’s name is on Vanderbilt’s underconstruction football stadium. Board recently added former HCA chief Milton Johnson.

Denise Horvath

Market Director for Tennessee and Alabama, JPMorgan Chase: Previously in Atlanta and Indianapolis. Oversees regional retail growth for country’s largest bank.

Matt Jernigan

CEO, Ascend Federal Credit Union: Last year assumed leadership role from longtime head Caren Gabriel. Tullahoma-based credit union has expanded around region in recent years.

Mike Johnson

President and Head of Corporate Banking, PNC Bank Tennessee: Has led Pittsburgh-based bank’s local operations, including retail expansion, since 2018. Previously spent nearly two decades with Wells Fargo.

Derrick Jones

President, Truxton Trust: Joined bank upon its founding two decades ago. Last year was elevated to president, succeeding Andrew May.

Kelley Kee

Tennessee President, United Community Bank: Brought on last year to run Tennessee operations for bank that in 2022 acquired Reliant. Previously an EVP at Regions, he succeeded John Wilson in role.

Kevin Lavender

Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bancorp: Former state banking official joined Fifth Third in 2005. Part of group that acquired and moved Nashville City Club.

Gaylon Lawrence

Owner, F&M Bank, Volunteer State Bank: Has ownership in various local financial institutions. Last year, oversaw merger of his Fourth Capital and Volunteer State banks.

Jackie Marks

CFO, AllianceBernstein: Joining Nashville-based investment firm this year from Condé Nast. Succeeding interim CFO Bill Siemers and longtime AB official Kate Burke.

Joe Maxwell

Managing Partner, FINTOP Capital: Serial fintech entrepreneur has led firm since 2016. Serves on several company boards.

Rob McCabe

Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Long banking career in Knoxville and later Nashville. Helped establish Nashville’s biggest local bank.

Chuck McDowell

Founder and CEO, Wesley Financial Group: Runs company that has relieved more than $450 million collectively of timeshare mortgage debt, helping approximately 30,000 clients cancel their timeshare. MTSU graduate started career in timeshare sales.

John McDearman

CEO, Wilson Bank & Trust: Leads suburban-based bank that now seeks to expand in Williamson County and Chattanooga.

Jeff McGruder II

Chief Relationship Officer, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust: Helping push historic Black-owned bank forward after stints at Pinnacle, BB&T and Regions. Has served on boards for various community entities.

Rob McNeilly

Middle Tennessee President, Bank of Tennessee: Former SunTrust and Synovus official was last year tapped to lead regional operations for Kingsport-based lender. Short-lived retirement ended with appointment.

Jim Meade

CEO and Managing Shareholder, LBMC: This year succeeded Jeff Drummonds in charge of regional accounting and advisory firm. Formerly leader of LBMC’s technology segment. Has more than 25 years of accounting and auditing experience in various industries.

Jennie Menzie

CEO and President, Cumberland Trust: Succeeded Pepe Presley in leadership at company. An attorney who has held several positions at Cumberland Trust since 2012.

Johnny Moore

Regional President, Truist Financial: Experienced banker with ties in Memphis. Tapped to run Tennessee operations for combined SunTrustBB&T institution. Newly named to MDHA board.

Tyson Moore

Market President, Bank of America: Runs Nashville-area operations for Bank of America, which recently opened a Brentwood branch. Continues in regional leadership role for Merrill Lynch.

Lisa Nix

Shareholder, Practice Leader, Transaction Advisory Services, LBMC: Has more than 25 years of experience in public accounting and health care, including leading M&A transaction services teams for both strategic and financial buyers.

Tom O’Connor

Market Executive and Senior Director of Middle Market Banking: Former CapStar and Truist official joined Synovus in 2022 to oversee Nashville market.

Jim Regnier

Managing Partner, Forvis: Oversees national tax specialty services unit for Top 10 accounting firm. Moved to Nashville a decade ago to help BKD (later Forvis) establish a local office.

Jim Rieniets

President and CEO, INSBANK: Chairs Tennessee Bankers Association. Joined bank upon its inception twoplus decades ago.

Abbey Ruby

Partner, Holland & Knight: Joined Waller in 2020. Now co-leads successor firm’s financial services practice. Represents lenders, borrowers and others in transactions.

Jim Schmitz

Nashville Market Leader, Elliott Davis: Led Nashville operations for Regions Bank before joining accounting and advisory firm in 2019.

David Scott

Middle Tennessee President, SmartBank: Former Regions banker leads Nashville-area for East Tennessee lender. Holds leadership positions with Rutherford County organizations.

Wes Scott

Member, Epstein Becker Green: Health care transactions expert joined firm early this year. Previously led Nashville M&A practice at Nelson Mullins.

Tim Stadthaus

CEO, Asurion: Last year was promoted to top job at tech insurance and repair company, succeeding Tony Detter. Longtime employee was previously president of growth and chief revenue officer.

Clif Tant

Nashville Market President, Old National Bank: Joined Indiana institution shortly before its acquisition of CapStar was made public last year. Worked at CapStar upon its founding in 2008 and later held SVP role at ServisFirst.

Josh Trusley

Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young: Promoted last year to local leadership role at top accounting firm. Has worked at company for 20plus years and serves as Adventure Science Center board chair.

Terry Turner

President and CEO, Pinnacle Financial Partners: First and only leader for largest Nashville-based bank. Eyes growing market share.

Phoebe Venable

President and CEO, CapWealth: Named leader of firm focused on high-net-worth families in 2019. Founder Tim Pagliara remains chair and chief investment officer.

Bradford Vieira

Regional CEO, ServisFirst Bank

Nashville: Led Alabama bank’s expansion into Tennessee in 2013. In 2021, moved operations to Broadwest.

John West

Office Managing Partner, Deloitte: Firm veteran oversees Middle Tennessee team, a role the audit and assurance practice leader has held since 2020.

Carol Yochem

President, Middle Tennessee Region, First Horizon Bank: Continues to leads regional team for bank after its acquisition by TD Bank fell apart. A former Post Most Powerful Women honoree.

Food

Craig Barber

CEO, Restaurant Growth Services LLC: Has since 2017 led company known for its O’Charley’s, 99 Restaurant & Pub and Coop & Run brands.

Bob Bernstein

Owner, Bongo Productions: Veteran contributor to city’s café and coffee culture with his Bongo Java and sister businesses. Company’s Fido has been a Hillsboro Village mainstay since 1996. Conducts roasting operations at Alloy at Tech Hill.

Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr.

Co-Owners, Hattie B’s: Father-son tandem founded hot-chicken restaurant in 2012 in Midtown and have since opened locations in Atlanta, Austin, Birmingham, Dallas, Las Vegas and Memphis. Tourist-popular eatery also found on Eighth Avenue South, Charlotte Avenue and Fifth + Broadway.

Matt Bodnar

Partner, Fresh Hospitality and Fresh Capital: Part of group involved with Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Biscuit Love and Taziki’s, among others. Company’s real estate holdings are numerous and include Hunters Station food hall in East Nashville.

Sean Brock

Restaurateur: Former Husk chef/partner walked away from his Charleston properties to focus on multiple East Nashville projects, including Audrey. Also operates Joyland on the east side and Bar Continental in the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Opened June in 2022 in McFerrin Park (in the same building as Audrey).

Ginna Winfree Burrell Alcoholic Beverage Law Section Leader, Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin: Former Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission assistant director joined downtown law firm in 2016. A member of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators Board of Directors.

Maneet Chauhan

President, Morph Hospitality Group: Judge on Food Network’s Chopped opened North Gulch’s Chauhan Ale and Masala House in 2014. Closed Chaatable on city’s west side in August 2022 and Tànsuŏ in North Gulch in January. Still operates The Mockingbird next to Chauhan Ale and Masala House.

Will Cheek III

Partner, Adams and Reese: Leads law firm’s alcoholic beverage group, providing licensing and regulatory compliance advice to restaurants, hotels, art venues, bars and clubs. Key legal sector player related to Tennessee liquor law.

Sharon Cheek

Executive Director, Tennessee Craft Brewer’s Guild: Sector leader steers statewide organization that, in early 2023, announced ale trail program.

These

Mignon Francois

Founder and CEO, The Cupcake Collection: Launched bakery business in Germantown in 2008 and now prepping to open shops in South Davidson County (Lenox Village) and Hendersonville. Author of Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe. Also operates outpost in her native New Orleans.

Benjamin Goldberg and Max Goldberg

Co-Owners, Strategic Hospitality: Brothers lead company known for Bastion, Kisser, Locust, Henrietta Red and The Catbird Seat. Have not announced when Merchants (which su ered fire damage in early 2023) will reopen. Sold remaining ownership stake in Pinewood Social to Sorrell Hospitality in March 2023.

Clint Gray, Derrick Moore and Emanuel “E.J.” Reed

Owners, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: Former TSU classmates have grown pizza and beer restaurant empire beyond North Nashville to locations in Memphis, Atlanta and Sacramento. Closed E G & Mc on Je erson Street in 2023.

Howard Greenstone

Restaurateur and Co-Founder, Red Pebbles Hospitality: Native New Yorker owns, or is partner in, 404 Kitchen, Adele’s, Bajo Sexto, Emmy Squared, The Nashville Sundae Club and Sadie’s.

Linus Hall

Owner, Yazoo Brewing: Operates longtime brewery straddling Cumberland River in Madison (opened in 2019), after previous homes at Marathon Village and The Gulch. Brewery celebrated 20 years of operations in October 2023. Announced early this year Grillshack Fries and Burgers will operate inside the brewery.

Cordia Harrington

CEO, Crown Bakeries: Former McDonald’s franchisee launched baking business in 1996, later adding multiple plants and lines of business. Leads entity previously named The Bakery Cos.

Doug Hogrefe

Partner, 4Top Hospitality: Teams with Paul Schramkowski, David Conn and Ben Brock to operate multiple restaurants in Huntsville, Memphis and Jackson, Miss. Nashville fixtures include Amerigo, Etch, Etc., Jasper’s and Char.

Chris Hyndman

CEO, President and Founder, MStreet: With real estate investor Jim Caden, helped reinvent McGavock Street (aka MStreet) in The Gulch with Virago, Moto, Saint Anejo and Kayne Prime.

Wesley Keegan

Founder and CEO, TailGate Brewery: Oversees one of state’s five largest brewing operations. West Davidson County facility features taproom and pizza. With locations in Music Row, North Capitol, East Nashville and Chattanooga, brewery opened outpost in Hendersonville in late 2023.

Philip Krajeck

Owner, Chef and Managing Member, Rolf & Daughters, Folk: Was lone James Beard Award finalist from a Nashville restaurant in 2023. Planning to open this year Junior Restaurant and Wine Bar at Dickerson Pike site of former Piggly Wiggly building.

Andy Marshall

Owner, A. Marshall Hospitality: Runs Franklin company known for Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, Deacon’s New South and Scout’s Pub. Closed Americana Taphouse in downtown Franklin early this year.

Pat Martin

Owner, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Started business in Nolensville retail strip center and now o ers Nashville, Louisville, Birmingham and Charleston spots. Also owns Hugh Baby’s burger chain.

Julie Felss Masino

President and Interim CEO, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Former Taco Bell executive will replace Sandra Cochran, executive chair of company’s board, as permanent CEO on Nov. 1.

Teresa Mason

Owner, Wilburn Street Tavern, Mas Tacos Por Favor: Began operating Mas Tacos in 2014 and jump-started dive bar Wilburn Street Tavern in 2018.

Claire Meneely

Owner, Dozen Bakery: Nashville native started business as pop-up in 2009 before finding brick-and-mortar location in Wedgewood-Houston in 2015.

Margot McCormack

Chef and Owner, Margot Café and Bar: Oversees Five Points restaurant that helped fuel Nashville’s now nationally respected culinary scene and culture.

Trevor Moran

Owner, Locust: Ireland-born restaurateur has garnered national and local accolades. Former Catbird Seat chef.

Andy Mumma

Founder, Barista Parlor: Café chain owner faced employee walkouts in 2023. Oversees robot-themed tiki bar Chopper in East Nashville.

Arnold Myint

Co-Owner, International Market 2: Operates Belmont Boulevard Thai restaurant with sister Anna Myint. Competed in season seven of Top Chef and known for drag character Suzy Wong.

Andy Nelson

Co-Founder and Head Distiller, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: Partnered with brother, and former company President and CEO Charlie Nelson, to jumpstart in 2006 family business their great-great-great grandfather founded in late 1800s. Company was sold in 2019 to Constellation Brands.

Catherine Newman and Will Newman

Owners, Edley’s Bar-B-Que and 12South Filling Station: Wife-andhusband team operates locations in Chattanooga, Sylvan Park, East Nashville, Nolensville (Lenox Village), Glen Carbon (Ill.), Donelson and, most recently opened, in Williamson County’s Factory at Franklin and Berry Farms. Couple also owns Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina.

Deb Paquette

Executive Chef of Etch, Etc. and Jasper’s: Local restaurant scene stalwart for more than 32 years. Involved with Etch in SoBro and Etc. in Green Hills. Teamed with 4Top partners in 2020 to convert West End’s Saltine to Jasper’s. Served executive chef stints at Cakewalk and Bounty in the early 1990s.

André Prince

Owner, Prince’s Hot Chicken: Matriarch of original hot-chicken purveyors. Has garnered awards from Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Nashville Scene in recent years.

Austin Ray

President and Founder, A.Ray Hospitality: Operator of M.L.Rose neighborhood pubs in Melrose, Sylvan Park, Mt. Juliet and Capitol View. Announced in December 2023 a Sumner County outpost to open this year. Also owns Von Elrod’s adjacent to First Horizon Park and Melrose Billiards. Closed Rambler and The Sutler in March 2022.

Randy Rayburn

Owner, Midtown Cafe: Among local restaurant industry’s elder statesmen. Founded Midtown Café in 1997. Nashville State Community College culinary arts program named in his honor. His Music City Hospitality Consulting is part of partnership that opened Moxy Hotel near Cabana Taps and developed concept plan and menu for reinvented Elliston Place Soda Shop.

Michael Shemtov

Co-Principal, Honest to Goodness Hospitality. Teams with fellow principals Bryan Lee Weaver and Jake Mogelson to operate parent company of Butcher & Bee, Redheaded Stranger and The Rose Room. Team is preparing to open this year Fancypants at Dickerson Pike’s Pig (named for site’s former Piggly Wiggly).

Nina Singto

Owner, Thai Esane: Partners with relative Tim Singto to operate small chain of Asian restaurants. Thai Esane can be found in Midtown, East Nashville, Brentwood and at downtown’s Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway. The Singtos are now planning an outpost in Birmingham.

Bailey Spaulding

CEO and Founder, Jackalope Brewing: Ex-Vanderbilt Law graduate opted in 2009 to nix pursuing legal career to start brewery with friend Robyn Virball (who later left). Teams with COO Steve Wright. Closed Gulch location in 2020 to focus on Wedgewood-Houston brewery.

Christian Spears

Founder, CEO and President, Tennessee Brew Works: Affable face of Pie Town brewery recognized for playful menu and eye-catching interior and outdoor spaces. University of North Carolina grad previously worked in New York finance sector.

Vivek Surti

Owner, Tailor: Operates South Asian American cuisine dinner club-style restaurant that originally opened on Third Avenue North in Germantown in 2018 and relocated in 2022 to that neighborhood’s Taylor Street.

Kent Taylor

Co-Founder, Blackstone Brewing: Accountant by trade who unwittingly serves as de facto godfather of Nashville’s brewery scene. Opened Blackstone in 1994, with brewery both canning and bottling. Brews lagers for friend Scott Mertie’s Nashville Brewing Company.

Q-Juan Taylor

Operating Partner, Reed Hospitality: Partners with Ed Reed and Sam Reed to oversee company known for Sinema and 8th & Roast. Worked for six years in hotel industry before joining Reed Hospitality in 2013.

Max Wetzel

CEO, CKE Restaurants: Named to position at Hardee’s parent in March 2023, replacing Ned Lyerly. Offers more than 20 years of restaurant industry experience, including stints at Kraft Heinz and Papa Johns.

Tandy Wilson

Chef and Owner, City House: Ranks among Nashville’s most respected chefs, having captured prestigious James Beard Award as 2016 Best Chef Southeast. Opened Germantown restaurant in 2007 and shows no signs of slowing.

Sarah Worley

Co-Owner, Biscuit Love: Began operations in 2012 with Airstream food truck. Operates with husband Karl Worley four Biscuit Love locations in Nashville area and one near Birmingham.

Government/ Politics

Kim Adkins

Principal, Capitol Strategy Group: Former TVA and TDEC official now represents clients including Pfizer and Tennessee Broadband Association. Board member for Nashville Sports Council and Metro Sports Authority.

Ward Baker

President and Founder, Baker Group Strategies: Former NRSC official has become go-to strategist for Tennessee Republicans. Maintains other campaign and corporate work around country.

Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Senator: Tennessee’s senior senator, now seeking a second term. Continues to focus on immigration and support for Donald Trump.

Will Brewer

Legal Counsel, Tennessee Right to Life: Lobbyist for anti-abortion group at Capitol. Involved in debates over loosening state’s abortion ban.

Michelle Brown

Senior Manager for Public Policy, Amazon: Former legislative attorney and Nashville Chamber official now leads Amazon’s government relations in Tennessee, with a focus on Nashville.

Mark Cate

President and Principal, Stones River Group: Former Haslam aide has a long list of lobbying clients, including Nashville SC, Cheekwood and Waste Management.

Yuri Cunza

CEO, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Former media professional who now leads business group and is frequent presence at community events.

John Drake

Chief, Metro Nashville Police Department: Started with department as a patrol cop. Later assumed top job during contentious 2020 summer.

Glenn Funk

District Attorney General, Davidson County: Top Nashville prosecutor’s disputes with state ebb and flow. Won reelection in 2022 despite competition.

Mark Green

U.S. Congressman, 7th District: Clarksville Republican’s district took on a chunk of Nashville after redistricting. Failed in short-lived bid for speaker but continues to chair homeland security committee.

Scott Golden

Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party: Has led state’s dominant political party since 2016.

Bill Hagerty

U.S. Senator: Trump ally succeeded Lamar Alexander after a career as an investor, state ECD official and ambassador to Japan.

Joe Hall

Partner, Hall Strategies: Former newspaper reporter and Ingram Group partner leads eponymous firm. Prolific Nashville lobbyist’s clients include Bristol Motor Speedway, Greater Nashville Realtors and Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp.

Blake Harris

CEO, BHA Strategy: Former chief of staff to Gov. Bill Lee launched lobbying and PR firm last year. Recently brought on another top Lee adviser, Brent Easley. Clients include Ford and Vanderbilt University.

Estie Harris

Principal, Harris Frazier Government Relations: Longtime Tennessee lobbyist maintains practice with clients including HCA and St. Jude.

LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH

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K&L Gates LLP. Global counsel across five continents. To learn more about our full-service offerings in Nashville contact Lauren Patten, Managing Partner, at lauren.patten@klgates.com.

Angie Henderson

Vice Mayor, Metro Nashville: Former Green Hills-area councilmember bested incumbent Jim Shulman in last year’s election. Now tasked with running Metro Council meetings, appointing key committee leaders.

Greg Hinote

Partner, Jigsaw: Longtime Nashville politico. Teams with Sam Reed and Beecher Frasier. Clients include Titans, Ryman Hospitality and Oracle.

Tom Ingram

Founder and Chairman, The Ingram Group: Veteran political strategist who helmed several statewide Republican campaigns over the decades. Has represented Google and Ballad Health.

Bradley Jackson

President and CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Former state official has been with statewide business group since 2007, as leader since 2016.

Darren Jernigan

Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Mayor: First elected to state House in 2012 from Old Hickory. Not running for reelection to guide new Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s relationship with state.

Jack Johnson

Senate Majority Leader: Franklinbased GOP leader survived primary challenge in 2022. Now a contender to succeed Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.

Tequila Johnson

CEO, The Equity Alliance: Started civic engagement and Black empowerment group with co-founder Charlane Oliver in wake of 2016 election. Has advocated for voting rights and civil rights issues.

Justin Jones

State Representative, District 52: Democrat in middle of high-tension legislative debates. Was expelled from General Assembly last year for leading a gun control protest on House floor, then quickly returned to position.

Kim Kaegi

Fundraiser: Longtime Tennessee political fundraiser has worked with top Republicans statewide and for Nashville mayors.

William Lamberth

House Majority Leader: Sumner County Republican helps shepherd governor’s agenda through legislature.

Brad Lampley

Partner, Adams and Reese: Former leader of firm’s Nashville office now leads its group focused on intersection of business and government. Represents Tennessee Bar Association, Regions Bank and Apple in lobbying practice.

Bill Lee

Governor, State of Tennessee: Now in second term and focused on extending taxpayer-funded private school scholarships to Tennessee students. Unsuccessful in pushing his fellow Republicans for action on guns in wake of Covenant shooting.

Lisa Sherman Luna

Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: Has led advocacy and support group since 2020. Work includes support for New Americans and political campaigns.

David McMahan

Principal, McMahan Winstead & Richardson: Long list of lobbying clients includes Tennessee hospitals and alcohol industry. Firm in 2020 expanded to Washington.

Randy McNally

Lieutenant Governor, State of Tennessee: Has held leadership role in state Senate since 2017. Contenders positioning themselves to become his successor.

Bob Mendes

Chief Development Officer, Office of the Mayor: Former high-profile Metro councilmember. Ally of new Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who tapped him to lead city’s work on East Bank.

Freddie O’Connell

Mayor, Metro Nashville: Transitfocused Metro councilmember beat crowded field in 2023 election. Now settling in to new job as city faces development, housing, other challenges.

Charlane Oliver

State Senator, District 19: Equity Alliance co-founder succeeded Brenda Gilmore in state legislature. Key opposition voice in GOP-dominated state government.

Justin Owen

President and CEO, Beacon Center of Tennessee: Helms conservative think tank that advocates for school choice and regulatory reform.

Erica Vick Penley

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Lobbying client list includes Jack Daniel’s, insurance providers and oil industry. Leads firm’s government advocacy and public policy group.

Delishia Porterfield

Metro Councilmember, At Large: Opted against running for second term in district to seek countywide seat. Appointed chair of powerful budget committee at start of term.

Hendrell Remus

Chair, Tennessee Democratic Party: Has led state’s minority party since 2021. Seeks to win back seats and break GOP supermajority.

Ralph Schulz

President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Former Adventure Science Center leader has helmed city’s business group for nearly two decades.

Quin Evans Segall

Metro Councilmember, At Large: Emerged from crowded field as one of five elected to countywide at-large seats. Attorney by trade who focuses, in part, on zoning and housing issues.

Cameron Sexton

Speaker of the House: Tapped for top House job after Glen Casada’s 2019 fall.

Patrick Sheehy

President, Tennessee Business Roundtable: Has since 2016 led statewide business organization after stint as political adviser to Cracker Barrel and other roles.

Kathy Sinback

Executive Director, ACLU of Tennessee: Former court administrator and public defender was in 2022 tapped to succeed Hedy Weinberg, longtime leader of civil rights organization.

Jonathan Skrmetti

Tennessee Attorney General: New (as of 2022) top state attorney has not been shy about wading into national political and legal fights. Harvard grad is a former deputy AG and counsel to governor.

Zulfat Suara

Metro Councilmember, At Large: Reelected to second term last year as top vote-getter in crowded at-large field.

Tori Venable

State Director, Americans for Prosperity: At helm of state chapter of prominent political organization. Leads support for school choice and criminal justice reform and opposition to economic development deals for big companies.

Health Care

Ralph Alvarado

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health: Kentucky legislator was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee in 2022. Alvarado has encouraged COVID-19 vaccination, state abortion ban and worked on senior services in the state.

Hal Andrews

CEO, Trilliant Health: Founded data and analytics venture in 2017. Lawyer turned serial startup entrepreneur previously led Digital Reasoning, Aegis and Shareable, among others.

Richard Ashworth

President and CEO, Amedisys: Took the helm at Amedisys in 2023 after serving as Tivity CEO. Home health provider Amedisys agreed to be acquired by UnitedHealth for $3.3 billion months later.

Cindy Baier

CEO, Brookdale Senior Living: Took top spot in 2018. She has since led company through restructuring and reportedly explored sale in 2022. In early 2024, Brookdale made several more leadership changes.

Jack Bailey

Managing Director, Bailey & Company: Founded in 2005 Brentwood investment bank that works on health care and tech deals worth more than collective $17 billion. Previously worked in politics and in middle market transactions.

Michael Bailey

CEO, American Health Partners: Leads Franklin-based company founded in 1976. American Health Partners provides long-term care, acute care psychiatric hospitals and other health care services in 10 states. In 2021, it was purchased by Michigan investment firm.

Jeff Ballard

CEO, Delta Dental: Former president and CFO replaced longtime CEO Philip Wenk in 2023 after joining company in 2015.

Jeff Balser

President and CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Oversaw hospital and Vanderbilt University separation in 2016 after taking the helm in 2009. Also serves as dean of med school. VUMC has $500 million, 15-story inpatient tower under construction.

Brian Barnes

CEO, Blakeford Senior Life: Was promoted to top spot in 2018 for company, which offers independent living location for seniors in Green Hills, at-home care and opened its first memory care facility late 2022.

Katina Beard

CEO, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center: Has led 55-yearold institution since 2015. Manages three area clinics and mobile unit focused on affordable care.

Adam Boehler

CEO, Rubicon Founders: Former director of Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in Trump administration started fund in 2021 and launched its first company, Evergreen Nephrology. Now managing six portfolio companies.

Marty Bonick

President and CEO, Ardent Health Services: New member of Nashville Health Care Council board and 25year hospital operations veteran oversees Ardent’s 30 facilities in six states. Launched health care innovation studio SwitchPoint Ventures in 2023.

Chuck Byrge

President and CEO, Harpeth Capital: Leader since 2005 of middle market investment banking firm. Previously worked in M&A, capital raising and led FTN Financial’s i-banking team.

Devin Carty

CEO, Martin Ventures: Co-founder of Wellvana Health and Reimagine Care has led investment firm focused on health care technology since 2018.

Apryl Childs-Potter

President, Nashville Health Care Council: Took the helm in 2022 and led efforts for council’s first national conference in 2023. Formerly worked for Greater Memphis Chamber.

Stu Clark

CEO, Premise Health: Oversaw 2014 worksite health care merger that created company after taking the helm at what would become Premise in 2006. Company opened primary care center in Northern Indiana in 2023.

Bob Crants

Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Pharos Capital Group: Co-founded firm based in Nashville and Dallas in 1998 with Kneeland Youngblood. Firm invests in home health and acquired cardiac monitoring company RhythMedix in early 2024.

Neil de Crescenzo

CEO, Change Healthcare: Former Oracle exec took the helm in 2013 at company, formerly known as Emdeon. Change was acquired by UnitedHealth Group in 2022 despite Department of Justice proceedings.

Michael Cuffe

Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Vice President, HCA: Industry veteran took role in early 2022. Was added to Belmont University Board of Trust in 2023.

David Curtis and Justin DeWitte

Managing Partners, Graham Healthcare Capital: Co-founded firm in 2018, and have since invested in nine portfolio companies, including Clarus call center, autism therapy company Surpass Behavioral Health and mobile aesthetics business, The Skin Clique.

Daniel Dawes

Executive Director, Meharry Global Health Equity Institute: National public health leader joined Meharry in 2023 to lead school of global public health, which is set to enroll first students in fall 2024.

Nancy-Ann DeParle

Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Consonance Capital Partners: Former White House staffer during Obama administration manages health care private equity portfolio. Also director at CVS and HCA.

Natalie Dickson

President and Chief Strategy Officer, Tennessee Oncology: Was promoted in 2022 after serving as chief medical officer since 2014. Oversees Midtown headquarters slated for 2025 completion.

David Dill

CEO, Lifepoint Health: Longtime employee took the helm at Lifepoint in 2018 following union with RCCH HealthCare Partners. In 2023, Lifepoint announced joint venture with Ascension Saint Thomas to manage area hospital HighPoint Health System.

Bill Frist

Co-Founder and Partner, Frist Cressey Ventures: Serial entrepreneur and former U.S. Senate majority leader with transplant surgery background founded venture capital firm in 2016. Also founded health equity nonprofit NashvilleHealth, co-founded CareBridge and holds a special partner position at private equity firm Cressey and Company.

Bobby Frist

Chairman and CEO, HealthStream: Co-founded health care workforce development company in 1990 and has served as CEO since. In 2023 HealthStream acquired peer company Eeds for $7 million.

Congratulations, Jeff Ballard!

Delta Dental of Tennessee congratulates Jeff on being included in the Nashville Post’s In Charge list and for his many years of dedication to spreading smiles across Tennessee—and beyond.

Harrison Frist

CEO, naviHealth: Has been with postacute care management company focused on seniors since its founding in 2012. Became CEO in early 2021.

Mark J. Foley

CEO, Revance Therapeutics: Took the lead in 2019 of neuromodulator company and moved its headquarters to Nashville in 2020. Company makes Botox competitor Daxxify and other aesthetics injectables.

David Grams

CEO, Compassus: Began leading Brentwood-based home health care, infusion, palliative and hospice services provider in 2021. Company in 2023 merged with Ascension Saint Thomas to serve Nashville’s surrounding counties under Ascension Saint Thomas Home Health name.

David Guth

Tim Hingtgen

CEO, Community Health Systems: Originally joined company in 2008 and took top spot in 2021. Publicly traded company operates 71 hospitals in 15 states.

Reginald Holt

CEO, Meharry Medical College

Ventures: Former Cigna exec took the helm in 2023 for Meharry Medical College subsidiary holding company that launched in 2021.

Angela Humphreys

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Works on health care mergers and acquisitions, operational matters and finance as leader of firm’s health care practice group. Previously spent 20 years exclusively on health care M&A.

Christopher Hunter

CEO, Centerstone: Co-founded nonprofit behavioral health provider in 1992. Centerstone now operates in four states with inpatient, outpatient, addiction and specialized military services.

Brian Haile

CEO, Neighborhood Health: Nonprofit community health care clinic leader helped lead Nashville’s COVID-19 response for homeless population. Formerly worked as TennCare deputy COO and at Jackson Hewitt before taking the helm in 2017.

Jay Hardcastle

Partner, Bradley: Veteran partner and former Boult Cummings managing director specializes in M&A, joint ventures, Medicare/Medicaid issues and whistleblower defenses for health care agencies.

Sam Hazen

CEO, HCA Healthcare: Began leading locally based hospital giant in 2019, covering 183 hospitals and 2,300 ambulatory care sites nationally. In 2023, company looked to expand TriStar to East Nashville and completed construction on Hendersonville location.

James Hildreth

President and CEO, Meharry Medical College: Took the helm at one of nation’s oldest and largest historically Black academic health science centers in 2015. Recently spearheaded development of its Diaspora Human Genomics Institute.

Brent Hill

Partner, Holland & Knight: Serves as chair of firm’s health care section, focusing on acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures, and specializing in physician practice management.

CEO, Acadia Healthcare: Former Humana, Onlife and BlueCross BlueShield exec took the helm at Franklin-based behavioral health company in 2022. Company has network of 253 facilities in 39 states.

Shubhada Jagasia

President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown and West Hospitals: Former VUMC adult hospital chief of staff took the helm in 2021 and oversaw recent $300 million “Midtown Modernization,” which was completed in 2023.

Alex Jahangir

VP of Business Development, VUMC: Vanderbilt trauma surgeon turned local household name as lead of city’s COVID-19 task force. Former chair of Metro Board of Health released book in 2022 and was recently named to board of Healthstream.

Michele Johnson

Executive Director and Co-Founder, Tennessee Justice Center: Cofounded statewide organization with attorney Gordon Bonnyman in 1996 and has since advocated for TennCare expansion and improved services for people with disabilities, among other causes.

A.J. Kazimi

President and CEO, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Founded publicly traded company in 1999. In 2023 it gained additional FDA approvals for its intravenous ibuprofen, Caldolor.

Karen Lewis

Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Diversity, Belmont College of Medicine: Thirty-year student affairs and diversity veteran who has held roles at Meharry and other medical colleges. Part of founding leadership team for Christian medical college set to welcome students in fall 2024.

Wendy Long

President and CEO, Tennessee Hospital Association: Began leading THA in 2019 after working as TennCare chief and Metro Public Health Department director. Organization has advocated around health care workforce shortages and various health care bills in Tennessee General Assembly.

Richard MacKinnon

Executive Director, Music City PrEP Clinic: Co-founded organization that opened two locations in 2022. East Nashville location is also connected to LGBTQ-focused primary care clinic and pharmacy.

Charlie Martin

Chair, Martin Ventures: Former HCA, HealthTrust and Vanguard Health exec serves as chair of technology and health care investment firm focused on technology that he founded in 2009.

Phil Mazzuca

CEO, Williamson Medical Center, Williamson Health: Took the helm at hospital company’s flagship location in 2021. Organization is undergoing $200 million renovation and recently announced Williamson Health brand, encompassing its 30 area locations.

Russ Miller

CEO, Tennessee Medical Association: Began leading nonprofit advocacy organization in 2013. Association has recently been lobbying for clear medical exemptions in Tennessee’s abortion ban.

Frank Morgan

VP of Investor Relations, HCA Healthcare: Longtime financial analyst moved to internal investor relations in 2021 after career as outside health care analyst at RBC Capital, J.C. Bradford and Jeffries.

Sean Narayan

CEO, Emids: Former Apexon and Atos exec succeeded co-founder and longtime leader Saurabh Sinha as CEO for data management and AI health care and tech company in 2023.

Amna Osman

CEO, Nashville CARES: Public health leader recently introduced mobile clinic and will oversee new office location for organization while fielding state HIV funding changes.

Jeff Patton

President and CEO, OneOncology: Hematologist and oncologist leads cancer care network that serves as parent company of Tennessee Oncology. TPG gained majority stake in OneOncology for $2.1 billion in 2023.

C. Wright Pinson

Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Former transplant center director and chief of staff for Vanderbilt Hospital now manages partnerships with regional providers.

Michaela Poizner

Shareholder, Baker Donelson: Former public information officer joined firm in 2013 and was named chair of its health law group in 2023. Works on privacy concerns, fraud, licensure and Medicare enrollment for health care companies.

Anthony Pudlo

Executive Director, Tennessee Pharmacists Association: Took lead role in 2021 after working with Iowa Pharmacy Association. Locally based pharmacist member organization advocates against pharmacy benefit managers.

Jerry Shelton

President and CEO, Cryoport: Leader since 2012 moved logistics company to Brentwood in 2021. Cryoport saw increase in demand for temperaturecontrolled supply chain services with release of COVID-19 vaccines, and recently entered U.K. market.

Jeff Snodgrass

CEO, AmSurg: Tasked with leading ambulatory surgery company’s next chapter following post-bankruptcy split from Envision Healthcare in late 2023.

Michael Renfrow

Executive Director, Tennessee Valley Health Care: Leads local arm of Veterans Affairs government-sponsored health care center with location on Vanderbilt University’s campus. Organization also offers social services to veterans.

Katie Richards

CEO, Siloam Health: Development professional and creator of Next Generation young professionals board took the helm in 2023 when CEO Morgan Wills left to work for Belmont’s medical school. Organization focuses on providing care for uninsured and immigrant populations.

Congratulations to the 2024 In Charge Honorees

Here, all are welcome, and we treat all patients equally.

For over a century,

Nashville General Hospital has served the community as a steadfast beacon of care and compassion — making outstanding, comprehensive health care accessible to all. We serve as a lifeline for the health needs of our Nashville community. Your well-being is our primary concern — and our experienced and skilled professionals are here to nurture health and hope. Every day, we earn the trust of our neighbors through our integrity, accountability, and accessibility. And we look forward to another hundred years of providing the care and respect our patients, their families, and the Nashville community deserves.

Award-Winning Results

We are proud to be recognized for our dedication to healthcare and supporting the community we serve. A few of our honors are:

• NGH ranked Top 5 in the nation for Health Equity and Inclusion by Lowen Institute

• The Joint Commission’s

National Quality Approval

• 3 Year Full Accreditation by the Commission on Cancer

• Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (aabb) Accreditation for Transfusion Services

• American College of Radiology (ACR) Accreditation for CT/US, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Breast Ultrasound, and Mammography

• National Commission on Quality Assurance (NCQA) Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home

Healthcare you can rely on.

Nashville General Hospital

• 24/7 Emergency Department/ Level III Trauma

• Birthing Center, Level IIB NICU

• Inpatient Medical/Surgical units

• Intensive Care Unit

• Diagnostic Imaging (hospital-based)

• Dr. Robert E. Hardy Cancer & Infusion Center

• Laboratory

• NGH Community Pharmacy

• Rehab Therapies (PT/OT/Speech)

SPECIALTIES

• Dermatology

• Diabetes & Endocrine

• Diagnostic Imaging

• Digestive Health (GI & Liver)

• ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)

• Eye Center

• Foot and Ankle

• Gynecology

• Heart Center

• Kidney Health

• Men’s Health

• Neurology

• NGH Internal Medicine Clinic

• Orthopedic

• Primary Care

• Pulmonology

• Rheumatology

• Surgery

• Urology

• Women’s Health Services

LOCATIONS

Nashville General Hospital & Nashville Healthcare Center – Main

Emergency Room, Inpatient Care, Intensive Care Unit, Birthing Suites, Cancer & Infusion Center, Diagnostic Imaging, Primary Care, Specialty Medicine, On-site Pharmacy, Lab, and Rehab services 1818 Albion Street

Nashville, TN 37208

Nashville Healthcare Center –Midtown

Primary Care, Specialty Medicine 1919 Charlotte Avenue Nashville, TN 37203

Nashville Healthcare Center –MetroCenter

Primary Care, Specialty Medicine, Physical Therapy

131 French Landing Drive Nashville, TN 37228

Nashville Healthcare Center –Bordeaux

Primary Care, Specialty Medicine, and Urgent Care

4007 Clarksville Highway Nashville, TN 37218

Nashville Healthcare Diagnostic Imaging

3-D Mammography, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray Services

4007 Clarksville Highway Nashville, TN 37218

Robin Shah

CEO, Thyme Care: Former OneOncology exec has led oncology care coordination company since 2020. In 2023, Thyme Care joined White House Cancer Moonshot program and raised $60 million in funding round.

Brad Smith

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, CareBridge Health: Serial entrepreneur and former Trump administration Medicare and Medicaid exec is also CEO of Russell Street Ventures and Main Street Health. In 2023, Main Street raised $315 million and CareBridge was ranked fastest-growing company nationwide.

Stephen Smith

Director, TennCare: Former chief of sta for Haslam administration took over state health insurance agency in 2020. Oversaw post-public health emergency disenrollment of hundreds of thousands of members.

Anderson Spickard

Dean, Belmont College of Medicine: Former VUMC exec became o cial lead in 2023 after founding dean Bill Bates left for medical reasons. Oversees recently accredited college set to welcome students in fall 2024.

Chase Spurlock

CEO, Decode Health: Co-founded in 2019 local tech company that developed AI platform to identify emerging trends in pandemic outbreaks. Previously served as professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Frank Stevenson

Chair, Metro Hospital Authority Board: Pastor and dean of students at Tennessee State University in 2023 was appointed lead of board that oversees Nashville General Hospital, succeeding longtime chair Richard Manson. Tasked with helping to lead hospital’s pending move.

Ute Strand

President and CEO, UnitedHealthcare: Manages state and community partner relationships for insurance giant’s Community Plan of Tennessee. Former Amerigroup, Cigna and Anthem exec was named to lead role in 2021.

Fahad Tahir

President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas: Former chief strategy o cer took lead role in 2023, succeeding Tim Adams. Hospital system finished Midtown location renovations and opened Rutherford County micro hospital during Tahir’s tenure.

Anne Hancock Toomey

President, Jarrard Inc.: Co-founder of health care communications firm was promoted to CEO in 2023, succeeding inaugural president David Jarrard.

Brent Turner

CEO, Summit BHC: Former Acadia president began leading Franklin-based addiction treatment and behavioral health network in 2020. Company set to expand Franklin headquarters.

Michael Uchrin

CEO, Monogram Health: Co-founder of kidney care organization focused on in-home treatment options formed in 2019 by Frist Cressey Ventures. Company raised $375 million in early 2023 funding round.

Zacnite Vargas

President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses Tennessee: Trevecca alum founded first state chapter of 40-yearold national organization in 2021.

Kyle Wailes

CEO, Wellvana: Former SmileDirectClub CFO began leading Martin Ventures-backed startup in early 2022. Wellvana creates networks of independent health care providers.

Joseph Webb

CEO, Nashville General Hospital: TSU alumnus fought o ex-Mayor Megan Barry’s proposal to end inpatient care at city’s safety net hospital and is pushing for Metro support for new facility.

Karen Winkfield

Executive Director, MeharryVanderbilt Alliance: Experienced radiation oncologist leads strategic partnership between Vanderbilt and Meharry. In 2021 was named by President Joe Biden to National Cancer Advisory Board.

Mark Yancy

CEO, NashvilleHealth: Took the helm of Frist-founded nonprofit in 2022 and since served on White House advisory board for health equity. Organization released data on hypertension and review of city’s COVID-19 response.

Legal

David Anthony

Founder, Exo Legal: Banking and creditor’s attorney launched boutique o ce after more than a decade at Bone McAllester Norton.

Gail Vaughn Ashworth

Founding Member, Wiseman Ashworth Trauger: Litigator and mediator with decades of experience in Nashville legal industry. Past president of state and local bar associations.

Bahar Azhdari

Associate General Counsel, Brookdale Senior Living: Labor and employment lawyer is this year’s president of Nashville Bar Association, which lost its executive director at end of 2023.

These people bring others together for fellowship, networking and building community.

Christie Vergona Creative Mornings

Jack Davis

Good Neighbor Festivals

Zach Lykins

Trinity Community Commons Brittney Oliver Lemons to Lemonade

CONGRATULATES

Anita Modak-Truran

A.J. Bahou

Partner, Bradley: Veteran intellectual property attorney joined Bradley from Holland & Knight last year. Leads firm’s artificial intelligence practice.

Lillian Blackshear

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Works on complex public finance deals. Member of current Leadership Nashville class and former member of Metro Planning Commission.

Charles Robert Bone

Nashville Managing Partner, Spencer Fane: Has represented developers and others. Remains politically involved after 2015 run for mayor. Led Bone McAllester Norton’s merger with Spencer Fane in 2021.

Ross Booher

CEO, Latitude Legal Solutions: Oversees growing company that provides on-demand legal services to companies and firms. Former Bass partner.

Laura Brown

Executive Director, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services: Former Legal Aid and state attorney succeeded Ann Pruitt at nonprofit legal services provider.

Ken Bryant

Office Managing Partner, Burr & Forman: Commercial litigator who joined Birmingham-based firm in 2015 and was named Nashville office leader in 2022.

Matthew Burnstein

Executive Partner, Holland & Knight: Corporate lawyer working on M&A deals. Led Waller until its combination with successor firm.

Walt Burton

Founding Partner, Thompson Burton: Commercial real estate-focused attorney co-founded Nashville-area firm in 2012 after stints in Atlanta and the Navy.

Ann Cargile

Partner, Bradley: Long career at firm, with a specialty in leasing, condominium law and other real estate matters. President of American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

Mark Chalos

Nashville Managing Partner, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein: Veteran litigator and leader of plaintiffs firm’s local office. Past president of Tennessee Trial Lawyers’ Association.

Lisa Ramsay Cole

President and Managing Shareholder, Lewis Thomason: Civil litigator with experience in labor and employment sector. Leads both firm and its Nashville office.

Waverly Crenshaw

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee: Former Waller partner has been on bench since 2016. Oversees wide variety of cases, including national landlord price fixing litigation.

James Crumlin Jr.

Partner, Spencer Fane: Longtime attorney at Bone McAllester and then Spencer Fane. Leads firm’s DEI work. Very active in local community groups.

Alé Dalton

Partner, Bradley: New partner and rising star. Focuses on transactions and regulatory matters in health care sector. Lipscomb and UT Law grad.

Wally Dietz

Director, Metro Department of Law: Longtime Bass attorney joined Metro in 2021. Remained in post after new Mayor Freddie O’Connell came into office and is now tasked with managing city’s ongoing litigation against state, among other matters.

Jackie Dixon

Shareholder, Lewis Thomason: Experienced attorney with a focus on family law, including divorces and estates. Past president of Tennessee Bar Association.

Griffin Dunham

Member, Dunham Hildebrand: Co-founded firm in 2016. Manages bankruptcies and financial restructuring. Former JAG attorney.

David Esquivel

Pro Bono Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Manages firm’s pro bono efforts after more than two decades at Bass. Co-led Freddie O’Connell’s mayoral transition.

Wen Fa

Director of Legal Affairs, Beacon Center: Hired at conservative think tank last year to expand litigation efforts aimed at government relations and other priorities.

Alberto Gonzales

Dean, Belmont University School of Law: Has led Belmont’s law school since 2014, shortly after it achieved accreditation. Attorney general under President George W. Bush.

Chris Guthrie

Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Law: Has led region’s most prominent law school since 2009. Recently oversaw establishment of AI and civil rights efforts.

Aubrey Harwell

Partner and Co-Founder, Neal & Harwell: High-profile legal industry veteran. Has held positions at MTSU and Nashville School of Law.

A Better Approach to Legal

Since its inception in 2009, Tressler & Associates has maintained its commitment to be different from traditional law firms by offering an approachable legal experience rooted in faith, love, and gratitude.

People are often afraid to contact a law firm because they assume the costs are too high, the services are too hard to understand, and the attorneys are too out of touch. Early in his law career, Todd Tressler realized the legal profession had strayed far from its original purpose. He founded Tressler & Associates to offer a better approach to legal and help bring compassion, service, and honor back to the profession he loves.

Tressler believes everyone deserves access to legal solutions with the highest standard of legal expertise without the fear of unknown financial commitments. Unlike traditional law firms, Tressler openly publishes their pricing and fees on their website. With flat fees and bundled services, they offer legal solutions that are approachable and accessible to everyone in the community. Their approach contrasts with the legal industry’s costs and outcomes reputation, which empowers

their team to meet client needs while restoring consumer trust in the legal profession.

The firm focuses on business law, estate planning, and real estate law, with offices in Nashville and Lebanon, Tennessee. In addition, Tressler owns and operates Tressler Title, LLC, a fully licensed title and escrow company known for its experienced real estate team and caring customer experience in residential and commercial real estate purchases, sales, and acquisitions.

When we say we are different from other law firms, we mean it. Being different doesn’t make us special. Being purposedriven, compassionate, and approachable does. Our goal is to accelerate our client’s success and offer a legal experience that demonstrates love and appreciation to those we serve.

Whether you’re starting a new business, buying or selling real estate, or planning for the future, Tressler & Associates would be honored to help you achieve your goals. Your peace of mind starts here.

To learn more visit tresslerassociates.com

Tressler & Associates is a purposedriven law firm located in Nashville and Lebanon, Tennessee focused in business law, estate planning, and real estate law. Our remarkable team works to ensure every client receives the highest standard of legal expertise and care.

Tressler & Associates, PLLC 2323 21st Avenue South, Suite 506 Nashville, TN 37212

Website: tresslerassociates.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/tresslerassociates

Founded: 2009

Phone: 615.444.2345

Email: attorneys@tresslerassociates.com

SPECIALTIES

Business Law

General Counsel, Mergers & Acquisitions, Contract Drafting & Review, Strategic Entity Formation, Dissolving or Converting Entities, Partner disputes and forced buyouts, Investment Related and Capital Raising Agreements

Estate Planning

Wills, Trusts, Probate, Business Succession Planning, Advanced Directives, Durable Power of Attorney, Estate Planning for Second Marriages and Blended Families

Real Estate Law

Residential & Commercial Transactions, Contract Drafting & Review, Property Disputes, Clear Title, Quiet Title Actions, Investment Opportunities, Off-market transactions

Legal Bundles

New Business Setup, Estate Planning, Contract Review, Legal Advice, For Sale By Owner

Congratulations, 2024 In Charge honorees.

Ronald Harris

Chief Administrator, Neal & Harwell: Manages firm’s day-to-day operations. Long career as civil litigator, including in libel and defamation cases and construction disputes.

Tricia Herzfeld

Founding Partner, HSGLaW: Along with several partners, split from Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings. Plaintiffs attorney with experience in high-profile litigation. Member of Davidson County Election Commission.

Michael Holley

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Leader since 2022 of firm’s corporate and securities practice group. Experienced in M&A, private equity deals and joint ventures.

Jamie Hollin

Sole Practitioner: Plugged-in with Metro and state decisionmakers. Varied practice includes niche work related to Metro regulations and zoning.

Lauren Jacques

Nashville Managing Partner, Bradley: Recently oversaw office move to new Gulch high-rise. Health care attorney has led local office since 2021.

Martesha Johnson

Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender: Serving second term as city’s chief public defender.

Holly Kirby

Chief Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court: Elected last year to lead high court that is experiencing significant turnover. Appointed to Supreme Court in 2014 after nearly two decades as appeals court judge.

Jay Knight

Nashville Partner-in-Charge, Barnes & Thornburg: Former Bass partner helped establish new local office of Indianapolis-based national firm. Also co-chairs national securities and capital markets practice.

Bill Koch Jr.

Tom Lawless

Attorney, Lawless & Associates: Active on state boards and as a municipal judge. Specializes in bankruptcy and creditor’s rights.

Henry Leventis

U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Tennessee: Former assistant in federal prosecutor’s office briefly left government service for Spencer Fane before returning in top job upon President Biden’s appointment and Senate confirmation.

Alex Little

Partner, Burr & Forman: Former federal prosecutor and Bone McAllester attorney joined Burr in 2019. Involved in high-profile criminal cases, like that of ex-Sen. Brian Kelsey.

Ashley Mallard

Executive Director, GSRM Law: Fastrising former Patterson IP administrator has since 2022 overseen GSRM’s operations, budgeting, business development and other functions.

Mark Manner

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner cofounder joined Bass in 2016. Advises clients on corporate transactions. Interested in astronomy and conservation.

Ken Marlow

Partner, K&L Gates: Co-leader of global firm’s health care and FDA practice. Former Waller health leader joined K&L Gates in 2021.

Rocky McElhaney

Founder and Managing Partner, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Visible and wellknown personal injury attorney. Leads eponymous firm founded in 2006.

Anita Modak-Truran

Attorney, Butler Snow: Pharmaceutical and medical device litigator. President of Trial Attorneys of America and member of firm’s diversity committee.

Junaid Odubeko

Dean, Nashville School of Law: Former Tennessee Supreme Court Justice has since 2014 led local law school. Last year was awarded prestigious American Inns of Court.

Rob Laird

Shareholder, Baker Donelson: Represents venture capital investors and startups. Former managing shareholder of Maynard’s Nashville office before joining Baker in 2021.

Ed Lanquist

Shareholder, Baker Donelson: Former Patteron IP leader and past Nashville Bar president, soon-to-be Tennessee Bar president. Intellectual property expert who joined Baker in 2022.

Partner, Bradley: Former legal counsel to Gov. Phil Bredesen, now a corporate litigator. Holds leadership role in ABA litigation section and advised Freddie O’Connell in transition.

Tatjana Paterno

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Advises private equity funds and portfolio companies. M&A expert and president of Tennessee chapter of Association for Corporate Growth.

Lauren Patten

Nashville Managing Partner, K&L Gates: Former Butler Snow partner joined global firm in 2021 and was named leader of local office the next year.

IN CHARGE – LEGAL Lieff Cabraser Congratulates Mark P. Chalos

Mark P. Chalos MANAGING PARTNER, NASHVILLE OFFICE

Securing justice for individuals, classes and groups of people, businesses, and public and private entities across the U.S. and globally for over five decades.

John Peterson

Office Managing Shareholder, Polsinelli: Leader of firm’s local office and maintains varied commercial litigation practice, including an expertise in financial services and payment card industry.

Brant Phillips

Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: Leads 100-attorney team focused on litigation and dispute resolution. Twentyfive-year veteran of firm.

Edward Playfair

Nashville Partner in Charge, Adams and Reese: Has led firm’s local office since 2021. Also helms global intellectual property practice.

Stephen Price

Office Managing Principal, Jackson Lewis: Helmed employment firm’s expansion to Nashville in 2022. Former Burr & Forman Nashville leader whose practice includes defending companies in employment and labor cases.

David Raybin

Co-Founder, Raybin & Weissman: High-profile criminal defense attorney last year represented parents of Covenant shooter. Has defended Nashville police officers.

Allen Roberts

Nashville Managing Shareholder, Baker Donelson: Last year succeeded Brigid Carpenter in firm leadership role. Joined Baker in 2012 with a practice including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and private equity and debt offerings.

Todd Rolapp

Managing Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: Corporate and securities attorney who has led local firm for more than a decade.

Robert Sartin

Chairman, Frost Brown Todd: Recently reelected to another threeyear term at the helm of Louisvillebased firm.

Andrea Sinclair

Member, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison: Partner since 2022, VU Law grad focuses practice on trusts, estates and related matters.

Jonathan Skeeters

Chair and Managing Partner, Bradley: Health care attorney who leads Birmingham-based firm that recently saw its Nashville office move to a Gulch high-rise.

Nancy Stabell

Managing Attorney, Wood Stabell Law Group: Attorney who helps companies with business strategy. Involved with EO Nashville, Nashville Business Coalition and Hands On Nashville.

Joycelyn Stevenson

Office Managing Shareholder, Littler Mendelson: Former Tennessee Bar Association leader rejoined employment firm in 2022 as local office head. As chair of airport board, weathered contentious year as state sought takeover.

Gerard Stranch IV

Managing Partner, Stranch, Jennings & Garvey: Litigator whose high-profile work includes national opioid cases. Firm that bore his grandfather Cecil Branstetter’s name split last year.

Peter Strianse

Attorney, Tune Entrekin & White: First call for high-profile criminal defendants. Recent clients have included Vanderbilt nurse RaDonda Vaught and former Rep. Jeremy Durham.

Liz Tipping

Member, Neal & Harwell: Late last year returned to firm to lead its construction law team. Previously launched local office of Cotney Construction Law and her own solo practice.

Gif Thornton

Managing Partner, Adams and Reese: Connected attorney has run regional firm since 2015. Has served on state and city boards and committees.

Masami Izumida Tyson

Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson: Former state economic development official helps Japanese companies do business in U.S. Joined firm as it opened a Nashville office, now led by Josh Mullen, in 2022.

Geo rey Vickers

Nashville Managing Partner, Nelson

Mullins Riley & Scarborough: Early last year took over local o ce leadership from longtime boss Larry Papel. Co-lead of firm’s technology and procurement practice.

DarKenya Waller

Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: Has led public service law firm since 2018. Work during pandemic included legal support for renters facing eviction.

Liz Washko

Managing Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins: Nashville attorney who earlier this year took over firmwide leadership at Atlanta-based employment firm. Joined Ogletree Deakins in 2000 and previously spent eight years running Nashville o ce.

Lang Wiseman

Shareholder, Baker Donelson: Helping oversee firm’s return to full-scale lobbying work. Former UT basketball star was Gov. Bill Lee’s top lawyer and deputy governor.

Sheree Wright

Executive Director, Tennessee Bar Association: After three-plus decades at Vanderbilt (where she earned both undergrad and law degrees), was last year picked to lead state bar group, succeeding Joycelyn Stevenson.

Tyler Chance Yarbro

Managing Partner, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella: A litigator with experience in employment, personal injury and criminal law. Has led firm since 2018. Helped organize legal advocacy group focused on reproductive rights.

Management Consulting

Patricia Asp

Founder and Principal, ASPire: Founded ASPire in 2021 after leading Compass as president. Former Community Education Partners and ServiceMaster exec.

Christie Berger

Executive Leadership Coach, CB

Consulting: Started firm in 2007. Works with leaders from a variety of organizations. Led executive coaching at Belmont’s Center for Executive Education from 2011 to 2018.

Sunny Bray

Founder and CEO, Catalyst Collective: Launched consultancy for nonprofits in 2018. Formerly TechBridge Tennessee community leader and established Nashville chapter of Network Under 40.

Mark Burnette

Practice Leader, LBMC: Head of advisory services practice with expertise in security program strategy. Previously worked at Big 4 firms and with Gaylord Entertainment on information security.

Kevin Cowherd

Senior Managing Director, Ankura: HR, IT and sales specialist joined the company in 2013. Leads strategy and performance practice after retirement of c3 consulting founder Beth Chase in 2020. Worked at IBM for two decades.

Lucia Folk

President and CEO, The Change Agent cy: Previously launched CMT’s public a airs division. Founded organization alongside Lisa Chader, another former CMT executive. Creates corporate social responsibility plans and connects the music industry among others to nonprofits.

Je Jowdy

President, Lighthouse Counsel: Helps nonprofits with strategy for awareness and organization development. Serves across industries like education, health care, professional associations, youth service and faithbased organizations

Paul Kleine-Kracht

CEO, InfoWorks: Took the helm in 2022 of the fi rm he once worked for. Previously held leadership roles at HealthTrust, North Highland and c3 consulting.

John Lowry

President, Thrivence: Founded Barge Design-a liated management consulting firm in 2022. Former Lipscomb administrator. Also president of The Lowry Group, which provides negotiation training for businesses.

Megan Hyatt Miller

President and CEO, Full Focus: Started leadership and performance coaching company in 2012 alongside father, Michael Hyatt, as Michael Hyatt & Company. Served as chief operating o cer before taking lead role in 2021. Led company’s 2022 rebrand to Full Focus.

David Owens

Professor of the Practice of Management and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management: Executive director of VU-based innovation and entrepreneurship hub The Wond’ry. Former CEO of Gri n Technology with major brand consulting experience.

Kimberly Pace

President and CEO, Executive Aura: Launched firm more than a decade ago with David Furse and Michael Burcham. Has taught at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades.

E ective leaders who get things done, regardless of accolades.

Katie Richards Siloam Health

Patrick Poole Al. Neyer

Matt Bourlakas Goodwill Industries

Susan Galeas The Family Center

Aron Thompson Urban League/ Amazon’s RED Academy

Dominique Townsend

Founder and CEO, We Optimize Work: Head of company teaching team engagement and strategy to leaders at fast-growth startups and major companies. Decade-plus of corporate, manufacturing and service industry experience.

Brian Waller

CEO and Co-Founder, Vaco: Established company more than 20 years ago with Jay Holloman. Via acquisition and organic growth, has since grown firm into a major player.

Manufacturing

Mike Apperson

President and CEO, Resource Label Group: Oversees custom label printing business that is part of Ares Management Corporation. Company made four acquisitions in 2023, reaching 30th acquisition overall. Has grown to at least 28 locations across U.S. and Canada with 1,700 employees.

Clay Bright

CEO, Megasite Authority of West Tennessee: Overseeing for the state Ford’s BlueOval City where electric vehicles will be made alongside other suppliers on site. Former Brasfield & Gorrie leader was previously transportation commissioner for Gov. Bill Lee.

Anton Busuttil and Jim Forystek

GM Spring Hill: Top leaders for General Motors plant in Maury County who have both risen through company ranks at multiple locations. Busuttil is plant executive director over vehicle assembly while his counterpart Forystek oversees the engine division as plant director, global propulsion systems.

Mark Chaffin

President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors North America: Promoted in 2022 to lead company’s North American arm in Franklin.

Mark Chou

CEO, Swiftwick: Hired in November to lead performance sock brand. Former founder of consumer brands consultancy Bradhurst Ventures and executive at luggage company Away.

Steve Cook

Executive Managing Director and CoFounder, LFM Capital: Leads private equity firm focused on manufacturing. TVV Capital ex-principal and former COO of MFG.com. Served as lieutenant in Navy and has two MIT master’s degrees.

Jon Cozens

CEO, Aries Clean Technologies: Joined wastewater conversion company in April. Previously president of plastic recycling company Mura Technology’s North American arm.

Chris Desautels

Tennessee Plant Director, Ultium Cells: Head of operations at battery plant based in Spring Hill. GM vet previously based in Korea as managing director for manufacturing engineering.

Reagan Farr

President and CEO, Silicon Ranch: Succeeded Matt Kisber at renewables company in 2019. Served as state revenue commissioner for co-founder and then-Gov. Phil Bredesen. Announced partnership with data center developer, Tract, in January.

Paolo Ferrari

CEO, Bridgestone West: Named CEO of Bridgestone West in January. Also holds executive chairman title for Bridgestone Americas and joint global COO and global chief digital transformation officer titles for Bridgestone Corporation. Served as president and CEO of Bridgestone Americas since 2020 and formerly led tire giant’s European operations.

Jeff Hollingshead

CEO, Smyrna Ready Mix: Oversees concrete company practices and organization as well as acquisitions. Father Mike serves as company chairman; brother Ryan, as president of SRM Materials. Company opened cement terminal along Cumberland River last year and announced acquisition of Vulcan Materials Company’s 82 Texas plants in November.

David Johnson

Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America: Head of Nissan’s manufacturing operations in United States, Canada and Mexico. Took role in 2022 replacing Steve Marsh, who served less than 12 months. Has been with automaker for more than 20 years.

Mark Klein

President, Kano Laboratories: Named to role in December 2022. Leads company that makes Kroil, a penetrating oil and lubricant. Acquired Super Lube and Synco brands in January.

Alanna McDonald

Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition: Directs full operations and brand portfolio including Pedigree, Iams and Cesar. Employs about 4,000 people and has 22 facilities nationwide. Formerly led brand strategy for Maybelline, Garnier and Proctor & Gamble.

Brandon Moss

CEO, Shoals Technologies Group: Appointed in June to company that provides solutions for solar, storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Previously group president of Southwire Company with more than 20 years experience in electrical industry.

Jérémie Papin

Chair, Nissan Americas: Auto maker’s senior vice president of administration and finance since 2018. Added to Nissan’s executive committee in 2023. Has served in current role since 2021 leading operations in North and South America.

John Rutherford

President, UAW Local 1853: Leads union that represents employees of companies like Adient, American Food & Vending, Comprehensive Logistics, Leadec, Magna, Ryder and perhaps most notably nearly 4,000 employees of Spring Hill General Motors plant.

Avigal Soreq

President and CEO, Delek US Holdings: Served as COO, chief commercial officer and EVP at Delek US from 2012 to 2020. Served as CEO of El Al Airlines from 2021-2022 before taking current role at Delek. Company’s Big Spring Refinery selected for negotiations on carbon capture project by U.S. Department of Energy in February.

Brad Southern

Chair and CEO, Louisiana-Pacific: Became fifth CEO in company history in 2017 and was appointed to board, becoming chair in 2020. Joined LP in 1999 and led both siding and oriented strand board units before moving up to COO. Holds degrees in forest resources from University of Georgia.

Sam Strang

President, Alley-Cassetty: Leads brick, concrete block and mortar company founded in 1879. Named to role in 2011 when company had just nine locations, now up to 16 and about 350 employees. Previously served as general manager of brick division.

Dean Wegner

Founder and CEO, Authentically American: Founded company in 2017 with goal of bringing manufacturing jobs to United States. West Point grad and veteran has served on boards of Nashville Fashion Alliance and Nashville Zoo.

Marketing

Diana Barton

Founder, Diana Barton Public Relations: Former journalist founded namesake firm in 2021 focused on hospitality clients. Also founder of Slow Food Middle Tennessee.

Gregg Boling

Executive Chairman and CEO, GS&F: Austin Peay grad originally joined company in 2011 and partners with EVP Roland Gibbons to oversee 1978-founded Cummins Stationbased marketing agency.

Julia Bonner

President, Pierce Public Relations: Founded company in 2015 and oversees team focused on financial services, tech, manufacturing and building design sectors.

Jennifer Brantley

Managing Partner, MP&F: Earned role of partner in 2017 after joining company as intern in 1992. Works with partners Kate Chinn, Knight Stivender and Mary Elizabeth Davis to lead firm specializing in strategic planning and media relations.

Clint Brewer

Managing Partner, Imperium Public Strategies: Former Tennessean government and politics editor, City Paper editor and executive director of Beacon Center. Leads company with co-founder Josh Helton.

Jeffrey Buntin Jr.

President and CEO, The Buntin Group: Leads national firm touted as Tennessee’s largest communications agency. Company celebrated 50 years in 2022 and offers grants through AdHope charitable arm.

Libby Callaway

Founder and Principal, The Callaway: Previous New York Post writer and editor now oversees communications agency offering branding, event execution, marketing and PR focused on companies in fashion, beauty, retail and hospitality sectors.

Dave Cooley

Principal, Cooley Public Relations: Former deputy governor of Tennessee under then-Gov. Phil Bredesen spun off from MP&F in 2009. Manages team of 14 in Brentwood office.

Beth Seigenthaler Courtney

Managing Partner, Southeast, Finn Partners: Public relations veteran assumed role in early 2019 with what had been DVL Siegenthaler. Teams with Managing Partner Ronald Roberts, former journalist and MTSU official, to lead firm assisting large companies.

Shari Day

President and CEO, BOHAN: Became majority owner in 2022 for company that counts Dollar General and City of Pigeon Forge as clients after taking top spot in 2015. Recently launched Fresh Consumables arm for smaller projects.

Jamie Dunham

Founder and President, Brand Wise

Collective: Longtime marketing and branding adviser whose client roster includes HCA and Twice Daily. Previously worked at BOHAN and The Buntin Group before creating Brand Wise in 2010. Also produces Lipstick Economy Podcast

Robert Henderson

CEO, JumpCrew: Continues to grow company for outsourced B2B sales teams after launching in 2016 and relocating headquarters of national company from NYC to Nashville.

Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones

CEO, MOJO Marketing + PR: Former Cigna exec founded MOJO in 2014 and serves clients like the Titans, MetroPCS and HCA Healthcare. Works at the helm of Jefferson Street Historical Society. In 2023, helped launch Young, Gifted, and Black Political Action Committee.

Jessica Howard

SVP, Integrated Communications, Dalton Agency: Area point person for national organization set to relocate to Germantown facility from East Nashville. Merged with Bradford Group in 2020 and Anode in 2019.

Shannon Hunt

Partner, The Strategy Group: Former press secretary to Phil Bredesen specializes in corporate and crisis communications and joined company in 2018. Previously led Nashville Public Education Foundation.

Katie Lentile

CEO, The Lentile Group: Founded digital marketing agency and has worked on campaigns for historic sites, fashion and design companies and nonprofits while beginning Metro lobbying work. Also COO at IV Studio. Former communications officer for John Cooper’s campaign and office.

Mark McNeely and Kelly Brockman

Founders, McNeely Brockman Public Relations: Father-daughter duo created in 2018 boutique PR firm with strong journalism background. Firm spun out of MP&F, which McNeely co-founded in 1987.

Thomas McSweeney

CEO, Hispanic Media Consultants: Led company since 2019 assisting with Spanish-language radio placements in the Southeast. Previously worked for TBLC Media radio network.

Rosemary Plorin

President and CEO, Lovell Communications: Began leading health carefocused firm in 2015 after originally joining in 2000. In 2023 company was acquired by Michigan-based Health Management Associates.

Lauren Reed

President and Founder, Reed Public Relations: Nashville native launched firm in Wedgewood-Houston more than a decade ago. Clients include Ford, Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BarB-Q and The Loveless Cafe.

Hannah Schneider and Lisa Field

Vice Presidents, BRND House: Former owners of local PR and branding agency that in 2023 sold to Laventure. Now oversee, respectively, business development and operations and creative.

Sina Seger

General Manager, FlyteVu: Became company’s inaugural general manager in 2023 after joining as project manager in 2017. Laura Hutfless founded FlyteVu, focused on entertainment clients, in 2015.

Susan Andrews Thompson

CEO, The Andrews Agency: Founder and longtime leader of boutique public relations, event management and advertising firm. Helped open Nashville Ronald McDonald House and has served as president of board of directors.

Abby Trotter

Partner, Hall Strategies: Helped found firm in 2004, specializing in economic development, issues campaigns and technology. Manages large-scale events including Southern Festival of Books and Music City Hot Chicken Festival.

Deborah Varallo

President, Varallo Public Relations: High-energy PR sector veteran attends seemingly every local event of note — armed with camera, no less. Known for robust network of contacts.

Robert Lawrence Wilson

Founding Partner, Culture Shift

Team: Former Nissan exec specializes in diversity and equity strategy and deployment. Also co-founded Tennessee Diversity Consortium.

Media

Chuck Allen

President and CEO, Parade Media: Former EVP and COO with Athlon Sports Communications, which is owned by company he helms. Exmilitary man whose role has evolved during 26-year span.

Michael Anastasi

Vice President, Local News, Gannett: Has worked at The Tennessean since 2015. Was promoted in May 2023 to lead new nationwide Gannett role, vice president of local. Still at local daily and successor being sought.

Lori Becker

Market President and Publisher, Nashville Business Journal: Started with NBJ as managing editor in 2008 before being promoted to editor-inchief in 2012. Has served in current role since 2019.

LaDonna Boyd

President and CEO, R.H. Boyd Publishing: Runs family’s 117-yearold nonprofit religious publishing company. In mid-2019 made $1 million contribution to the National Museum of African American Music. Holds doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University.

Milt Capps

Founder and Editor, Venture Nashville: Ageless business journalist whose online publication is an authoritative source for venture capitalrelated articles. Leadership Nashville 1993 alumnus who once served as local chapter president of Society of Professional Journalists.

Khalil Ekulona

Host, WPLN’s This Is Nashville: Previously served as host and producer of No More Normal, a pandemicfocused radio show in Albuquerque. Has also served as co-host of Good Day New Mexico and as correspondent with New Mexico PBS.

Chris Ferrell

CEO, Endeavor Business Media: Founded B2B company in 2017. ExMetro councilmember and former CEO of then-Post parent SouthComm leads company with 80-plus media brands, 40 conferences and exhibitions, and approximately 700 employees. Endeavor has undertaken 21 acquisitions and ranks among nation’s larger B2B media companies.

Bill Freeman

Owner, Co-Founder, FW Publishing: Created media company — parent of Nashville Post — in 2018 with late friend and business partner Jimmy Webb. Company also owns Nashville Scene, Nfocus and The News. Stepped down in 2023 as president and CEO of Freeman Webb Company, turning reins over to son Bob Freeman.

Braden Gall

Owner, 440 Media: Veteran sports media personality who developed and launched 440 Sports — billed as independent sports audio and video network — in 2020. Has worked with Athlon, Sirius and ESPN.

Jasmine Hatcher Hardin

Regional VP, GM, WSMV News4: Has been in post since December 2021. Previously served as GM of Knoxville’s WVLT News.

John Ingram

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

Justin Kanew

Editor-in-Chief, Tennessee Holler: Oversees online publication billed as “independent user-supported progressive news site dedicated to holding Tennessee’s powerful accountable.” Holds degree in history from Northwestern University.

Ben Mandrell

President and CEO, LifeWay Christian Resources: Elected LifeWay’s 10th president in 2019. Oversaw LifeWay’s $95 million sale of North Gulch building in May 2021.

Holly McCall

Editor-in-Chief, Tennessee

Lookout: Began journalism career covering government and politics in Columbus, Ohio, before moving to Joplin Globe in Missouri and Nashville Business Journal. Previously served as political analyst for WZTV Fox 17 and provided communications consulting for various political campaigns.

Rosetta Miller-Perry

Publisher and CEO, The Tennessee Tribune: Local media industry giant who launched the Tribune, generally considered Tennessee’s most influential African-American-owned publication, in 1991. Background includes work with U.S. Navy, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Was honored in 2019 with a National Newspaper Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

Noreen Parker

SVP and Group Manager, Sinclair Inc.: Key player at parent company of Fox 17 Nashville WZTV. Came to Music City from Florida in 2015.

Lyn Plantinga

VP and General Manager, WTVF NewsChannel 5: Once served as WTVF’s station manager. Vanderbilt grad has been with local broadcast entity since 1989 and in current role since 2014.

Veronica Salcedo

Editor, Nashville Noticias: Leads Spanish-language media venture (online and broadcasting) that has expanded from Facebook page into timeslot on Univision and news partnership with WPLN.

Erik Schelzig

Editor, Tennessee Journal: ExAssociated Press reporter covered Tennessee state government and politics for 12 years before succeeding Ed Cromer as Tennessee Journal leader in 2017. Publication now owned by startup State Affairs. Recently hired veteran state reporter Andy Sher. Co-author of Welcome to Capitol Hill: 50 Years of Scandal in Tennessee Politics.

Mike Smith

President, FW Publishing: Oversees parent company of Nashville Scene, Nfocus, The News Nashville and Nashville Post. Began working for Scene in 1997 and serves as altweekly’s publisher.

Steve Swenson

President and CEO, Nashville Public Radio: Previously worked in media in New York and Washington, D.C. Oversees public broadcasting station since being named to role in 2019.

Shannon Terry

Founder, Outsider and On3: Veteran entrepreneur behind Rivals and 247Sports. Terry-founded companies have generated more than $750 million in online revenue during past 10 years.

Bud Walters

President and Owner, Cromwell Group Inc.: Oversees company he began in 1969 and that owns 31 radio stations in six markets in four states.

Phil Williams

Chief Investigative Reporter, WTVF NewsChannel 5: Hard news broadcast journalist who boasts three duPont-Columbia University Awards and a trio of George Foster Peabody Awards. Ex-newspaperman is relentless when pursuing a story.

Music

Kris Ahrend

CEO, Mechanical Licensing Collective: Former Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Group exec leads organization formed to license and administer music rights under 2018 Music Modernization Act. Recently announced it had distributed $1.5 billion in royalties to members.

John Allen

President, New West Records: Opened Nashville office for Athensfounded New West, which focuses on indie rock, alternative country and Americana bands. Roster has included Jason Isbell and James McMurtry, and today includes Emily Nenni and Ben Folds.

Sara Barnett

General Manager, Brooklyn Bowl: Nashville native moved from managing area restaurants to Germantown music venue that opened in 2021. Brooklyn-founded company hosts events, concerts, food and bowling.

Julie Boos

Owner and Vice President, FBMM: Veteran music industry financial adviser holds leadership role in firm with more than 100 staff in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles.

Dave Cobb

Producer: Tenant of historic RCA Studio A is one of Nashville’s most sought-after producers. Has worked with top country artists including Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell and recently worked on Hunger Games prequel.

Derek Crownover

Partner, Loeb & Loeb: Vice chair of firm’s music industry section is wellknown entertainment, media and sports attorney. Brokers rights deals and other negotiations for songwriter, publisher, artist and producer clients.

Mike Curb

Founder and Chairman, Curb Records: Former California lieutenant governor and songwriter and producer behind independent record company. Major benefactor of area universities and music-related causes has namesake buildings on multiple campuses. Record label celebrates 60 years in 2024.

Doyle Davis and Mike Grimes

Co-Owners, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music: Host music events and manage renowned indie record store that moved from Eighth Avenue South to Trinity Lane in 2018. Grimes, along with co-owner Dave Brown, runs live music venues The Basement and The Basement East.

These leaders look to make the road easier for up-and-comers.

Sherry Deutschmann

Steven Eaves

Dean, Belmont College of Music and Performing Arts: Trained conductor manages area school’s programs in music, theater and dance, including 900 students and 160 faculty and sta .

Holly G

Founder, Black Opry: Launched collective in early 2021 for Black artists in country music and Americana. Set to launch record label, Black Opry Records, in 2024 along with co-director Tanner Davenport.

Joe Galante

Chairman, Galante Entertainment Organization: Former Sony Music Nashville and RCA leader serves on several boards including CMA and Pinnacle Financial Partners. Key figure of country music history, he was inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

Becky Gardenhire

Co-Head, WME Nashville: Co-leads Nashville o ce of national firm with Joey Lee and Jay Williams, though began her career in Beverly Hills o ce more than two decades ago. Works directly with country greats including Rascal Flatts and Trisha Yearwood.

Randy Goodman

Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville: Area native and 30-plus year industry veteran began leading country-focused SMN in 2015. Shuttered company’s Arista imprint to streamline processes in 2023, and works with Kane Brown and Luke Combs, among others.

Cesar Gueikian

CEO, Gibson Brands: Named to top spot in 2023 succeeding James “JC” Curleigh, after joining as chief merchant o cer in 2018. Also serves as president and board member of Nashville-based guitar company.

Jed Hilly

Executive Director, Americana Music Association: Helped grow genre’s stature since taking charge in 2007 at advocacy group that hosts AmericanaFest. Grammy and Emmy winner for work on Levon Helm: Ramble at the Ryman

Joe Hudak

Contrecia Tharpe FayeVaughn Creative

Senior Editor, Rolling Stone Country: Oversees magazine’s Nashville o ce housing Rolling Stone Country, which he helped launch in 2014. Formerly served as TV Guide editor and Country Weekly managing editor.

Brent Hyams

General Manager, Cannery Hall: Longtime live music o cial tasked by DZL with managing venues at former site of Mercy Lounge, High Watt and Cannery Ballroom. In 2024 rebranded and reopened stages Mainstage, The Mil and Row One in former Cannery Row site.

John Josephson

Chair and CEO, SESAC: Longtime leader of licensing organization oversaw its sale to Blackstone in 2017, and currently licenses public performance of 1.5 million songs and more than 15,000 songwriters, composers and publishers.

Jay Joyce

Producer, Songwriter and Session

Musician: Seasoned professional transformed East Nashville church into studio and has worked with the likes of Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris and Cage the Elephant. Named producer of the year by ACM in 2023.

Ben Kline and Cris Lacy

Co-Presidents, Warner Music Nashville: Rose from EVP roles to succeed Josh Esposito as head of Warner’s country music-focused Nashville o ce at start of 2023. Artist roster includes Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney and Gabby Barrett.

Je Krones

Co-Head, Creative Artists Agency Nashville: Was promoted to role in 2023 after starting at artist management company in 2004 as intern. Shares position with Marc Dennis, Brian Manning and Darin Murphy.

Jonathan Loba

President, BMG Nashville: Stayed on after former local label group BBR was bought by industry giant BMG in 2017. Record label opened Nashville o ce in 2019 and added publishing duties to label responsibilities in 2022.

Megan Loveless

Talent Buyer, The Blue Room: Marketing assistant handles project management for Third Man Records, founded by Jack White. Also books shows for adjoining venue The Blue Room and co-founded DIY record label To-Go Records.

Cindy Mabe

Chair and CEO, Universal Music

Group Nashville: Replaced veteran label exec Mike Dungan in 2023, promoted from president. Touted as first woman to serve as chair and CEO of major label group in Nashville.

David Macias

CEO and Co-Founder, Thirty Tigers: Founded in 2001 firm that handles marketing distribution and publishing for artists. TSU alum and Grammywinning producer.

Shane McAnally

CEO, SMACK and Co-President, Monument Records: Decorated songwriter who wrote more than 40 No. 1 hit songs for Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves and others. Won three Grammy awards and composed Shucked Broadway musical.

Michael Milom

Partner and Founding Member, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan: Industry veteran concentrates on intellectual property and entertainment and taught copyright and entertainment law at Vanderbilt for decades. Also serves as legal counsel to Country Music Hall of Fame.

Jason Owen

President and CEO, Sandbox

Entertainment: Longtime music industry exec left Universal Music to start Sandbox artist management company in 2010. Worked with Shane McAnally to revive Monument Records in 2017.

Jackie Patillo

President, Gospel Music Association: Experienced exec at Sony has led Christian organization since 2011, now preparing for downtown museum. Lipscomb board member also helps produce GMA Dove Awards.

John Peets

Founder, Q Prime South: Seasoned artist manager partnered with longtime client Eric Church to establish Solid Entertainment in 2022. Q Prime opened new headquarters at East Nashville former church the same year.

Royce Risser

Head of Nashville, The Familie: Former Universal Music Group

Nashville exec overseeing move of Los Angeles-based firm to Nashville in 2024 and serving as EVP of country music. Firm focuses on music and sports clients.

Shannon Sanders

Executive Director, Broadcast Music

Inc.: Grammy, Dove and Emmy award winner joined BMI’s Nashville office in 2020, and also was founder and original program director of local soul radio station 102.1 FM.

Jessie Scott

Program Director, WMOT Roots

Radio: Co-founded Americana Music Association and helped MTSU station switch to Americana format, serving in program director role since 2016.

Barry Neil Shrum

Founder, Shrum Disney & Associates: Industry veteran specializing in licensing, royalties and copyright law recently created Music Row law firm with partner Dennis Disney.

Mike Sistad

Vice President, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers: Promoted to position in 2019, Belmont alumnus has spent more than two decades with performance rights organizations. Also worked with The Recording Academy, Operation Song and Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Kenny Smoov

Program Director, Cumulus Broadcasting: Broadcast veteran and host of morning show on 92Q, Nashville’s R&B and throwbacks station, also serves as vice president of urban formats at Cumulus Media.

Jennie Smythe

CEO, Girlilla Marketing: Founder of boutique digital marketing firm became CMA board officer in 2024. Roster includes Brooke Shields, Gavin DeGraw, Thomas Rhett and Blondie, but also serves actors and some businesses.

Stephen Trageser

Music Editor, Nashville Scene: Oversees diverse coverage of local music scene for alt weekly influential off Music Row, teaming with editorin-chief and former music editor D. Patrick Rodgers. Recently contributed to exhibit on hip-hop coverage at National Museum for African American Music.

Sarah Trahern

CEO, Country Music Association: Former politics reporter at C-SPAN and Great American Country executive began leading trade group in 2014 and oversees CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas and CMA Awards, among other events.

Mike Vaden

Principal, Elliott Davis: Leads regional firm’s entertainment and family office practice. Accountant with long history of working with music industry figures including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and George Jones.

Bob Valentine

CEO, Concord: Longtime employee of independent record company served as president and CFO before promotion to CEO in 2023. Represents more than 1 million songs with six additional offices internationally.

Jon Vlassopulos

CEO, Napster: Brentwood-based former Roblox music executive was named CEO of music platform company in 2022 and oversaw moving its headquarters to Nashville in 2023.

Jason Moon Wilkins

Program Director, WNXP: Founder of Do615 and daily host on Nashville’s NPR affiliate alternative indie music station is longtime veteran of city’s music scene.

G. Preston Wilson Jr. Director, Fisk Jubilee Singers: Former member of ensemble was named director in 2023. Historically Black group thought to have brought “Music City” name to Nashville, and in 2021 marked 150 years and released Grammy-winning album.

Sally Williams

President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy, Live Nation: Moved from Ryman Hospitality Group in 2019 to head up overall business and entertainment strategy. Oversees operations of area Live Nation venues Ascend Amphitheater and Brooklyn Bowl.

Nonprofit

Tatum Hauck Allsep

Founder and CEO, Music Health Alliance: Music industry veteran launched in 2013 organization that focuses on mental health, access to insurance, senior care and other health services for musicians.

Danielle Barnes

CEO, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee: Former State of Tennessee official took over for Agenia Clark in late 2023 to lead nearly 100-year-old institution that serves 39 Tennessee counties.

Bari Beasley

CEO, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County: Was named first-ever CEO of 1967-established historic preservation agency in 2017. Entity produces PumpkinFest, Dickens of a Christmas and Main Street festivals and most recently began relocation and preservation of Lee-Buckner Rosenwald School.

Corinne Bergeron

Executive Director and CEO, Frist Foundation: Took the helm in 2022 of organization investing in nonprofits founded by Tommy Frist in 1982. Offers grants to local nonprofits to use for operations, tech and general expenses.

Hal Cato

President, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: Former Thistle Farms and Oasis Center CEO began leading 1991-founded organization focused on distributing funds to nonprofits in 2022.

Angela Crane-Jones

President and CEO, Nashville Business Incubation Center: Began leading nonprofit in 2013 after joining in 2003. Incubation center received $1.25 million grant in 2022 to expand to other states and rural communities.

Glenn Cranfield

President and CEO, Nashville Rescue Mission: Oversees SoBro-based Christian operation that can house up to 745 unhoused Nashvillians nightly. Nonprofit annually lands more than $20 million in public support and opened new women’s campus in early 2024.

Marshall Crawford

CEO, The Housing Fund: Began leading 1996-founded organization in 2017. Nonprofit focuses on down payment assistance, homebuyer education and property tax relief to empower prospective new homeowners.

Sam Davidson

CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center: Former CEO of Batch Gifts was appointed to lead role in 2023, replacing Jane Allen. Offers accelerator services for health care companies, diversity scholarships and other services for aspiring business owners.

Tina Doniger

CEO, Community Resource Center: Took the helm in 2019 for organization that facilitates donations for more than 300 nonprofit agencies in nine Middle Tennessee counties, including hygiene products and disaster relief services.

Marsha Edwards

CEO, Martha O’Bryan Center: Longtime leader of anti-poverty organization oversaw center’s move into charter schools and, most recently, a child care center. Martha O’Bryan is located within James A. Cayce Place public housing complex.

Meagan Flippin

CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management: Former United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County lead moved to 1986-founded Nashville organization management agency in 2024, succeeding retired CEO Tari Huges.

Andrew Freeman

CEO Safe Haven: Former YMCA staffer was named to top spot, replacing Jim Shulman in 2023 after joining organization in 2022. Nonprofit focuses on ending family homelessness.

Rachel Freeman

President, Sexual Assault Center: Began leading organization in 2018 after starting there in 2001. Agency provides free assistance to survivors of sexual assault, including rape kits and counseling.

Pete Griffin

President and CEO, Musicians on Call: Former MTV staffer leads charity that grew its recorded and remote performances for hospital patients during COVID-19 pandemic.

Jenny Hannon

Executive Director, Friends of Warner Parks: Oversees nonprofit arm of parks system, dedicated to preservation and conservation of Percy and Edwin Warner Parks spanning more than 3,000 acres in Bellevue area. Offers organized hikes, preserves trails and historic sites, and provides wildlife education.

Clifton Harris

CEO, Urban League of Middle Tennessee: Former Metro homeless commission exec took the helm in 2016 for nonprofit focused on economic empowerment for Black population including education, job training, housing, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Brian Hasset

CEO, United Way of Greater Nashville: New York transplant began leading Nashville arm in 2017. Organization that manages 211 helpline, among other services, is set to acquire Hands On Nashville in 2024.

Danny Herron

President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville: Veteran leader of 1985-founded organization that builds affordable homes and manages social enterprise ReStore.

Sallie Hussey

Executive Director, FiftyForward: Veteran nonprofit industry pro oversees numerous programs at seven area locations benefiting adults over 50. Organization in 2024 started funding campaign for Bordeaux-area resource center.

Nancy Keil

President and CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank: Leads 1978-founded organization fighting food insecurity in 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties. Agency served 38.9 million meals in 2023 through grocery rescue program, emergency food boxes, mobile pantries and afterschool meal program.

Tasha Kennard

CEO, Thistle Farms: In 2022 took the helm of organization founded by Episcopal priest and entrepreneur Becca Stevens. Nonprofit manages social enterprise and cafe business benefitting women in recovery.

Kay Kretsch

CEO, Dismas House: Former board chair began leading organization in 2020. Program provides housing and social support programs for formerly incarcerated people, managing 72-bed facility serving 175 residents per year.

Liz McLaurin

President and CEO, The Land Trust for Tennessee: Former actor took over in 2016 for conservation nonprofit founded in 1999. Trust recently got involved with Franklin site along West Harpeth River set to accommodate housing complex.

Sharon Roberson

President and CEO, YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee: Began leading in 2016 organization that offers programs for women and girls, including state’s largest domestic violence shelter, Dress for Success, housing and advocacy services.

C.J. Sentell

CEO, Nashville Food Project: Vanderbilt Ph.D. with agriculture background replaced beloved founder Tallu Schuyler in 2021. Organization gardens, cooks recovered and donated foods and shares meals with other nonprofits while growing farming opportunities in Nashville.

Martha Silva and Tara Lentz

Co-Executive Directors, Conexión

Américas: Duo took lead in 2021 for nonprofit that focuses on serving Nashville’s Latino families through economic empowerment, home ownership and civic engagement, among other services.

John Tumminello

President, Centennial Park Conservancy: Longtime leader of organization oversees nonprofit dedicated to preservation of Parthenon and Centennial Park, which recently ramped up art and music programming for the public.

Allie Wallace

Executive Director, Open Table

Nashville: Outreach worker and divinity school alumna climbed ranks to become CEO of homeless services nonprofit in 2023. Organization was cofounded in 2011 by Lindsey Krinks, who remains on staff. Recently advocated against state anti-camping legislation.

Burton Williams

CEO, The Ayers Foundation: Became first CEO of 1999-founded organization that focuses on education programs statewide, including scholarships and school counselors.

Real Estate

Lewis Agnew

President, Chas. Hawkins Co.: Named co-leader of long-standing firm in 2016, teaming with chairman Bill Hawkins. Holds degrees from Auburn, Texas and Vanderbilt.

Todd Alexander

Principal, Director of Real Estate Services, Southeast Venture: Belmont grad began SEV career as real estate broker in 1999.

Allen Arender

Director of Development, Holladay Properties: Key local face of Indianapolis-based Holladay. Focused on work at The Factory at Franklin, Donelson Plaza and 100-acre business park Airport Logistics Park.

Jessica Averbuch

CEO and Owner, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty: Florida native launched real estate career in 2001. Holds degree in anthropology (she once sought to study primates in the wild) and psychology from Washington University.

David Bailey

Principal, Hastings Architecture Associates: Teams with William Hastings and David Powell to lead firm that designed Asurion building in North Gulch for Highwoods and MCC Roundabout-area tower 805 Lea. Has been with company since 1996.

Luca Barber

Managing Director, Mill Creek: Oversees local operations of Boca Raton, Fla.-based company. Company remains underway with large apartment buildings in Germantown, Pie Town and The Gulch. Partners with Jim Beckner to run local Mill Creek office.

Ben Bonner

Managing Partner, Magnolia Investment Partners: Leads company that, in December 2023, garnered local headlines for hiring CRE industry veteran, and ex-Highwoods head, Brian Reames as partner. Company at 2023’s end acquired Green Hills building once housing The Lamp Store.

Herbert Brown

Community and Citizenship Director, Turner Construction: Joined Turner in late 2021. Earned master’s degree in public administration from University of Tennessee and also holds degree from TSU.

Sean Buck

SVP, JE Dunn: With local office of Kansas City-based builder since 2003. On his seventh title in two decades. Elevated from VP role in March 2022. Holds degrees from Auburn and Vanderbilt.

Wood Caldwell

Principal, Southeast Venture: Joined SEV in 1985 and considered face of venerable company. Serves with Cam Sorenson in SEV’s development services division. Company — which also leans on principal and managing broker Greg Coleman — sold Gulch site at Eighth and Division for eye-catching $38 million in late 2021.

Kelly Cathey

Managing Director, Gensler: Teams with co-managing director Christopher Goggin to lead local office of one of world’s most prominent design firms. Previously worked with Nashville-based Gresham Smith.

Tyler Cauble

Founding Principal and President, The Cauble Group: Focuses development attention on Dickerson Pike corridor and North Davidson County. Founded Parasol Management in 2018 for property management duties.

Alex Chambers

SVP and Nashville Market Leader, Highwoods Properties: Spearheads company that developed SoBro site on which rises 30-story Bridgestone Americas Tower. Firm still planning to reinvent ex-Tennessean site on Broadway, an effort announced in mid-2021.

Rodney Chester

CEO and Board Chair, Gresham Smith: Has worked at 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 2022. Succeeded Al Pramuk and teams with chief development officer Kelly Knight Hodges and Principal Brandon Bell to lead company.

Neal Clayton

Owner and Broker, Engel & Völkers: Nashville native with years of involvement in local residential real estate scene. Also owns Neal Clayton Realtors. Teams with John Clayton, his son and company’s president.

Hunter Connelly

CEO, Parks Real Estate: Teams with principal broker Zach Goodyear to oversee company. University of the South grad teams also works closely with Marie Parks, Parks Realty president.

J.P. Cowan

Principal, TM Partners: Has been with Brentwood architecture, planning and interior design company almost 18 years. University of Tennessee grad.

Roy Dale

CEO, Dale & Associates: Ex-Metro councilmember and veteran of planning, zoning, development and construction management industry. Assisted by dedicated right-handman Michael Garrigan.

Mark Deutschmann

Chair Emeritus, Parks Real Estate: Started Village Real Estate Services in 1996 when city’s post-modernism urban placemaking efforts were in their infancy. Sold interest in company in 2019. Oversees Core Development, known for Werthan Mills Lofts, with company VP Andrew Beaird.

Sheila Dial-Barton

Principal, EOA Architects: Leads design firm for which the face remains veteran architect Gary Everton. University of Tennessee grad has been with company since 1997 and named principal in 2019.

Glynn Dowdle

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

Tim Downey

CEO, Southern Land: Oversees company that developed Green Hills site of mixed-use tower Vertis. SLC in February 2023 paid $9.85M for Green Hills site GBT previously eyed for tower and $33.75 million for east side’s Lincoln Tech property (on which mixed-use project is planned).

John Eakin

Chairman, Eakin Partners: CRE sector pro co-leads with dependable president Barry Smith company that has developed mixed-use mid-rises Roundabout Plaza, Truist Plaza, 1201 Demonbreun and Peabody Plaza.

Tarek El Gammal

Executive Managing Director, Newmark: Ex-JLL and SEV official who launched local Newmark office in 2020 with Vince Lefler. Earned MBA degree from University of Chicago.

Gina Emmanuel

Principal, Centric Architecture: Partners with co-principals Jim Thompson, Justin Lowe and David Plummer to guide design firm. Has been with company since 2002.

Meg Epstein

Founder, CA South Development: Has undertaken projects in Edgehill, Pie Town and North Capitol. Holds East Nashville site on river and on which large-scale project could be done. Moved company in 2022 to Wedgewood-Houston.

Martin Franks

VP, Wold Architects and Engineers | HFG Design: Key player at Brentwood company who brings more than 12 years of experience in health care facility planning and design.

David Frazier

CEO and Owner, Hardaway Construction: Acquired 100-year-old company in 2018 after serving as president and operations manager. Holds two degrees from U.S. Naval Academy. Partners with president Tracy Cothran to oversee operations.

Bob Freeman

President, Freeman Webb Companies: Leads 43-year-old company with about 450 employees and nearly 15,000 apartment units and 1 million square feet of property under management in five states. Replaced father Bill Freeman, who retired from position in 2023 yet remains owner of Post parent company FW Publishing.

Rick French

Principal, French King Fine Properties: Works with Tim King to oversee longtime residential real estate company. Co-founder in 1985 of defunct French Christianson Patterson and Associates.

Steve Fridrich

President and Managing Partner, Fridrich and Clark Realty: Started real estate career in 1979 while a Vanderbilt student and became full partner in 1982 of company founded by his father. Has grown Fridrich & Clark Realty from one office with fewer than 10 agents to two offices with 180-plus agents. Sold Thomas Frist home for $32 million in 2023.

Mike Frohnappel

Nashville Managing Partner, Baker

Barrios: Leads local office of Orlando company (which also operates offices in Chicago and Tampa). University of Arkansas grad oversees approximately 13 employees in Gulch office now eight years in operation.

Gary Gaston

Executive Director, Nashville Civic Design Center: Principal contributor to “The Plan of Nashville,” a guide to creating the city’s future manmade form and function. TEDx Nashville Fellow oversees 24-year-old nonprofit. Holds degrees from both Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

Hunter Gee

Principal, Smith Gee Studio: Works with fellow principals Fleming Smith, Dallas Caudle and Greg Tidwell at architecture firm based in Germantown. Now in 14th year with company.

Tony Giarratana

Principal, Giarratana: Considered by many as city’s most high-profile developer due to large-scale nature of his projects. Now underway with 750-foot residential tower on portion of downtown YMCA site. Looking to reintroduce closed Elliston Place bar The Gold Rush at his Rock Block Flats.

Charlie Gibson

Vice Chair, Cushman & Wakefield: Joined firm’s office team in 2015. Specializes in office leasing and, in six years, has completed more than $600 million in leasing and sales transactions. Works with firm’s Dave Sansom, who serves as executive managing director and who replaced Doug Brandon in late 2023.

Elizabeth Goodwin

Senior Managing Director and Market Leader for Tennessee, CBRE: Replaced the departing Stephen Kulinski in March. Previously served as firm’s managing director, co-leading the Tennessee business with Kulinski and Memphis Managing Director Frank Quinn. Hold master’s degree from Vanderbilt in civil engineering with construction management concentration.

Jimmy Granbery

CEO, H.G. Hill Realty: Well-recognized figure within city’s old-school development community. Native Nashvillian whose passion for city and urban infill is unquestioned. Has overseen projects in 12South, Five Points, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village and Sylvan Heights.

Joseph Griffin

CEO, RaganSmith Associates: Promoted to current role 2020. Joined firm in 1987. Earned engineering degree from University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

Roberto Gutierrez

Managing Partner, Jackson Builders: Oversees acquisitions, financing and investor relations for boutique development business that has completed more than 500 infill homes in Nashville’s urban core. Works with co-owners Rogers Jackson, Alexander Jackson and Wojtek Krupka. Company pipeline includes about 430 units for 2024-26 period.

Kristy Hairston

Regional Vice President, Compass: Works in national firm’s Green Hills office. Former president of Greater Nashville Realtors and member of CABLE and Nashville Rotary. TSU grad who once served Compass as managing director of Nashville sales.

Whitfield Hamilton

Regional Partner, Panattoni Development: Vanderbilt grad who partners with brother Hayne. Duo has undertaken development of Music Row-area sites, including office buildings on 16th Avenue (housing SESAC), on Music Circle South and at ex-site of Bobby’s Idle Hour.

Don Hardin

President and CEO, Don Hardin

Group: Founded construction consulting and project management firm in 2001. Firm has worked with Nissan, Intel, Mercedes Benz, Vanderbilt and HCA, among others.

Kim Hartley Hawkins

Founding Principal, Hawkins Partners: Works with husband Gary Hawkins (principal emeritus) to lead land planning and landscape architecture firm. Five Points-based company is contributing to downtown’s Nashville Yards project.

Michael Hayes

President and CEO, C.B. Ragland: Leads development company underway with construction of Hyatt Caption project at Gulch site last home to Whiskey Kitchen. Company completed in SoBro in 2021 Hyatt Centric hotel at exListening Room site. Completed with Hines mixed-use 222 2nd in SoBro.

Jeff Haynes

Founder, Boyle Nashville: Oversees firm that worked with Northwestern Mutual and Northwood Ravin to develop Capitol View sites in North Gulch. Partners with Thomas McDaniel, Boyle’s director of office properties. Company won NAIOP developer of the year award in 2020 and is now underway with McEwen Northside project in Williamson County.

Austin Heithcock

Director, Capstone Companies: Former real estate agent, and MTSU graduate, who now handles sales and leases. Key player in Nashville office of Charlotte-based company.

Edward Henley III

Principal and Project Executive, Pillars Development: Founded company in 2013. Serves as acting president for Rebuilding Together Nashville and as member of Urban Land Institute’s Public Development and Infrastructure Council.

Ray Hensler

Principal, Hensler Development Group: Focused boutique developer known to put quality over quantity. Developed Gulch and Midtown sites with 23-story Twelve Twelve and 18-floor Adelicia, both condo buildings.

Bob Higgins

President and CEO, Barge Design

Solutions: Joined Barge in 1996 as intern following graduation from the Vanderbilt engineering school. Has served in current roles since 2009.

Kelly Knight Hodges

Chief Development and Engagement Officer, Gresham Smith: Has worked with Jackson National, State of Tennessee, Ramsey Solutions and Schneider Electric during approximately 23 years at Gresham Smith.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Cushman & Wakefield congratulates Charlie Gibson on being named on the 2024 In Charge list. CONGRATULATIONS

Evan Holladay

Founder and CEO, Holladay Ventures: Leads company that started work early this year on affordable housing component of CREA project at east side’s ex-RiverChase property.

Jason Holwerda

Partner, Brokerage Services, Foundry Commercial: Joined company in 2014 after spending first 10 years of career with Crescent Communities in leasing and development. Has leased buildings with more than 5 million square feet collectively in transactions that total more than $1 billion.

Bill Hostettler

Principal Broker, HND Realty; Chief Manager, Craighead Development: No-nonsense industry veteran (about 43 years of experience) possessed of biting wit and focused on developing non-high-end condos and townhomes for young buyers.

Janet Jones

Managing Broker, Corcoran Reverie: Former Worth Properties owner offers 37 years of experience in residential real estate sector, focusing on Davidson and Williamson counties. Oversees local office of company owned by Florida-based official.

Mia Keller

Vice President of Development, The Pizzuti Companies: Leads Nashville efforts of Columbus, Ohio-based company. Auburn grad has worked in both local legal and commercial real estate sectors.

Brett Kingman

Managing Director, Walker Dunlop: Teams with Russ Oldham and Robbie O’Bryan to focus on multifamily work. Trio had led local CBRE office’s investment properties multifamily group.

Steven Kirkham

Practice Group Leader, Holland & Knight: Known for his work with shopping center and retail development. Holds law degree from Kentucky.

Eric Klotz

Principal, ESa: Joined local design firm in 1996. Works closely with president Todd Robinson and principal Ron Lustig at company founded by the late Earl Swensson. Holds degree in architecture from University of Cincinnati

Ken Larish

CEO, The Mainland Companies: Oversees company focused on Germantown work. Teaming with Chicago’s Speedwagon to reinvent Chestnut Hill segment with New Heights District mixed-use urban node.

Paul Lawson

Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction: Partners with John Gromos, vice president and GM, to lead local office of NYC-based Turner. World’s largest construction management company has built, among others, Bridgestone Arena, Hill Center Brentwood, Tennessee State Museum and vertical addition to Vanderbilt’s children’s hospital. Studied concrete industry management at MTSU.

Larry Lipman

Broker and Owner, RE/MAX Homes And Estates, Lipman Group: Pleasant and seasoned residential real estate man who began his career in 1973 by developing the concept of former restaurant Spats.

Derek Lisle

Co-Partner, Cottingham Capital Partners: Works with Michael Young and Matt Laitinen at locally based company focused on projects within the city’s near north side. Next up for company: high-end condo building Aster in Germantown.

Rob Lowe

Executive Managing Director and Partner, Stream Realty Partners: Former Cushman & Wakefield senior managing director teamed with New York entity to overhaul The Arcade. Known for work with Elliott Kyle and McClain Towery. Fully underway with Stadium Inn overhaul.

Nancy Malone

Managing Broker, Managing Partner and Owner, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty: Teams with co-principal broker Ginger Holmes and principals Tonya Hamilton and Tisa Musgrove to operate residential brokerage.

Bert Mathews

President, The Mathews Company: Oversees development, acquisitions, financing and institutional/investor relations. University of North Carolina grad also serves as partner with Nashville office of Colliers International. Teamed with Seattle’s Eagle Rock Ventures on WeHo and SoBro microhousing projects.

Mack McClung

CEO, Vastland: Co-founded company in 1995 with J.D. Eatherly. Focused on spring construction start date for Voce Hotel and Residence tower in Midtown.

Mark McDonald

Partner, Oldacre McDonald: Longtime Nashville-based investor and developer who partners with Bill Oldacre to steer company developing Century Farms site in Antioch. Also serves as senior partner with M Cubed Developments, which is led by Mark McGinley.

Mark McGinley

Partner, M Cubed Developments: Oversees company that is undertaking, or has completed, projects in 12South, Buena Vista, Five Points and Music Row. Originally from Canada. Works with Oldacre McDonald partner Mark McDonald.

Janet Miller

Principal, CEO and Market Leader, Colliers Nashville: Former Nashville Area Chamber ECD official who joined Colliers in 2014. Nashville native who is highly involved in civic causes. Holds economics degree from University of Tennessee.

Larry Papel

Partner, Nelson Mullins: Vanderbilt grad focuses work on land-use and zoning. Also a real estate investor who, with Mark Bloom, has been involved with numerous high-profile projects (including W Hotel).

Reggie Polk

Founder and CEO, Polk and Associates Construction: Founded company in 2011 after working as real estate broker with Benchmark Realty. Holds degree from MTSU in concrete industry management.

Patrick Poole

Vice President and Nashville Market Leader, Al. Neyer: Oversees local development efforts for Cincinnatibased company now fully underway with Midtown apartment building.

Eric Pyle

Owner and President, Bell Construction: Joined Bell in 2002 and holds degree in construction management. Partners with Rebecca Ozols Goss, Bell owner and vice president.

Jeremiah Pyron

Partner, Sagemont Real Estate: Teams with Trent Yates and Stephen Songy to lead underrated boutique company. Holds degree in mass communications from MTSU.

Jonathon Reeser

Principal, Head of Development, SomeraRoad: Teams with Andrew Donchez (principal and co-head of acquisitions) to lead Nashville office of company with presence in New York. Company, which remains underway on mixed-use Paseo South Gulch, walked away in 2023 from buying Arnold’s site in Gulch.

Ben Rooke

Regional President, Brasfield & Gorrie: Auburn grad started career at Brasfield & Gorrie in March 2000 and works from Franklin office of Birmingham-based company. Tapped for position in January 2021.

Cary Rosenblum

CEO, Elmington Capital Group: Teams with Ben Brewer (president) to lead company that has undertaken developments in Hillsboro Village and Edgehill, among other urban areas. Company now working on project in West Davidson County and multi-story building at The Reservoir (in Edgehill).

Mary Roskilly

Principal, Anecdote Architectural

Experiences: Combines with partners Joshua Hughes and Chuck Miller to oversee architecture firm previously known as Tuck-Hinton. Joined Wedgewood-Houston company in 1994. Studied architecture at University of Cincinnati.

Floyd Schecter

President, SmartSpace: Playful leader of boutique Donelson company focused on management and maintenance of commercial buildings. Company has sold multiple properties during past 18 months. Holds degree from Washington University.

Mike Shmerling

Chairman and CEO, Clearbrook

Holdings: Opened Pearl Street Apartments with longtime friend Tony Giarratana in 2017, with the two also having partnered to develop Midtown site with 1818 Church. Veteran real estate investor and philanthropist (known for Abe’s Garden work) oversees company formerly known as XMi Holdings.

Barry Smith

Co-Founder and President, Eakin Partners: Partners with John Eakin to form seasoned commercial real estate power couple. Former executive VP and principal of now-defunct Grubb & Ellis/Centennial Inc. Company is known for mid-sized office and retail buildings, including Truist Plaza, Peabody Plaza, Roundabout Plaza and 1201 Demonbreun.

Brooks Smith

Partner, Bradley: Ordained reverend in the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee who has served as adjunct professor of law at Belmont Law School, teaching real estate transactions.

Warren Smith III

Principal and Managing Director, Avison Young: Ex-Cushman & Wakefield | Cornerstone CEO leads local office of Canadian-based behemoth. Ex-partner and president of MidSouth Financial Corp. who holds MBA degree from Duke and bachelor’s degree from Sewanee.

Andrew Steffens

Managing Director, Wood Partners: Helped start local office of Atlanta company in 2019. Company has completed six area projects with buildings offering collectively approximately 3,000 units and is under construction with 1,200 more units and another 650 financed in pipeline. Nashville office is home to 40-plus employees.

Jim Terrell

Managing Partner, Pilkerton Realtors: Leads company founded in 1969 and that in early 2022 merged with Parks Realty and Village. Has served in current role since 2002 and as licensed broker since 1986.

Lizabeth Theiss

Business Development Director, DPR Construction: Joined company in mid-2019 after having served in similar role with Crain Construction. Former Texas resident knows marketing, media relations, customer relations and business development. Company continues work on Lower Broadway project for local businessman Josh Joseph.

George Tomlin

President and CEO, GBT Realty: Steers Brentwood-based company known for its One22One mixed-use tower in The Gulch. Sold to Southern Land, for $9.85 million in early 2023, Green Hills site eyed for condo building. Prepping to begin work on The Sinclair at West End and Elliston Place split.

Jay Turner

CEO, MarketStreet Enterprises: Teams with Dirk Melton to steer company focused on Gulch and Wedgewood-Houston work. Excompany managing director who is now focused on strategic direction.

Bo Tyler

Managing Director, JLL: Teams with senior managing director Tom Hooper to oversee local office of Chicago-based CRE giant. North Carolina grad previously worked with Eakin Partners.

James Weaver

Partner, Holland & Knight: Local legal industry power player who is influential in political circles. Has represented Titans and Bristol Motor Speedway in recent Metro negotiations.

Tom White

Partner, Tune Entrekin & White: An icon of sorts. Attorney who can disarm foes with pleasant and respectful demeanor. Teams with colleague Shawn Henry for one-two punch related to land-use legal work. Cofounded firm in 1978.

Christie Wilson

President and CEO, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services: ProNashville advocate who knows the city’s residential west side as well as anybody else. Has 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.

Manuel Zeitlin

Owner, Manuel Zeitlin Architects: Oversees company known for 21st century design aesthetic (seen at, for example, Chelsea and the TAR Building) with assistance from multiple principals, including dependable deputy Mark Bixler.

Lee Zoller

Principal, Division Street Development: Commercial real estate industry veteran founded company in mid-2017. Focused on boutique projects and aligned with Gulch office of Toronto-based Avison Young. Finished work in 2023 on West End Avenue residential building The Lloyd and continues work on office building The Pinch near WedgewoodHouston.

Retail

Norah Buikstra

General Manager, The Mall at Green Hills: Has overseen since 2018 facility that in 2023 saw announcements or additions of Italian luxury retailers Intimissimi and Dolce & Gabbana; Sports & Social; Swiss timekeeping company IWC; and fashion retailers Marc Jacobs and Hugo Boss.

Crissy Cassetty

Director of Economic Development, Nashville Downtown Partnership: In role since 2008. Has helped downtown land multiple soft goods and food-and-beverage retail businesses. Started career in finance sector.

John Dyke

Owner, The Turnip Truck: Organic and natural foods retailer now prepping to open location in Midtown’s mixeduse Broadview at Vanderbilt building. Opened in 2020 Turnip Truck on Charlotte Avenue in West Nashville to supplement Gulch and east side stores.

Elam Freeman

Principal and Founder, Ojas Partners: Spearheads local commercial real estate company focused on retail spaces. Holds degree from Pepperdine University.

Monika Hartman

Senior General Manager, Fifth + Broadway. Leads soft goods and food/beverage duties for mixed-use downtown development for Northwood Investors, which paid local record $787 million for multi-building property in late 2022.

Brittany Hartwell

Co-Owner, Molly Green: Teams with husband Brandon Hartwell to own and operate multiple locations of the women’s boutique retail stores. Most recently opened outpost in 12South.

Sonya Hostetler

President, Kroger Nashville Division: Worked at Walmart for almost 31 years before joining Cincinnati-based grocery behemoth. Will be key figure in eventual relocation of Belle Meade Kroger to ex-Harris Teeter space.

Steven Hostetter

CEO of Tri Star Energy: Oversees company that owns convenience market chain known for more than 150 Twice Daily stores. Company was founded in 2000 and also owns and operates fueling facilities that accompany the convenience markets.

Hal Lawton

President and CEO, Tractor Supply: Ex-Macy’s president leads Brentwood-based farm supply retail giant. Saw contract extended in early 2023.

Jad Murphy

General Manager, Opry Mills Mall: Oversees 1.2 million-square-foot facility offering about 200 stores, many of them outlets of well-known retailers.

Ann Patchett

Author, Owner, Parnassus Books Nashville: New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Green Hills institution she has led since 2022 after retirement of former co-owner Karen Hayes. Garnered headlines early this year for criticizing Florida schools leaders for banning her books Bel Canto and The Patron Saint of Liars

Paul Patel

Owner, Corkdork’s Wine and Spirits: Began operations at Church Street’s Corkdork’s more than 20 years ago. Preparing to unveil this year two spaces within Midtown building. Developer/owner of Cambria Hotel (located next to Corkdork’s).

Charlie Robin

Owner, Robin Realty: Has been active in local commercial real estate industry since 1976. Replaced father William H. Robin, who founded company in 1947. Strong knowledge of city’s pre-1970s-constructed retail buildings.

Megan Salvador

Regional Real Estate Manager, Wawa Inc.: Began tenure in September 2022 after working as broker with CBRE. Philadelphia-based convenience store chain is hoping to open stores in Dickson, Lebanon, Manchester and Murfreesboro this year.

Amy Sullivan

President and CEO, Kirkland’s: Named to role early this year. Previously held positions at Express, Land’s End, Kohl’s and JCPenney. Replaced Steve Woodward, who retired in May 2023 and saw position filled in interim by Ann Joyce.

Todd Vasos

CEO, Dollar General: Returned to company to replace Jeff Owen in October 2023 after having retired in 2022. Vanderbilt grad joined Goodlettsville-based company in 1992.

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

Richard Wright

General Manager, CoolSprings Galleria: Oversees about 150 stores at Franklin-based retail facility. Assumed role in mid-2022 after almost eightyear run as RiverGate Mall GM.

Sports

Casey Alexander

Men’s Basketball Coach, Belmont:

Has more than 100 wins in his first five seasons coaching Bruins, following legendary Rick Byrd. Coached guard Ben Sheppard, who in 2023 became Bruins’ second first-round NBA draft pick since 2019. Guided Bruins, his alma mater, to 14-6 finish in first season in Missouri Valley Conference.

Mikki Allen

Director of Athletics, Tennessee State: Hired legendary Titans running backs coach Eddie George, who guided Tigers football team winning record in third season. Took over as TSU AD in 2020 for retired Teresa Phillips, who

Ian Ayre

CEO, Nashville SC: Former Liverpool CEO has overseen Nashville’s entry into MLS and building of Geodis Park. Team has made playoffs in each of its first four seasons. In 2023, extended contract of coach Gary Smith through 2025 season.

Andrew Brunette

Coach, Nashville Predators: Named in May of 2023 to succeed the fired John Hynes. Implemented more of an attack-minded mentality. Played under Barry Trotz on Predators’ expansion team of 1998-99, scoring first goal in franchise history.

Ran Carthon

Executive Vice President/General Manager, Tennessee Titans: Led search that produced new head coach Brian Callahan. Drafted offensive lineman Peter Skoronski, quarterback Will Levis and running back Tyjae Spears with first three selections. Director of player personnel in San Francisco before moving to Nashville and replacing the fired Jon Robinson.

Tim Corbin

Baseball Coach, Vanderbilt: Guided outfielder Enrique Bradfield, who became Vandy’s fifth first-round MLB pick in as many years. Has produced national championships and first overall MLB draft picks in two decades at program that had previously struggled.

Scott Corley

Director of Athletics, Belmont: Star basketball player during Belmont’s NAIA era oversaw school’s transition to Missouri Valley Conference from OVC. Beth Debauche

Commissioner, Ohio Valley Conference: More than decade on job at Brentwood-based league. Served previously as an assistant athletic director at Vanderbilt and as an associate commissioner for Southeastern Conference.

Mark Elliott

Director of Athletics, Trevecca: Former Vanderbilt athlete led school’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, where Trojans will begin Gulf South

Congratulations to our Founder & CEO Sunny Bray and all In Charge honorees!

You are the catalysts for change in our community.

Monica Fawknotson

Executive Director, Metro Sports Authority: City government official who oversaw debate about replacing Titans stadium, return of NASCAR and other sports proposals. Serving a fiveyear term that began on Nov. 1, 2023.

Sean Henry

CEO, Nashville Predators: Franchise underwent overhaul of new general manager, coach and players after missing playoffs for first time in nine years. Promoted Michelle Kennedy to president and alternate governor. Team is looking to future as new ownership waits in wings.

Philip Hutcheson

Director of Athletics, Lipscomb: Bisons programs continue to punch above their weight. Men’s soccer team reached No. 9 national ranking last year and had two players selected in first round of MLS SuperDraft. Was 1990 NAIA basketball player of the year while at Lipscomb.

Mike Jacobs

General Manager, Nashville SC: Acquired forward Sam Surridge from England’s Nottingham Forest, and added forward Tyler Boyd and midfielder Dru Goodyear via trades to complement former MVP Hany Mukhtar and two-time Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman. Team stumbled badly down stretch last season.

Valencia Jordan

Director of Athletics, Fisk: Began job in October at school she played basketball for in 1981-82. Oversees men’s basketball coach Kenny Anderson among others. Formerly head volleyball coach, head women’s basketball coach and associate athletic director at Tennessee State.

Michelle Kennedy

President, Alternative Governor and Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Predators: Leads franchise’s dayto-day business operation, while collaborating with CEO Sean Henry on all major initiatives for arena, Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment, team, partners and events.

Clark Lea

Head Coach, Vanderbilt Football: An MBA grad and former Commodore who was DC at Notre Dame before returning to Nashville. Team took step backward in 2023 – losing its last 10 games, suffering transfer portal losses and overhauling coaching staff.

Candice Storey Lee

Athletics Director, Vanderbilt: Took over for Malcolm Turner as Vanderbilt AD in 2021. Became first Black woman to lead an SEC athletics program. May face difficult decisions with football coach Clark Lea and men’s basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse if teams can’t turn around recent fortunes.

Derek Mason

Head Coach, MTSU Football: Spent seven seasons as Vanderbilt head coach, posting a 27-55 record that included two bowl appearances. Will look to turn around Blue Raiders program that was 4-8 last season and has not produced a winning record in Conference USA since 2016.

Paul Mason

Program Director, 104.5-FM The Zone: Manages influential Nashville-based station that is home to Tennessee Titans and Vols football and basketball. Daily local shows are highly rated.

Chris Massaro

Director of Athletics, Middle Tennessee State: In his 19th year on job. Fired longtime football coach Rick Stockstill and replaced him with Derek Mason. School’s $66 million student-athlete performance center scheduled to open in Fall of 2025.

Chase McCabe

Program Director, ESPN 102.5-FM The Game: A well-known voice on talk shows and Predators’ broadcasts, hosts Chase and Big Joe Show with Joe Dubin.

Burke Nihill

Tennessee Titans, President and Chief Executive Officer: Steered team’s new $2.1 billion stadium project to finish line, with facility set to open in 2027. Oversaw franchise’s successful bid for 2019 NFL Draft.

Shea Ralph

Head Coach, Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball: Commodores have taken significant steps forward in third year after two losing seasons. Former player and assistant coach at powerhouse UConn.

Scott Ramsey

President and CEO, Nashville Sports Council: Tasked with managing Music City Bowl and coordinating efforts to lure events like NFL Draft and NHL Stadium Series. Brought University of Tennessee football team to Nissan Stadium for season-opening game against Virginia that drew more than 69,000 fans.

Mark Reeves

Executive Director, TSSAA: In 16th year with organization and second in this role, he oversees junior and senior high school athletic programs for an estimated 110,000 participants and 426 schools.

Gary Smith

Head Coach, Nashville SC: Led expansion club to playoffs in first four years. Low-scoring team reached final of Leagues Cup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF, but lost 10 of final 12 games.

Jerry Stackhouse

Head Coach, Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball: Team struggled badly against both non-conference and Southeastern Conference opponents in fifth season. Former college and NBA star had ended 2022-23 on an optimistic note.

Amy Adams Strunk

Controlling Owner, Tennessee

Titans: Fired coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons and replaced him with Brian Callahan. Added executive vice president to general manager Ran Carthon’s title. Finalized deal with city, state and others for building of an enclosed new stadium on East Bank that will open in 2027.

Barry Trotz

General Manager, Nashville Predators: Team’s first coach became its second general manager, replacing retired David Poile. Dealt away several players at 2023 trade deadline, sent more packing during offseason while adding a trio of veterans to guide Nashville’s young prospects. Fired John Hynes as coach and replaced him with Andrew Brunette.

Technology

Charlie Apigian

Host, Data 4 All: Belmont Data Collaborative executive director stepped down at end of 2023. Still teaching at the university he came to in 2021 after leading Data Science Institute at MTSU Jones College of Business. Named community leader of the year by NTC in 2023.

William Bartholomew

CEO, Trinisys: Took the helm of cloud services firm in 2022, succeeding Antoine Agassi. Joined company from HCTec, which he co-founded in 2010.

Rob Bellenfant

Founder and CEO, TechnologyAdvice: Head of B2B technology marketing platform. In 2022 announced $2.7 million HQ expansion with 350 jobs over five years. Former CEO of Thrive Marketing Group. Founder of investment vehicle 615 Ventures.

Russ Blattner

CEO, Blattner Technologies: Leader of company exploring AI and predictive transformation services. Company made several acquisitions in the last year including DevDigital.

William Bradford

President and CEO, United Communications: Has led regional internet service provider since 2011. Past president of Tennessee Broadband Association. Announced $85 million fiber expansion in Murfreesboro in August 2023 and awarded more than $50 million state grant in 2022.

Joan Butters

CEO, Xsolis: At the helm for more than 10 years of company that markets machine learning and artificial intelligence tools. Named to Inc. 5000 list for second year in a row.

Elise Cambournac

President and CEO, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Succeeded Brian Moyer as leader of tech group that saw region add 38,000 new tech jobs in 2022. Previously cybersecurity lead at HCA’s Parallon.

Meg Chamblee

EVP, Vertical Markets, UDig: Launched lT consulting firm’s Nashville team in 2020 after working as director at CGI. Promoted to lead company strategy for state government, retail and health care. Named 2023 champion of the year by NTC and former leader of Women in Technology of Tennessee.

Alex Curtis

Chief Development Officer, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Developed council’s public policy program and lobbies for tech industry. Has spent more than eight years with organization including overseeing communications and public affairs. Previously was director of Creators’ Freedom Project.

Greg Daily

Chairman and CEO, i3 Verticals: Launched company more than 12 years ago. Now, i3 processes billions of dollars in transactions annually. Closed acquisition of accounting software company Accufund in 2023.

Sarah Daley

Director, Information Security Risk & Compliance, Bridgestone Americas: IT leader at tire company for nearly 10 years. Also VP of Women in Technology of Tennessee.

Wellford Dillard

CEO, Marigold: Head of global marketing technology player, formerly CM Group, bought local success story Emma in 2017. Named best email marketing platform by SoftwareReviews and best overall email marketing company by MarTech Breakthrough in 2023.

Keith Durbin

CIO and Director of IT Services Department, Metro Government: Metro’s IT leader since 2009 pushed for open data efforts. Formerly at HCA and member of Metro Council. Released first report on the city’s work to ensure internet access with digital inclusion officer Pearl Amanfu.

Amy Harris

Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Middle Tennessee State University: Professor of information systems and analytics at the university for more than 16 years. Past president of Women in Technology of Tennessee and an NTC board member and award winner.

Tammy Hawes

Founder and CEO, Virsys12: Created health tech firm for providers and payers in 2011 after working in tech positions at HCA, Central Parking and Paradigm Health. Doubled company revenue and headcount in 2022.

Phil Henry

Co-Founder, CodeX Academy: With more than 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, started company in 2019 to help provide equal access for software development education. Also chair of UpSkill Fund, which provides funding and mentorship to CodeX students.

Beth Hoeg

President and COO, Trinisys: Leader at data conversion and integration company for 15 years, promoted to president in 2022. Former president of Women in Technology of Tennessee.

Sandi Hoff

COO, Greater Nashville Technology Council and Executive Director, NTC Foundation: Former state research and policy director for TDOT has been with NTC for 10 years. Launched education and workforce development programs and raised more than $3 million in grant funding.

Kevin Jones

CEO, Celero Commerce: Veteran fintech exec created payment processor in 2018. Made 10th acquisition last year of Dallas-based Finical. Finalist for regional entrepreneur of the year award in 2022 by Ernst & Young.

JJ Light

Site Director, Dell Technologies: Leads Nashville office of tech company with more than nine years experience as a sales manager.

Joshua Mundy

Co-Founder and CEO, Pivot Technology: Serial entrepreneur formerly owned co-working space The Lab and Music City Cleaners. Started tech school in 2020 and created managed service provider to hire students to help them get job experience in the industry.

Martin Renkis

Executive Director of Global Sustainability Alliances, Johnson Controls: More than 25 years of experience in tech sector. Founded and led cloud software and video venture Smartvue, which he sold in 2018 to Johnson Controls.

Aaron Salow

CEO, XOi Technologies: Founded tech company focused on field service technicians named to the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Landed $11 million from investor group that includes Nashville Capital Network in 2019.

Shaun Shankel

CEO, Fresh Technology: Former songwriter who started in sales with ToGo Technologies now runs Fresh Hospitality IT systems, which handle millions of dollars in annual food sales.

From grandgalas to executive retreats and reunions tocorporate trainings, discover an intriguingspace for any size gathering in the heart of Nashville. Renovated and redesigned to reflect the rich heritage of Music City, each of our 50 meeting rooms and 112k sq ft of eventspaceare designed to foster collaboration and leave your guests inspired.

Tim Stadthaus

CEO, Asurion: More than two decades of consumer tech experience with past roles at the company including president, chief growth officer and chief revenue officer. Late last year succeeded Tony Detter in the role.

Nicole Tremblett

VP of Information Technology Group, HCA Healthcare: Responsible for nursing and HR tech as well as identity and access for hospital company’s tech team of more than 6,000. Past leader with Greater Nashville Technology Council and TechBridge TN with Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management degree.

John Wark

CEO, Nashville Software School: Started nonprofit coding and talent bootcamp more than a decade ago. Former Belmont entrepreneur in residence and professor.

Dana Ward

Founder, Ward Consulting: President of Women in Technology of Tennessee. Formerly IT exec at Wellpath with previous experience at Deloitte, Invoyent and West Monroe Partners.

Chad Wasserman

Senior VP and CIO, HCA Healthcare:

This year replaced Marty Paslick, who had been at the company nearly 40 years. Wasserman most recently was SVP and COO for HCA’s Information Technology Group and has been with company 28 years.

Marcus Whitney

Co-Founder and Partner, Jumpstart Health Investors: Longtime health care entrepreneur and investor. Founder of venture fund concentrated on Blackled health care startups, Jumpstart Nova. Also co-founder of Nashville Soccer Club.

Sean Wright

Founder and President, Affinity Technology Partners: Business information technology veteran founded consulting company in 2002. Belmont grad started his career with LifeWay.

Tourism

Dion Brown

Executive Director, National Museum of African American Music: Previously chief operating officer elevated to lead NMAAM in August 2023 after former president and CEO Henry Hicks stepped down. Brown has also held leadership roles at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, National Blues Museum, B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center as well as served on board for Association of African American Museums.

Linda Chambers

Co-Founder and CEO, Musicians Hall of Fame: Opened in 2006 and relocated to Municipal Auditoriumbased museum in 2013 to show instruments owned and played by both well-known artists and behindthe-scenes session musicians. Became CEO after death of husband Joe Chambers in 2022.

Mark Ezell

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development: Joined department in 2019. Led Gov. Lee’s economic recovery group in 2020 to restore economic growth in the state after pandemic. Established office of rural tourism to assist with marketing, grants and outreach. Lipscomb and Tennessee Tech grad worked on brand development at Purity Dairies and Dean Foods including iconic “Got Milk?” campaign.

Mark Fioravanti

Chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties: Became CEO in 2023 succeeding Colin Reed, who now serves as executive chairman. Started at RHP predecessor Gaylord Entertainment two decades ago. Leads company that owns Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and radio station WSM. To open entertainment complex in multilevel building formerly home to Wildhorse Saloon in partnership with country star Luke Combs.

Amanda Hite

President, STR LLC: Company leader since 2011 and joined in 2006. Also member of senior leadership team for CoStar Group, STR parent company. ExNashville Area Chamber of Commerce official is member of boards of directors of American Hotel and Lodging Association and U.S. Travel Association. In 2023 was named to board of Nashville branch of Federal Reserve Bank.

Deana Ivey

CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp: Elevated to role when former CEO Butch Spirydon stepped down after more than 30 years as leader of organization. Has been with NCVC for 25 years and was named president in 2022 after serving as executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Part of Mayor Cooper’s hospitality committee during pandemic recovery.

Bill Miller

CEO and Founder, Icon Entertainment & Hospitality: 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 and in 2023 opened Shulman’s in East Nashville as well as Frank Sinatra-themed bar in Printer’s Alley.

Leah Melber

President & CEO Adventure Science Center: Hired in May 2023 to replace Steve Hinkley, who stepped down in 2022. Leads organization as it expands its gallery to include health care and technology with aim to grow conference for young women in STEM. Previously senior director of education at Catalina Island Conservancy off California coast with more than 20 years of museum experience.

Sunil Narang

General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville: Took the helm of luxury SoBro property, replacing Richard Poskanzer, who led opening. Has been with Four Seasons brand for more than 27 years and most recently was head of its Hotel Mumbai.

Dee Patel

Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel: Joined hotel 20 years ago, rising from role of rooms executive to current role in 2019. Johnson & Wales grad oversees hotel and its Drusie & Darr and The Pink Hermit.

Kal Patel

CEO of Imagine Hospitality: Recently purchased historic Morris Memorial Building downtown with plans to turn it into boutique hotel that pays homage to its Black history. Acquired Hotel Preston near Nashville International Airport, which will undergo upgrades and become Marriott brand Delta. Also operates three MetroCenter hotels

Rob Schaedle

President & Managing Partner, Chartwell Companies: Co-founded hotel development entity in 2003. Set to open nine-story Hilton Hotel as first on-site at Nashville International Airport in 2024. Company developed Capitol View site with 10-story Hampton Inn and opened Hilton Conrad at Midtown’s Broadwest in 2022

Rick Schwartz

President, Nashville Zoo: Head of exotic wildlife park that sees 1 million-plus visitors annually. Unveiled new Komodo Dragon exhibit in 2023 with plans for new Leopard Forest project and African Safari on horizon. Considered one of zoo industry’s foremost authorities on clouded leopards and giant anteaters.

Steve Smith

Owner, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Man behind Nashville’s legendary honkytonk who also co-owns Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central and The Diner. Opened four-story Fourth and Broadway building with Kid Rock honky-tonk in 2018. Working on future three-story building with rooftop at former South Street location near Midtown.

Charles Starks

President and CEO, Music City Center: Leader of massive SoBro convention facility. Has held position since March 2005. Former director of rooms and general manager at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Maureen Haley Thornton

President & CEO, Visit Franklin: Oversees Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau for area’s growing tourism industry. Previously vice president of strategic tourism initiatives at Visit Houston and vice president of tourism practice at Development Counsellors International.

Sara Beth Urban

President & CEO, Hospitality Tennessee: Head of nonprofit trade association representing businesses in tourism industry since 2022. Former executive director of Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Middle Tennessee division manager for state tourist development department.

Kyle Young

Director, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Leader of iconic cultural attraction since 1999. Joined downtown-based nonprofit in 1976 before becoming its head of education in 1978.

Transportation/ Logistics

Charles Abbott

CEO, Gray Line of Tennessee: Head of company since 2015, also previously COO and CFO. Holds bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami University in Ohio.

Diana Alarcon

Director, Nashville Department of Transportation: Brought in to be first leader of Metro’s DOT in 2022. Previous experience as director in Tucson and Fort Lauderdale.

Heather Bay

CEO, Direct Flight Solutions: Since 2008 has led company that serves private and corporate aircraft owners at Lebanon Municipal Airport, where she is also airport managing director. Multiple Fortune 500 companies and Life Flight Vanderbilt call the airfield home, which includes 29 corporate hangars and 52 city-owned T-hangars.

Steve Bland

CEO, WeGo Public Transit: Leader of city’s public transit for nearly 10 years, overseeing bus and commuter rail operations. Replaced Paul Ballard in 2014. Worked for transit entities in Hartford, Jersey City and Pittsburgh.

Mark Cleveland

CEO and Co-Founder, Hytch

Rewards: Head of company created in 2016 that rewards ridesharing behavior, funded partially by state grant and employer partners. Teamed in late 2019 with San Francisco-areabased Bay Area Council on coalition of transportation ventures.

Jessica Dauphin

President & CEO, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee: In 2017 joined the organization that works to support funding for regional transit and named leader in 2019. Oversees the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy and other transit advocacy programs. Appointed to WeGo’s board in 2021.

Butch Eley

Deputy Governor and Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation: Has held several leadership roles in the Lee administration. Now pushing road improvements via Transportation Modernization Act. Belmont grad founded Infrastructure Corporation of America.

Tanisha Hall

Founder, Fairpointe Planning:

Named as Mayor O’Connell’s director of transit and mobility in December but left the position so company would not lose its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise status. Former TDOT long-range planner now consults on community and statewide transportation planning.

Whitt Hall

CEO, TransCore: Set to replace Tracy Marks, who spent 30 years with the company that operates tra c management and open road tolling systems. Previously chief operating o cer who has been with TransCore for 20 years.

Mike Honious

CEO, Americas, Geodis: Succeeded in 2021 Randy Tucker as leader of former Ozburn Hessey-Logistics. Acquired domestic transport business Southern Companies in 2023. Joined Brentwood-based OHL 17 years ago, having previously served as COO. Once held senior level operations positions at Gap Inc. Tapped to serve on board of Nashville branch of Federal Reserve.

Ryan Hunt

COO, Metropolis Technologies: Began career at Premier Parking as account specialist. Named CEO of company in 2019 and became COO of Metropolis after it acquired Premier in 2022.

Orrin Ingram

President and CEO, Ingram Industries: Head of company that is over inland marine transportation company Ingram Barge and publishing industry services company Ingram Content Group. Vanderbilt grad worked with university’s board of trust.

Doug Kreulen

President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority: Took the helm in 2017, previously COO. Leading authority’s $1 billion-plus upgrade plan.

John Roberts

CEO, Ingram Barge Co.: Leader of one of area’s largest private companies. Overseeing creation of company’s next subsidiary, Ingram Infrastructure Group. Previous COO who replaced David O’Loughlin in 2022.

Michael Skipper

Executive Director, Greater Nashville Regional Council: Previously executive director of Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which became GNRC. UT grad whose more than 20-year career included stops in Austin and Seattle. Congratulations 2024 In Charge Honorees. Thank you for your dedication to the Nashville region’s success.

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Making it big

A history of failed music careers helps turn Nashville into an entrepreneur’s town

BY MARGARET LITTMAN

never would have had the confidence to become an entrepreneur before I moved to Nashville,” says Laurel Orley.

Orley is co-founder and “Crunch Executive Officer” of Daily Crunch, a sprouted nut snack company that went from its first sales at the Produce Place in Sylvan Park to being on the shelves of Target, CVS and other national retailers in less than five years. Daily Crunch recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a $4 million Series A raise. But before Nashville, Orley didn’t see her-

self as an entrepreneur. She worked as a media executive for Unilever on brands including Dove and Lipton Tea. But moving to Nashville (with her husband, a hospitality entrepreneur) enabled her to think about consumer packaged goods in new ways and led her to encourage her aunt, Diane Orley, to work with her to launch a line of sprouted nuts.

“I’m getting so much more support here,” Orley says. “It is the feeling of a bigger fish in a smaller pond, versus feeling like a small fish in a big pond that I would be in New York City or Los Angeles.”

While Orley’s story may be unique in that she launched during a pandemic with a line of sprouted nuts, it is not unusual in finding that Nashville is a place that breeds entrepreneurs. Nashville’s history of aspiring musicians hitching a ride to town, hoping to make it big, has long provided a foundation for dreamers and those with big (or just weird) ideas. Because so many people come to Music City to become a star — a pursuit

that few achieve — failure doesn’t seem to have the stigma it does in other cities.

Sherry Deutschmann, founder and CEO of BrainTrust, a women’s business-owner membership organization, credits the Nashville co-write, too. She was one of those dreamers who moved to town searching for music stardom before pivoting to the health care sector and entrepreneurship.

SHERRY DEUTSCHMANN, BRAINTRUST

“If you look at the Top 10 hits, very few are written solo,” she says. “Songwriters know that their best chance of getting a hit is working together. And that sets the tone for collaboration.”

The Nashville chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization is the largest in the country and the third largest in the world. Nashville’s has more than 300 members; members must be the founder of a company with at least $1 million in revenue.

“There is room to go up, but we are seeing a lot of venture capital interest in Nashville,” says Lindsey Cox, CEO of Launch Tennessee, a 501c3 that helps startup businesses in the state.

But for all those wins, as is the case across the country, the cost of living is making it difficult for smaller businesses to launch and thrive. There is a stigma to failure if you can’t afford to experiment and fail. And the price of commercial property and coworking space make the gamble riskier. For retail shops and restaurants, for example, Nashville’s prices are now a barrier, when two decades ago they were an incentive.

Courtney McKay started her private chef business in 2018 and in 2019 moved into a space in the Shoppes on Fatherland, where In Good Company could sell meals-to-go and stock a specialty shop called Local Pantry. In 2022, In Good Company moved to a larger space across the sidewalk, and the business has grown, with opportunities such as cooking for preschools. She has been unsuccessfully looking for a larger space. McKay feels the pressure from chains and larger businesses that can afford rents that she can’t.

Judith Bright, owner of three eponymous artisan jewelry boutiques, recently purchased the building in 12South where she and her team have crafted bracelets and earrings for a decade. The walkable neighborhood helped build her brand. She had been concerned that she’d have to leave the area — she knew, even

at her established level, that she wouldn’t be able to afford rent elsewhere. It took some creative, supportive bankers to pull off the sale, and she’s aware that entrepreneurs just starting out now are struggling to afford rent in desirable locations.

And it isn’t just the cost of rent. Annie Klaver, owner of River Queen Voyages, faces struggles with access to the Cumberland River downtown from where many of her company’s aquatic adventures depart. There’s demand for other activities on the East Bank and riverfront and frequently those big events, such as the Music City Grand Prix, block access for both residents and small businesses such as hers.

“The East Bank development is positive and negative,” says Klaver, who started her kayaking business 10 years ago, with help from a GoFundMe campaign. “It brings more attention to the Cumberland and its use as a recreation destination. And there are big interests with big money that threaten to squeeze us out of the footprint.”

Deutschmann, who is also an associate producer on the new documentary Show Her the Money, sees the disparities. She’s optimistic about the opportunities for many business owners in Nashville, as she has seen more investors willing to finance Nashville-based businesses. Several of the female founders who are members of BrainTrust are poised to hit the $1 billion revenue mark.

At the same time, Deutschmann acknowledges that not all businesses are poised for that kind of growth and not all entrepreneurs have $1

billion goals. She would like to see the city prioritize its mom-and-pop businesses. Certainly, the pandemic helped underscore the importance of having shops in the neighborhood and relationships with business owners who could help when the supply chain stalled. Deutschmann cites the example of some real estate developers who are setting aside space for locally owned businesses in development projects the same way they might do for affordable housing.

Mentorship can help offset some of the struggles. The Nashville Entrepreneur Center has six different accelerators to help people launch businesses. Some are industry-specific, and some are stage-of-business specific. Another is specifically designed for founders of color. The Preflight accelerator is designed for people with any idea wanting to turn it into a plan. Sam Davidson, CEO of the EC, says the accelerators and ongoing programming help entrepreneurs to problem-solve with one another and find ways that they may share space or services. Bright helps mentor others both through the NEC and local Entrepreneur’s Organization as well as and in her business, where she hires and trains female creatives to make jewelry.

For all the complexities, Launch Tennessee’s Cox believes Nashville’s business diversity — from health care to agriculture to hospitality to music — makes the entrepreneurial community resilient in times of change.

Says Cox: “There’s this common misconception that Nashville is all about health care. But because we have a variety of industries, we haven’t been as economically shaken as other cities.”

Courtney McKay

The scenic route

Some Nashville attorneys take the long way to a legal career

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

ometimes, the path to becoming a lawyer is direct. Major in political science or something else lawyer-y, take the LSAT your senior year and move right into law school after graduating.

For other people, the path is more circuitous. Last year, we profiled Frances Perkins’ journey from high-end global art consultant and gallerist to associate at Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison. Musicians from bands including Bully and Futurebirds have gone on to law school and careers as attorneys.

Many Nashville attorneys fit the same mold — that is, no mold at all.

Darrius Dixon held a Forrest Gumpian series of jobs before enrolling at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2019. He was a Waffle House cook, a band teacher, a security guard at Music City Center, a member of the Tennessee Titans drumline, a retail sales manager and a police officer at Middle Tennessee State University before going to law school.

After law school, Dixon worked as an associate at Lewis Thomason in Knoxville before returning to Middle Tennessee late last year to practice in Starnes Davis Florie’s Franklin office. His practice is focused on health care litigation and regulatory work.

Dennis Disney started at Nashville School of Law when he was 56 years old. Previously, he’d spent decades working in the music and publishing industries. Now, after graduating and passing the bar, he’s partnered with longtime Music Row attorney Barry Neil Shrum to launch Shrum Disney & Associates. (Shrum

had his own unique path to the law, as he originally set out to teach theology before pivoting to law school.)

“It’s not for the faint of heart in terms of the amount of time you have to put into it,” Disney says. “You’re never too old to learn. But you have to have a real drive to want to learn.”

Now, his experience on one side of the entertainment business helps inform his work as an attorney, like when a client was negotiating a Netflix deal or another canceled a live performance when the venue was changed last minute.

“I was one of the guys making the sausage, not just watching it get done,” Disney says. “So my experiences and network, I think, give us a leg up on a lot of attorneys and law firms who have more of an academic approach to things.”

Dixon is satisfied with his current position and work in health care litigation. Still, don’t expect him to remain entirely on a single track, especially given his varied past experiences.

“I hope to get into other endeavors, whether it’s having my own business of some kind, maybe it’s real estate, maybe it’s some other commercial entity. I definitely would like to

do that,” he says. “Maybe it’s not commercial, but from a nonprofit standpoint or being on a board of some kind. Those are definitely opportunities that I hope to embrace if they come along to me.”

Dixon is clear-eyed about the financial implications of attending law school. He took on significant student loans and also relied on savings and part-time and summer work during school. And coming out of school, he knew he needed to work in an area of the law that would allow him to pay off that debt.

He says: “When people say, ‘Hey, I’m thinking about going to law school. I want to be a public defender. I want to save the world. I just saw this movie about a lawyer who saved the world, and I want to do that.’ And I’m like, ‘That’s great. Absolutely. I’m here for it. But can you do this job, can you save the world, without J.D. next to your name?”

Still, financial and career ambitions aside, he could probably be happy back on the line at that Waffle House near Fort Campbell.

“If I could work and get the benefits of this type of job working at a Waffle House, I would do it,” Dixon says. “I really like to cook, but obviously that’s not how the world works.”

S

Darrius Dixon

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