DOCTOR ON BOARD Dr. Allen Sills talks about the Heritage Ball, his wife Shawne, and his role in the NFL
Interview by Susan Andrews Thompson / Photos courtesy of the Sills Family Susan Andrews Thompson: Tell us how you got involved with the Heritage Foundation and what is your involvement today? What has it been like being on the board during the past year? Allen Sills: In late April 2009, just before we made the move back to Franklin, my wife Shawne and I were visiting and we stumbled upon the Main Street Festival—it was a beautiful day and the energy, spirit and joy made an impression on us; it redoubled our excitement about moving to Franklin. On that day, we learned that the Heritage Foundation organized the festival. Fast-forward twelve years, and I’ve been a Heritage Foundation board member for several years now. A friend of mine, Dr. Cyril Stewart of Vanderbilt, was chairman of the board—he first mentioned to me the Franklin Theatre (which the Foundation manages) and his immense respect for the Foundation. He urged me to get involved in some way. When he retired, I ended up taking his spot on the board; I’m now on my second term. SAT: There are so many worthy causes, why the Heritage Foundation? AS: Franklin and Williamson County is our home, and we love the community. We feel that the area’s amazing quality of life comes from its blend of natural beauty and rich history. We believe in the Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve historic places and help our community stay connected to, and learn from, that history. The Heritage Foundation does that by lobbying to preserve the region’s green space, parks, and trail systems, as well as regulate the pace and style of development. And, of course, my family loves attending the organization’s range of annual events— from Heritage Ball to Pumpkinfest to Dickens of a Christmas. SAT: Have you attended the Heritage Ball in the past? AS: Yes, we enjoy watching the folks of Franklin come together and celebrate while raising money which will go to help our community. SAT: What is your involvement with this year’s ball? AS: Shawne and I are honorary chairs for this year’s ball. We’re 28 slmag.net
delighted to have a part in the county’s signature event and to have an opportunity to give back and help raise money for the Foundation and the people of Franklin. This particular year, having a social event and getting people connected back together is especially meaningful to us. By getting back to normalcy, we are able to support local businesses and vendors. In particular, we are emphasizing locally sourced products—we want to give area businesses a boost and visibility as we emerge from the challenges of Covid. We also are working to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. While, of course, the ball is a very formal event, it’s open to everyone and created to reflect diversity of our county. We are working to have the widest representation possible. SAT: What do you and Shawne like to do in your spare time? AS: We have four children and nine grandchildren, so we’re always busy with family activities. We have a son who is a college baseball player, and we enjoy attending his games. Around Williamson County, we love biking and hiking on the Natchez Trace and kayaking and paddleboarding on the Harpeth River and its tributaries. We are avid travelers and we are blessed that Shawne can join me on work trips for meetings and speaking engagements.
