6 minute read
Celebrating Traci Hollandsworth A Quarter Century of NBA Service
Bahar Azhdari serves as Vice President, Compliance Officer for Brookdale Senior Living Inc., where she implements, maintains, and provides direction for the ongoing, effective operation of Brookdale’s compliance program, including the development and review of necessary policies, programs, and procedures to support the same. She is currently serving as the 2024 Nashville Bar Association President and Publisher of the Nashville Bar Journal
Twenty-five years ago, Traci Hollandsworth began her employment with the Nashville Bar Association. From her start as a receptionist greeting members cheerfully at the door to her now indispensable role as our Director of Programs and Events, Traci has left an indelible imprint on the NBA. Not only is she the mastermind behind the scenes for numerous events and programs, but she also turns ideas into realities and has woven herself into the fabric of our organization. She's more than just an event planner; she is at the heart of every gathering, event, and program.
You, our members, agree:
I first met Traci at the Davidson County Mock Trial Competition back in 2004. We were dolling out slices from Manny’s House of Pizza to the volunteers and answering a litany of questions from the high school students. I immediately was struck by her sense of humor, her warmth, and her work ethic. I knew that if the Nashville Bar Association was made-up of people like Traci, I wanted to be involved. Over the next twenty years, my initial impressions only further were solidified. Even more, I learned that I wasn’t the only lawyer in our community with such an affinity for Traci. Everyone loves her. Everyone. Thank you, Traci, for giving so much of yourself to this organization and for making this a truly remarkable group.
Erin Palmer Polly, K&L Gates
Traci is the best, but you have to keep at least one eye on her at all times. During my year as President, after the NBA golf tournament, Traci and the staff went to a restaurant to celebrate a successful outing. I dropped in to hang out with them and, being the nice guy I am, offered to buy the drinks. Traci jumped on that and ordered tequila for the group and multiple rounds after that. I know nothing about tequila. So, when she was ordering Patron Platinum or something like that, I thought little of it. When the bill came, though, I realized I had been had. It was the most expensive tequila on the menu! I can’t remember exactly how high the bill was, but it was HIGH. Traci 100% knew that she was taking me to the cleaners, and she loved every stinking minute of it. After I picked myself up off the floor, I thought it was pretty darn funny too! And, it has allowed me to give her grief on a regular basis for the past 16 years, so maybe I ultimately came out on top!Big time congrats to Traci on 25 years with the Bar. She is an absolute treasure!”
W. Scott Sims, Sims|Funk
Traci is the ‘rock’ of the NBA. Her tireless and essential efforts for the past 25 years have been a tremendous benefit to the NBA and its members. I have particularly benefited from working with her in planning and arranging the NBA Law Day luncheons for the past 23 years for which she has attended to every detail in planning the events. It is not an overstatement to say that Traci is primarily responsible for the success of the NBA Law Day luncheons.
Judge Frank Clement, Court of Appeals of Tennessee, Middle Section
One of my fondest memories of Traci dates back to January 2022, right in the middle of the pandemic. We were organizing the Damali Booker Job Fair, and since most people were still avoiding in-person meetings, we decided to meet up at Famous Dave’s for our planning session. Being a weekday afternoon during COVID, we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. We sat there for hours, bonding over catfish fingers while pairing the students for interviews. I had known and loved Traci for years before this, but I really felt like she became a friend that day.
Tabitha Robinson, NES
I have had the amazing pleasure of knowing and working with Traci Hollandsworth for as long as I can remember. Traci has always been a joy to work with and literally has been my NBA ‘Savior’! Whenever it’s time to register for an event or pay my dues, I always get a nice email from Traci just as a reminder. I can’t tell you how many times I have called Traci after a deadline has passed, and she has ALWAYS taken care to sign me up! At every event, Traci has made everyone feel comfortable! Her smile and welcoming way has been a mainstay to NBA. As we enter any event, she’s always there and ready to hand out nametags and anything we need! I am so grateful to have met Traci and I am glad to consider her a friend! Congratulations on 25 years!!
Judge Sheila D.J. Calloway, Juvenile Court, Davidson County
Traci is so much to so many people at the NBA: friend, planner, organizer, scheduler, and gentle reminder of deadlines. She is the keeper of NBA knowledge and lore. She knows everyone, and she is beloved by everyone. Find any member at any event, and they will have a story of how Traci has impacted their lives – either personally or professionally. She is the embodiment of what it means to live our culture, and she is always there with a smile, a hug, or – for better or worse – the truth. I believe people join the NBA because of Traci, and they stay because of her. She makes members feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. She is creative and thinks outside the box for our events, and she has made a significant impact on and contribution to the NBA. Traci is such an integral part of the organization that I think she is synonymous with it.Her insights and friendship have been invaluable to me over the years and none more so than one year. I am honored to have been able to work with Traci as President of the NBA, and I hope to continue to see her shine with the NBA.
Bahar Azhdari, NBA President, Brookdale Senior Living
We commend Traci and thank her for the memories made and those yet to come.
Congratulations on an incredible 25 years!
