Nashville Post Spring 2019

SPRING 2019

SMART DECISIONS How cities can avoid focusing on quick wins

RIVER BOUND The next phase of growth for Germantown

Ripple effects How Amazon will and won’t change Nashville

Sudsy

Success

CEO of the Year Linus Hall and Yazoo are thirsty for their next growth push

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Live Nation with Ascend Amphitheater would like to congratulate Brian Traeger for being recognized on the Nashville Post 2019 InCharge list.

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JUNE 2020

Developing Office Space In Nashville for over 35 Years

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SPRING 2019

OPEN

08 NEW LOOK,

NEW STRUCTURE

SUDSY SUCCESS CEO of the Year Linus Hall has Yazoo thirsty for its next growth push

LEADERS

11 THE JOURNEY

Bernard Health founder ‘kept plugging away’ to reshape business

14 ‘IN A UNIQUE SPOT’

2

New Sexual Assault Center President Rachel Freeman takes over amid rapid growth

THREE QUESTIONS Elevation Search’s Christel Alvarez talks tech leadership

The 10th edition of our definitive list of Nashville’s movers and shakers features numerous new faces

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DESIGNING TO ENHANCE EXPERIENCES AND ENGAGE PEOPLE

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16 QUICK WINS VS. RIGHT THING

A futurist and economist

shows how communities can make good long-term

choices

18 FOR SALE BY OWNER

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MOVING TOWARD THE RIVER

Preparing your business — and yourself — for the next chapter

VITALS

78 THE RULES

Health IT regulators offer mandatory reading for health care officials

79 SCHOOLING SENSITIVIT Y

Many of Tennessee’s dentists don’t follow continuing education rules

82 BACK TO SCHOOL BOOM

Health care pros discuss what their world can learn from other industries

67 DATA BANK

Dissecting hotels, hot spots and new home construction

68 REINVENTION

Renaissance Hotel makes changes as its surroundings prep for overhaul

East Germantown faces transformation for the better

FINANCE

84 DEALS FOR DEPOSITS

There’s more growth to

to be had for Middle

Tennessee’s ambitious bankers

TECHIE MAKERS

74

RIPPLE EFFECTS What Amazon will — and clearly won’t — do to Nashville’s tech scene

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73 YOU SHOULD KNOW

BOS Framework’s Sashank Purighalla seeks software development overhaul

76 FORGING AHEAD

A then-and-now look at the Tech Council’s top goals

86 BUDDING PL ANT PROBLEMS

Manufacturers see sales growth — but worker shortages, political uncertainty give pause

FAVORITES

88 LOVER OF L AGERS

Scott Mertie has a No. 1

local beer he did not brew himself

SPRING 2019 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

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rise to the top In his legal career spanning nearly 25 years, John Peterson has cultivated countless relationships with colleagues, clients and the community. As a passionate champion of Nashville and respected leader within the profession, John symbolizes the very definition of an icon.

We proudly congratulate John Peterson for being featured on Nashville Post’s In Charge list.

Reaching greater heights.

SM

real challenges. real answers.

|

Atlanta

Boston

Chicago

Dallas

Denver

Houston

Kansas City

Los Angeles

Miami

Nashville New York Phoenix St. Louis San Francisco Seattle Silicon Valley Washington, D.C. Wilmington | polsinelli.com Polsinelli is very proud of the results we obtain for our clients, but you should know that past results do not guarantee future results; that every case is different and must be judged on its own merits; and that the choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Polsinelli PC. Polsinelli LLP in California.

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OPEN

Changing times The pressure to change — in business, government, sports and beyond — is relentless and noisy. It so often seems like others are doing things better or differently, and it’s tempting to chase after them in the quest for bigger numbers, shinier toys and generally more of everything.

Still, there’s a whole lot to be said for remaining rooted in what you do — smartly, not obstinately — and planning for growth on your own terms and prioritizing what’s important to you. That’s one of the reasons we’re happy to honor Linus Hall as our CEO of the Year and why we’ve also written in this issue about business exit planning and the strategic priorities of the Tech Council in the past decade. In our fast-paced world — and an even faster-moving Nashville — there is, as futurist Rebecca Ryan tells us on page 16, a lot of power in slow thinking.

The idea that big numbers alone don’t define influence also powers our In Charge list. Yes, the highest leaders of the region’s biggest names are included in this 10th edition of our who’s who.

But we’ve long prided ourselves on digging deeper and also letting you know about people who have sway outside the limelight. This year’s list of more than 500 people includes lots of new faces that reflect Middle Tennessee’s growth.

While we’ve kicked off 2019 with a new logo and look for our print product — more on that on page 8 — our commitment to what we do online day in and day out is unchanged. If you’re not yet subscribing to our daily news emails, you’re missing out on business, politics and sports coverage that keeps you in the know and helps you make better decisions. We hope you’ll head over to nashvillepost.com soon and join the club.

Geert De Lombaerde, Editor gdelombaerde@nashvillepost.com

On the cover CEO of the Year Linus Hall Photo by Eric England

editorial EDITOR Geert De Lombaerde MANAGING EDITOR William Williams STAFF WRITERS David Boclair, Stephen Elliott, Kara Hartnett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lena Anthony, Steve Cavendish, Chris Chamberlain, Mamie Davis, Nancy Floyd, Dana Kopp Franklin, Amanda Haggard, Steven Hale, Holly Hoffman, D. Patrick Rodgers, Stephen Trageser

art & production ART DIRECTOR Christie Passarello STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric England, Daniel Meigs PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Matt Bach GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Abbie Leali, Mary Louise Meadors

publishing ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Daniel Williams BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS Heather Cantrell Mullins, Jennifer Trsinar ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Maggie Bond, Robin Dillon, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Mike Smith, Stevan Steinhart, Penny Williams, Keith Wright SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER Chelon Hill Hasty ACCOUNT MANAGERS Rachel Hellewell, Gary Minnis

marketing EVENTS DIRECTOR Olivia Moye EVENTS MANAGER Caleb Spencer

circulation SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Gary Minnis CIRCUL ATION MANAGER Casey Sanders

business PRESIDENT Frank Daniels III CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Todd Patton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heather Pierce IT DIRECTOR John Schaeffer SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Susan Torregrossa

FW Publishing, LLC OWNERS Bill Freeman and Jimmy Webb 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37203 nashvillepost.com

Nashville Post is published quarterly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Wed., May 1. For advertising information, call Daniel Williams at 615-744-3397.

For subscription information, call 615-844-9307.

Copyright © 2019 FW Publishing, LLC.

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PARTNER LETTER

CapStar Bank is proud to sponsor the “In Charge” issue of the Nashville Post magazine again this year. Nashville’s dynamic pace of economic expansion and change continues to accelerate, a trend that benefits local businesses and a growing employment base. Take a good look at the leaders highlighted inside these pages. You’ll see them often this year and in the years to come.

Over the past year, numerous companies of all sizes have announced plans to join the excitement here. CapStar is growing to serve the business community too. The addition of a Government Guaranteed Lending/Small Business Administration team increased our strength in an area we’ve always focused on—small and mid-sized business growth. According to research by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, businesses with fewer than 50 employees comprise more than 80% of the businesses in the wider Metro region. These entrepreneurs are the engine of Nashville’s economic vitality. Many of them are CapStar customers because we have the technology and skill to anticipate and address their financial needs.

In fact, because of our commercial and small business teams’ commitment to the client, Greenwich Associates, a global market research firm, has recognized CapStar as a national Greenwich CX Leader, an award recognizing CapStar as a leader in the significant realm of customer experience.

The same high standards for customer service set CapStar apart in consumer banking, private bank and wealth management. While technology has brought miraculous improvements to our lives, including in the financial service sector, an algorithm is never going to be able to recommend the right solution for a complex business transaction, an acquisition or a strategic restructuring. That requires a team of experienced experts who appreciate the uniqueness of your situation. We tailor solutions for business leaders like you. Our bankers want to hear about your business and your dreams before they recommend a solution. After all, the best relationships start with conversations.

We’re listening.

Claire W. Tucker President and Chief Executive Officer

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S PON S OR E D PROFIL E

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At Vaco, we value personal empowerment and fierce entrepreneurial spirit Jerry Bostelman founded Vaco with a few simple ideas in mind: to create a place where the talented malcontents of the world could be free to do work they love, where smart companies could connect with exceptional humans, and where people would work hard, have fun, and never want to leave.

Just your typical every day, lifechanging stuff.

He started out with just one employee - himself - to serve as top salesperson and recruiter, website developer, accountant, payroll clerk, executive admin, A/R manager, treasurer, copywriter, and general performer of duties not otherwise assigned. He has now joyfully fired himself from all of the above in favor of much more qualified applicants, but that scrappy entrepreneurial flame still burns bright at the heart of everything Vaco does.

Since its founding in 2002, Vaco has grown to serve 40 offices across the globe, 800+ employees, more than 4,300 consultants and $500M in revenue. Vaco has been named

to Inc. magazine’s list of the fastestgrowing private companies for the past 12 years and was ranked #4 on Forbes’ 2018 list of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms.

From founding until now, Vaco is dedicated to developing long-term relationships, life-long careers and creative client solutions.

Whether you need a highly specialized subject-matter expert for six months, a fresh team of sharp professionals to help you through the busy season, or a nationwide search for a highly qualified C-suite executive, vetting and hiring industry professionals can become an all-consuming task. Finding the right skill set takes time and energy; finding the right overall fit can feel like a gamble. Vaco is there to take the headache out of both.

Attracting hard-to-find top talent and delivering it to your door is what Vaco does best. Vaco is a different kind of company, built on an uncommon culture that values personal empowerment and fierce entrepreneurial spirit.

Website: www.vaco.com Phone: 615.324.8226 Twitter: Global: @vacoglobal Nashville: @vaconashville Facebook: Global: @vacoglobal Nashville: @vaconashville LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ company/vaco Instagram: @vaconashville

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OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION Vaco delivers the right talent at the right time to keep your business growing strong.

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LEADERS

LEADERS

THE JOURNEY

Alex Tolbert Bernard Health founder, team ‘just kept plugging away’ to reshape business Founded in 2006 by Alex Tolbert as a play on the rise of health savings accounts, Bernard Health has evolved into a benefits brokerage and HR software company home to about 75 people and preparing to move its main office to the historic Caster-Knott Building on Church Street downtown. A few years ago, market and regulatory changes forced Tolbert and his team to speed up their business’ evolution. Here, he recounts that transition.

IN SEPTEMBER 2016, BlueCross announced it was leaving Nashville’s under-65 individual market. Within a few months, the other carriers cut commissions to zero and regulatory changes caused us not to be able to charge consulting fees directly to individuals anymore. With no revenue opportunity available in our largest market, we made the decision to close our stores.

It was one thing to decide to close our stores and another thing to actually do it. A sizable portion of our team worked in that part of our business and we had leases. We also had to consider the thousands of individual clients who had come to rely on us. We prioritized how to support our colleagues first, how to communicate with our clients second, and then handle the leases last.

Around this time, our HR software platform — BerniePortal — was finally gaining traction.

This was incredibly fortunate, as we were able to offer positions on the software team to all of the people whose positions were being eliminated on the individual advisory side of our business.

ERIC ENGLAND

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We had seen the opportunity to build an HR software platform for small employers in 2007.

BerniePortal 1.0 launched in 2008 and for years, we saw limited revenue but just kept plugging away. At first, we only distributed BerniePortal to employers of our own benefits brokerage.

We did this because the software wasn’t ready for the mass market yet. It worked well when we closely controlled all aspects of the experience. But given the complexities of health benefits and HR, we knew we still had a lot of work to do before we could successfully distribute BerniePortal more broadly. By 2016, we felt much more comfortable with BerniePortal and began more broadly marketing the product.

Today, more than 200 other brokerages in 42 different states have adopted BerniePortal

as the HR platform they use to help their employer clients. Our aim is for BerniePortal to be the Quickbooks of HR software for small employers. Quickbooks has done an amazing job addressing the accounting needs of both small employers and the accountants who serve them. Similarly, we are working hard to address the needs of small employers and their brokers when it comes to health benefits and HR. While BerniePortal is now the largest part of our business, we remain committed to helping individuals and families with their health care. Today, we’re doing it via financial advisory firms who hire us to help their clients. R.W. Baird is the largest firm to have hired us for this so far.

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | SPRING 2019

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LEADERS

‘I have CTOs regularly calling me to say they want to get into the product space.’

THREE QUESTIONS

Christel Alvarez Elevation Search partner on the keys to the kingdom of tech leadership

THE DEMANDS on today’s top executives — inside their organizations and in the market — are as intense as ever. But Christel Alvarez, a partner at Elevation Search Solutions, says investors, directors and C-level leaders increasingly value in the people they want to help run their companies. Particularly in highgrowth ventures in emerging markets, Alvarez says, being nimble and willing to take risks are traits in high demand. Alvarez spoke to Editor Geert De Lombaerde about what that looks like on the ground.

What’s the biggest driver of this increased emphasis on CEOs being nimble — the intensity of competition or the need for being quicker to get to market?

It’s definitely both. A real-world example is one of our clients is looking to capture a new segment in the health care market. Their plan is to build out their product and organization very quickly with the intent of flooding the market with brand awareness and recognition in hopes of gaining market share. Their strategy is obviously not new, but we are seeing it more and more with our clients on both coasts and in Nashville.

This particular client is also looking for business leaders that have the ability to act quickly and decisively. Their board and CEO are emphasizing the need for each business unit leader to have the autonomy needed to build out their side of the organization as well as a sense of strategic collaboration.

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Are there specific roles you’ve seen emerge or grow in importance as part of this dynamic?

Two stand out and they are chief product officer and chief revenue officer. In most of the organizations we work with, those were not as prominent even a few years ago. Now, they’re much more important. They seem to hold the keys to the kingdom given the rise in demand for technology-driven platforms.

I have chief technology officers regularly calling me to say they want to get into the product space as they see this as the role that is helping shape and define the strategy and success of the organization. Coupled with the product roles working so close with technology, they see that as a progression for their careers.

Are these senior product and revenue roles rising in importance at the expense of more traditional titles?

I wouldn’t say necessarily. Emerging young companies still need strong COOs and CIOs to bring structure to their operations and systems. The CRO role is a newer one altogether.

With these tech-enabled companies, it’s all about getting their arms around a viable revenue model, branding and commercialization and making plans to scale it quickly. While many of these functions have been legacy CEO or COO responsibilities — the CRO role continues to rapidly ascend as a stand-alone position much more often in today’s newly minted companies.

ERIC ENGLAND

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LEADERS

‘It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers’ The Sexual Assault Center’s new president talks about taking over amid rapid growth

fter 17 years as a staffer, Rachel Freeman took over as president of the Sexual Assault Center in 2018 at a time when the nonprofit was going through some huge changes, the biggest being the construction of a new headquarters with an outpatient clinic for rape victims. Leading an organization with a $3.5 million budget and staff of 45 (plus 70 volunteers) is something the Brownsville, Tennessee, native doesn’t take lightly. Funded half by grants and half by fundraising, Freeman’s team has an ambitious agenda, including expanding the Center’s reach into historically underserved communities and increasing awareness so more crimes are reported to law enforcement. The Center worked with more than 1,200 people last year, something she says is “just scratching the surface of the problem in our community.” Freeman, the daughter-in-law of Post parent FW Publishing co-owner Bill Freeman, talked about her work with Post contributor Steve Cavindish in her office in MetroCenter.

A

The name of the center is pretty selfexplanatory but how do you respond when somebody says, “Oh, what does your center do?”

Our mission is two-fold. We help people who have experienced sexual violence. We provide

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Rachel Freeman

hope and healing to those who have been impacted by it. And we work to end sexual violence, to stop it from happening again.

What’s the scope of the work that the clinic does?

The clinic serves anyone 16 and up, who has been recently sexually assaulted or raped. And 16 and up because our kids center works with 16 and under. Historically, the only place you can go in Davidson County to get a rape exam or a medical legal exam is Nashville General Hospital. And the team there does great work, but there’s only one place you can go and you have to know where to go, and it’s extremely time-sensitive.

We’ve been working for almost a decade with the players involved — law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, the hospital, our

kids center, the Office of Family Safety, the mayor’s office — to really look at what we as a city want to be able to provide to rape victims.

We need to be doing more.

So the SAFE clinic, the sexual assault forensic exam clinic, was created here as a non-hospital option for people who have recently experienced rape. And the reason behind creating a non-hospital setting is that 80 to 90 percent of people who have been sexually assaulted don’t know they need the care of an emergency room. They need a medical legal exam.

Something most people probably don’t think about is the time sensitivity with a rape kit. What is that window?

You can still get a rape exam 120 hours after a rape. That time is different, though, if it’s a rape versus if it’s fondling or molestation.

ERIC ENGLAND

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LEADERS

There’s a whole continuum of eligibility requirements and law enforcement and the nurse practitioner and the sexual assault nurse examiners, our advocates, have that knowledge and ability to talk to the survivor victim about what happened. Anybody who wants one should be able to but not if they are outside of that window.

You became the president after working here for 17 years. How do you adapt to being the new boss, to providing strategy and vision and be the public face of the clinic? That’s a big managerial question.

And this is my fourth position at the agency.

So it is a change. My background is in programs. I started as a graduate student intern getting my master’s in social work. Then I was a staff member, then the clinical director and then the vice president of programs. So my whole career here has been on programs.

Moving into this role has been just terribly exciting because of the increased focus I get to put into and pay attention to in regards to that other part of our mission of ending sexual violence. We’ve spent the last 40 years perfecting, as best we can, the ability to care for people who’ve experienced sexual violence, whether it’s the individual victim or their whole family. As an agency, we’re in a very unique spot right now and a very unique time to say, “Okay, we can do so much more and we can make a greater impact with this issue if we did more to impact policy and to have tough conversations and to continue to respond to survivors very well.”

What has #MeToo done for the awareness of the clinic? #MeToo has done more for the clinic and our whole organization than anything I’ve ever seen happen in my history here. It has brought about a new level of conversation. When I first started here and for many, many years later, it was hard to tell people where I worked because we’ve always owned what we do in our name.

Before we were the Sexual Assault Center we were the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center.

So when somebody says, “What do you do for a living? Where do you work?” It is oftentimes not what people expect to hear. Cocktail party conversation used to be very difficult. Now it’s amazing to me how much more welcomed

this conversation is. People want to know more. They tend to have the ability to relate somehow to what it is that we do here.

One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. One in six women experience rape or attempted rape at some point in their lifetime. So we know that people are impacted by this, whether personally or because they hear it on the news every single day and they see it in their social media feeds. Directly, they’re impacted. Or it’s a close family member or a friend. We’re all impacted by this issue somehow, somewhere.

So to not hide behind it has been very empowering for me as a leader of the organization and for all of us who work here, and for those people who are coming forward. In the past year alone, we doubled the number of individuals we served and that I think has primarily been due to the #MeToo movement.

‘Cocktail party conversation used to be very difficult.

Now it’s amazing to me how much more welcomed this conversation is.’

You’ve recently had a massive increase in inbound call volume.

Yes, it is insane. It was true for a period of time.

The week following the Kavanaugh hearings, our call volume increased by 500 percent. And that may not say a lot if you break down the numbers. On average, we get three to five calls a day. Then, we were getting 15.

The center now works with Vanderbilt. How did that partnership come about and what’s going be the end result of it?

It all started two years ago in March when Megan Barry was the mayor and got wind of the fact that there’s only one place to go for a rape

exam in Nashville. She set up a task force headed by Dr. Bill Hall of the health department.

The long-term goal of that committee, what we decided, was that people should be able to have options, that there shouldn’t just be one place that you have to go to get a rape exam. The long-term goal is that as many hospitals in our community as possible could have the ability to provide medical legal exams.

So Vanderbilt, Skyline and other places have been sitting at that table for quite some time and Vanderbilt was the first to be able to come on board. As we built our SAFE clinic, Vanderbilt was also building its own program and we are partnering with them and we do have an agreement in place.

Somebody comes to you and says, “I’m the new leader at a nonprofit.

What will my first year be like?” How do you respond?

Listen to your team, listen to your staff. Take the time to hear what their concerns are. I think that was one of the things I appreciated the most that I did early on when my predecessor left, sitting down individually and in small groups with our full staff — “What’s going right? What’s not? What do you want to see stay the same?

What do you think needs to look different?” — and attempting to plan my first year based on that feedback and the board’s feedback.

What I wish I had done, though, is continued to have those conversations a little bit more frequently. I’m only a year in, so it could be that we say now is the right time to do it again. But listening to the staff is something that I think is hugely important.

And I think in a role like this, it’s a CEO’s job to make sure the organization is successful. That we have a balanced budget. That we retain good staff. That we meet our goals. That the programs that we provide are excellent quality services.

That the customer care we provide is compassionate and loving and everything that it should be. But we can’t ever lose sight of why we’re here.

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and the need for more money and more grants and more resources and more staff. But the reason we’re here is because somebody has experienced the unthinkable, a terrible, devastating, traumatic crime. And I love that I can go into almost any door down this hall and hear how somebody’s day was and how this work is impacting them.

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LEADERS

What’s concerning to me is how entire communities — even well-run or admirable communities — are being overwhelmed by this dynamic, when they favor the short term “quick wins” instead of the longer term “right thing.” That’s when I get disappointed, when the urgency to do something seems more important than to do the right thing.

Quick wins versus the right thing Futurist and economist Rebecca Ryan on how communities can make good long-term choices

ublic speaker, futurist, consultant and economist Rebecca Ryan helps chambers of commerce, other associations and communities as a whole think clearly about their futures and how they want to get there. A big component of her process is “slow thinking,” the concept of looking beyond today’s needs to focus on core values and aspirations. Ryan last fall spoke to members of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce on those topics in the context of Middle Tennessee’s rapid growth and later sat down with Post Editor Geert De Lombaerde. Here are some edited excerpts from that conversation.

P

You spoke a lot to the Chamber audience about how technology is increasingly in charge of us as opposed to vice versa and how that hurts our thought processes. Our capacity for collective “slow thinking” is still there, right?

Yes, our capacity for slow thinking is still part of humans’ capacity, but we don’t get the same dopamine rush from slow thinking — things like analysis and strategy — as we do from “fast thinking,” the kinds of things that our phones suck us into.

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How do you push back against that?

You have to look at who or what pulls the levers in communities. Who has power, money and knowledge? When those levers are all working in sync, very good things can happen. I think Pittsburgh is a great example of this. The steel industry collapsed and about 100,000 people lost their jobs. But the city’s political leaders (with the power to make policy), the big foundations — Carnegie, Rockefeller, Mellon (the institutions with money) — and the universities (those with knowledge) worked together on large-scale initiatives like cleaning up the Allegheny River’s shoreline. That collaboration of power, money and knowledge set the stage for many other good things.

In some communities, the people who have the money and the power also think they have the answers. The result can be a big mess and no long-term, sustainable balance. When you slow down and align the partners, you can create great synergy between the political powers, the philanthropic dollars and the knowledge base.

Who are most often the change agents to start that process of bringing balance?

In my experience, they have to be well respected and they have to come from inside the community for the change to stick. If you rely on a consultant from outside to be your change agent, it can’t last.

One of the hacks we use in our processes to deepen engagement — let’s say we’re trying to put together a 20-year plan for a community — is to have kids involved, to have them at the table when we’re making decisions about the future. That brings down adults’ territorialism and takes most of the egos out of the way.

Leaders can see how their decisions will play out for kids’ futures. It helps us slow down and think things through.

Rebecca Ryan

‘If you rely on a consultant from outside to be your change agent, it can’t last.’

How do you view Nashville through this lens?

Nashville is a major city. And often, that means there are a lot of left-leaning folks, politically. But in Nashville, there are a lot of Republicans, too, so I never assume anything about people’s politics when I’m here.

And I say that in a good way; that’s what makes me so bullish about Nashville. A lot of cities are tearing themselves apart with political tribalism. Here, you’ve figured out that you can play for separate political teams but you are still in the game together.

One thing I’ll add, though: I struggle to think of another large metro like Nashville that has a council with 40 people. Having 40 people will incite tribalism. There’s less of that when you have 12 council members, for example. More elected officials doesn’t necessarily mean it’s poor governing; it’s just more complex and potentially difficult.

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For sale by owner How to best prepare your business — and yourself — for the next chapter

BY LENA ANTHONY

recent survey by SunTrust Bank found that a third of baby boomers who own businesses with $5 million to $250 million in sales expect to exit in the next five years. That’s not shocking, given the fast clip at which many in that age group are reaching retirement age. But what is alarming is their lack of preparedness: The survey found that 36 percent of business owners don’t have a specific transition plan in place.

“Owners are generally well-intentioned,” says Scott Pohlman, president of SunTrust’s Nashville region and a member of the bank’s Business Transitions Advisory Group. “They’re focused every day on doing the right thing for their employees and helping their businesses grow. What they know is their business; they have no experience in transitioning one.”

Many company owners don’t even want to go there in their minds, for understandable reasons. Maybe they’re not ready to envision the end or they’re daunted by the energy and effort it will require. Some business owners also fear what a transition could do to their employees.

Whatever the reason, this lack of planning is unfortunate because, ultimately, 100 percent of businesses will get new owners. Exit planning

A

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Scott Pohlman

is resource-intensive and requires skills many business owners don’t have. But it is essential — and the earlier it starts, the better.

Not all exits happen because the owner suddenly reaches retirement age. Darrell Freeman, who founded Nashville-based technology staffing firm Zycron in 1991, was 52 when he sold the company for $20 million in 2017.

“In those 25 years, we added a lot of value to the marketplace, put together a good team, and had a great roster of clients,” says Freeman, who still serves as the company’s executive managing director. “But to get to the next level would have required some additional investments and I wasn’t ready to do that.”

Add in that he was in a strong seller’s market and the decision was even easier for Freeman to make. The sale closed less than a year later.

The opportunity to sell when Freeman wanted to wasn’t luck, but years of good business practices in the making.

“We had a strong back office,” he says. “All of our Ts were crossed and Is were dotted. We had audited financials going back 20 years.

Everything about our business was very tight, which invited a lot of confidence in the transition process and allowed us to move quickly toward the sale.”

Business owners also tend to make mistakes along the way that can delay a sale and de-

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crease the valuation. Chief among these are customer concentration — a few clients representing a large percentage of sales — and an overreliance on a key person such as the business owner who’s wanting to exit. Clark Vitulli, founder and CEO of Music City Chief Executives, says customer diversification and owner independence are two of the key factors in building a business’ transferable value.

“Growth is simply not enough,” says Vitulli, a certified exit planner.

Assembling a strong leadership team, creating a realistic business growth plan, thinking through the scalability of systems and processes, and, of course, presenting clear financial statements also make Vitulli’s list of musthaves when it comes to transferring value.

If owners can’t demonstrate that the business can go on without them, the exit probably won’t be as successful as they’d like. But the day-to-day grind of running a company can sometimes interfere with an owner’s ability to focus on those factors.

‘If you don’t start early, you’ll have fewer options later.’

CL ARK VITULLI, MUSIC CIT Y CHIEF EXECUTIVES

“If you’re not planning for the inevitable end, it’s impossible to know if the day-to-day decisions that you make in the course of running your business will help or hurt your success at exit,” Vitulli says. “But the tools and tactics needed to exit properly can take years to implement. If you don’t start early, you’ll have fewer options later.”

If you’re missing any of these key factors, you’re not out of luck — but you will have to

wait. Vitulli says most obstacles take at least a couple of years to clear out of the way. For instance, if your business is set up as a C corporation and you want to minimize tax exposure at the time of the sale by converting to an S corp, you’ll need to wait five years.

Don’t go it alone So how do you know if your business is ready for an exit? Getting an answer to that question doesn’t call for leaning on your own experiences or those of your sister-in-law who once sold a business. Chances are very good you’ll need an expert with the industry expertise to walk you through the steps needed to prepare for your exit and relieve you of some of the heavy lifting associated with it. This also is not the same thing as consulting with your attorney or accountant. They will play a role in the actual exit transaction, just not yet.

“A lot of our clients walk in a little fearful of the unknown,” SunTrust’s Pohlman says. “But what they end up finding is it’s actually a lot of

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fun to go through the process and organize their thoughts with the end in mind. It’s also empowering, because it helps them make the right decision and the best decision, as opposed to being reactive and not in control of the situation.”

No matter how big or small your business, there’s a right-sized expert out there. Vitulli is a consultant for NAVIX, which specializes in exit strategies for smaller businesses, while SunTrust’s Business Transitions Advisory Group helps businesses of all sizes. As revenues increase (above the $30 million mark), bringing an investment bank into the process becomes more appealing, says Stephen Scott, managing partner at Nashville-based investment bank Bailey Southwell & Co. “If business owners try to engage in this process on their own, they’ll find it distracting and maybe even discouraging,” Scott says.

“We run a process, keep the process on a timeline and market the firm as industry experts. It’s the same reason someone would hire a Realtor to sell their house.”

Whether it’s an investment bank or another exit strategist, involving an expert also will help manage the owner’s expectations throughout the process. For example, it will take longer than most owners think. And potential buyers will turn over every stone.

“The due diligence process, which now almost always includes a quality of earnings report, is very intrusive,” Scott says. “The owner typically has never experienced something like this. It’s so much more than an audit. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s a standard part of the process now.”

For businesses that use cash basis accounting, it can require even more resources.

“Cash basis accounting does not tell a buyer what they need

to know in terms of a consistent and future cash flow profile of the company,” says Scott, who often recommends sellers do what’s called a cash-to-accrual conversion. “It’s not essential, but at some point in the sale process, it’s going to be done. And without it, you’re somewhat blind to what the valuation should be.”

And forget using your personal or even current business attorney.

They probably won’t cut it for this transaction.

“You get what you pay for when it comes to attorneys,” Scott says. “And you have to spend the money on good legal counsel with extensive business transaction experience. If someone is not doing this every day, they are not bringing the right knowledge to protect you in a transaction.”

While many owners decide to make a clean break, others like Freeman stay on to help with the transition. A move like this generally results in more money from the sale: Zycron’s deal calls for Freeman to get up to $3 million more if the business hits certain performance goals in the two years following the sale.

Still, staying on and being in charge are two different things — and a big question for owners to ponder.

“My stress level has gone down to zero, and it’s freed me up to do a lot more charity work,” says Freeman, who took the Post’s call from Dubai, where he had completed an Ironman triathlon days before.

Imagining your life post-exit should always be part of the planning process, Vitulli says.

“Naturally, the business becomes part of the owner’s identity, but when that identity is sold, an owner can feel rudderless,” Vitulli says. “A happy exit isn’t just about money. It’s also about feeling confidence in what comes next.”

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While working with crippled children during the 1940s, Dr. Hughston became interested in caring for young athletes, and, in 1951, his association with Auburn football coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan led to his becoming the Auburn Tigers’ team physician. Thus a career in sports medicine was born. Dr. Hughston’s professional relationship with Auburn’s head athletic trainer Kenny Howard helped form the affiliation between the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Association.

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SUDSY SUCCESS

Our CEO of the Year Linus Hall and Yazoo are thirsty for their next growth push

BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

inus Hall doesn’t run a business with hundreds of employees. His company has fewer than 20 full-time workers on the payroll. He is not aiming for explosive growth or national reach for his products, preferring to maintain local dominance with, at most, a closely-managed regional expansion strategy. He doesn’t report to a board of directors or spend time answering to a group of investors. His only partner in the business is his wife, Lila. (As Sales Manager Neil McCormick explains the situation: “All of our investors get in the same bed every night.”) Hall does not work in the sorts of industries that usually dominate top CEO lists such as health care, entertainment, sports management or nonprofits. Linus Hall brews beer, specifically at Yazoo Brewing Co. Still, Hall is the deserving recipient of the Post’s 2019 CEO of the Year award thanks to his impeccable sense of business timing, real estate savvy, willingness to put in hard work and sweat equity to grow his business and for his role in establishing Nashville and Tennessee as a leader in the craft beer industry. During his almost 20 years as a professional brewer, Hall has built a company that is admired and appreciated as a bell cow of Nashville beer.

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Hall started in brewing out of necessity while still a mechanical engineering student at the University of Virginia. “I couldn’t afford to buy as much beer as I wanted to drink,” he recalls. “So I bought a homebrew kit I saw in the back of Rolling Stone so that I could have something to bring to parties.”

After graduation, a job as a process engineer at tire giant Bridgestone brought him to Nashville from his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

He immediately joined a local homebrewers club and, after developing some of his own recipes that received acclaim from his fellow brewers, began dreaming of opening his own brewery. (As it turns out, other members of the Music City Brewers group from nearly two decades ago also would end up as owners or head brewers at other future area breweries such as Czann’s, Little Harpeth and Boscos.)

Smart enough to know what he didn’t know yet, Hall enrolled in the MBA program at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, where he submitted a business plan for a production brewery as his final project.

“Mine was the only plan for a brick-and-mortar business,” Hall remembers. “My fellow students asked me ‘How do you sell beer on the internet?’”

Hall’s initial plan was to brew two or three of his own core beers and bring in more revenue by contract brewing private brands for restaurants. But Yazoo’s own brands took off so quickly that that plan was history after just four contract brews.

“My initial plan was to hit 3,000 barrels of sales after year five,” Hall says. “But we passed 5,000 in the third year.”

Before he could turn his grand plans into reality, Hall had to find a place to brew. He discovered Barry Walker, the owner/entrepreneur of Marathon Village who was just beginning to develop commercial spaces in the former Marathon Motor Works factory near downtown.

“I got the full-on Barry treatment,” Hall chuckles. “He walked me through the part of the building that was primarily occupied by artists and makeshift studios, and it looked pretty good to me. Then we kept walking to the end of the building where he wanted me to go. It’s hard to describe how rough Marathon was. There was no roof on half the building, the chimney had collapsed and there were pigeons everywhere.”

Still, Hall agreed to take the space and set to work with Lila to do most of the renovations himself — “It’s amazing what you can accom-

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plish as long as you can get the permits!” The work included having to replace missing windows with authentic versions of the originals to meet zoning requirements — and then returning to the site the next morning to find them busted out overnight.

“Lila was so angry that she wanted to stay there all the next night to get them,” Hall says.

Lila was then and still is an integral part of the business. After the couple decided to name the brewery after the Yazoo River that flows through Linus’ hometown, she came up with the brewery’s Y-shaped logo depicting a sun setting on a Mississippi cotton field. The look has become an icon in the industry and Lila still does almost all of the label designs.

“She took that on herself,” Hall says. “She jumped out of bed in the middle of the night and scribbled it on a pad. She’s our creative muse. She keeps everyone grounded and asks why if someone isn’t smiling. She is also quick to remind me that this was all my idea!”

Branching out, staying true The Halls spent more than a year refurbishing the Marathon space to hold a small, 10-barrel brewhouse and build out a tiny taproom. Hall says his timing was fortunate in that lots of small breweries had recently gone out of business, letting him buy good used equipment at nice discounts.

Yazoo Brewing opened its doors to the public in October of 2003 with a staff of three: Linus, a seven-and-a-half-months pregnant Lila and their first brewer, Zach Henry. The taproom actually hadn’t been a part of Hall’s original plan, who had imagined his venture being strictly a production brewery or a brewpub.

“We didn’t think we could halfway do it with a taproom,” he says. “I didn’t want to be seen as competition for who I considered our primary customers, the restaurants and bars that would be pouring our beers.”

The decision to actually serve his beers at the brewery turned out to be pivotal for the success of the young company. Crowds gathered every weekend to take short tours of the facility and taste through the Halls’ offering of beers.

“It turned into a hit. Without the extra cash flow from that, we might not have made it,” Hall says. “Instead, we were able to turn around and buy equipment out of the cash

24

flow pretty quickly, and we discovered that the taproom was the best marketing we could do.”

Yazoo opened with four core beers to local acclaim and garnered a Gold Medal at the 2004 Great American Beer Festival for their Hefeweizen. Initially self-distributing in Davidson County, Hall established a relationship with Lipman Brothers to begin to grow his distribution and expand his packaging business after purchasing a small used bottling line in 2005.

Hall’s success with Yazoo emboldened other aspiring brewery owners to chase their dreams, including one former colleague from the Music City Brewers. Carl Meier is the co-owner of The Black Abbey Brewing Co., a popular brewery that opened in 2013. Even though Hall had a decade head start at Yazoo, Meier always knew that his was a model to replicate.

‘He’s humble and down-to-earth, a genuine friend and a very smart business person.’

CARL MEIER, BL ACK ABBEY

“I first met Linus at a Music City Brewers club meeting. One of the most challenging things about having a homebrew club meeting at Boscos was how loud it was in there,” Meier says.

“Couple that with Linus’ soft-spoken delivery and I’m sure I didn’t hear one word he said all meeting. But I remember everyone talking about how this engineer from Bridgestone was going to open a brewery and how cool that would be.”

Once Meier finally opened his own brewery, he still depended on Hall for counsel and industry leadership. He lauds Hall for staying involved with others in the beer community.

“He’s always available for questions and always thoughtful in his responses,” he says.

“He’s humble and down-to-earth, a genuine friend and a very smart business person.”

Hall has also had a tremendous influence on Bailey Spaulding of Jackalope Brewing Co., the first woman-owned brewery in Ten-

Brewing beer — the Nashville way Music City has an underrated history of producing quality ales and lagers

N

ASHVILLE has never been a beer-making city on the level of Cincinnati, Milwaukee or St. Louis.

But Music City does have a history with the quality ales and lagers.

Starting in the late 1800s and moving well into the 20th century, Nashville was home to various breweries.

Perhaps the best known were the William Gerst Brewing Co., which operated in the city from 1890 to 1954, and Nashville Brewing Co., which launched in 1856.

The time period spanning the end of World War II to the late 1980s saw the city — and most cities, for that matter — dependent upon the mass-production lager breweries (think Budweiser, Coors and Miller) for beer, with the latter years of that timetable also including the introduction into the market of some wellknown imports (Moosehead, Foster’s, Heineken, Red Stripe, Corona, etc.)

Most, if not all, were light-colored lagers with alcohol-by-volume levels of no more than 4.5 percent.

Then Lindsay Bohannon began making some interesting ales — with higher gravities than the macro lager beers made elsewhere — in downtown in the late 1980s, laying the groundwork for what is now a vibrant local craft beer scene.

In addition to Bohannon, early pioneers include Kent Taylor (Blackstone), Scott Mertie (Nashville Brewing Co.), Karen Lassiter (Boscos and Corsair), Ken Rebman (Czann’s) and Linus Hall (Yazoo).

With this history as a backdrop, following is a timeline of Middle Tennessee-based breweries to begin operations since 1988: 1988 to 2004: Bohannon Brewing Co. and Market Street Brewery and Pub operate from Second Avenue in downtown Nashville (continued on p. 24)

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nessee. Spaulding calls him a “pioneer, mentor and trusted friend” who helped her get Jackalope from a plan to reality.

“We asked him to have lunch at the Pie Wagon. I had always heard he was a really nice guy but didn’t know what to expect, since in other lines of business we’d be seen as his new competition,” Spaulding says. “He set us at ease, answered any questions we had and was generally encouraging to a couple of kids who clearly had no idea what we were doing.”

It didn’t take long for Yazoo to outgrow its initial home in Marathon Village. By 2010, Hall was searching for a new location for a larger brewery. He settled on a property on the back side of The Gulch that was once home to the infamous Tennessee Social Club, a gathering spot for the “swinger” set and then home to an air conditioning supplies company. Buying the building and nearly 0.9 acres at 910 Division St. and moving the business from its birthplace was a difficult call but Hall knew he needed the space to grow his business.

“I learned so much from the original Marathon brewery,” he recalls. “For example, we had set it up that when it was time to dump our used grain, it was in the farthest corner from the door, so we had to shut everything down and completely clear the floor to haul it all the way through the brewery. So we didn’t make the same mistakes when we laid out the new brewery. We made brand new mistakes.”

It was worth it, though: The extra room on Division allowed Hall to buy a new 40-barrel brewing system, making Yazoo the sec-

1994: Blackstone Brewing Co. opens a brewpub on West End Avenue 1996: Boscos Pizza Kitchen and Brewery opens a brewpub in Hillsboro Village 1997: Big River Brewing opens in The District 2003: Yazoo Brewing Co. opens at Marathon Village

26

‘We were so scared of giving up control and having to appease investors.’

LINUS HALL, YAZOO

ond-largest brewery in the state at the time.

The addition of huge 200-barrel fermenting tanks expanded his potential output of the brewery to 28,000 barrels a year, the equivalent of more than a million and a half cases of hoppy, malty goodness. On the retail side, the larger taproom turned into a gathering space for local craft beer fans and tours became a significant part of Yazoo’s incremental income.

Hall says his team will run 10 tours on a Saturday and a few every weeknight.

Hall also returned to a part of his original business plan for another source of revenue that helped finance his expansion. He partnered with Lipman to contract brew its Hap & Harry’s beer, an homage to the historic relationship between Harry Lipman and Hap Motlow of Jack Daniel’s distillery and the fact that Lipman was the first distributor of Jack Daniel’s after the end of Prohibition. Hap & Harry’s helped fill up the extra capacity of Yazoo’s new brewery as Hall ramped up the

demand for his own brands. (Yazoo has since turned over the contract brewing to Turtle Anarchy, another local company.)

Yazoo also revitalized the historic Gerst brand, the Nashville brewery that was the largest in the Southeast for much of the first half of the 20th century. Local businessmen Jerry and Jim Chandler approached Hall to brew their version of the old recipe after facilities in Indiana and Pennsylvania were no longer able to accommodate their needs. It is still a top seller for Yazoo.

Another novel revenue source for an innovative Yazoo venture has been their “State of the Funk” citizenship club. The “funk” refers to Yazoo’s notable sour beer program, a series of products that must be fermented at a completely separate site from the main facility so that the exotic natural yeast strains do not infect the regular production process.

These cult beers are released under the “Embrace the Funk” label and created by Brandon Jones, an award-winning expert in the field of sour beers.

“Brandon was still working a full-time job and brewing for us on the side. He wanted to come over with us, so we came up with the idea of selling memberships in a club for exclusive first access to our sour beers and other perks,” Hall says. “We were able to essentially prepay his salary so he could make the jump.”

Being flexible and finding these alternative revenue sources have been critical to Hall being able to grow his business without taking on outside investors.

2009: Calfkiller Brewing Co. begins operations in Sparta

2011: Jackalope Brewing Co. begins operations in The Gulch

2013: Czann’s Brewing Co. begins operations in SoBro

2009: Cool Springs Brewery opens brewpub in Franklin

2012: Turtle Anarchy Brewing Co. begins operations in Franklin

2013: Black Abbey Brewing Co. begins opens near Berry Hill

2010: Yazoo Brewing Co. moves to The Gulch from Marathon Village

2012: Fat Bottom Brewing Co. opens in East Nashville

2010: Jubilee Craft Beer Co. is founded (the beer is contract brewed)

2012: Mayday Brewery begins operations in Murfreesboro

2013: Tennessee Brew Works begins operations in Pie Town

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DANIEL MEIGS

“We were so scared of giving up control and having to appease investors,” he says. “The most expensive equity you give up is at the beginning. A lot of private equity firms have come knocking at our doors in the past three to four years, but we still own it all.”

Hall has also remained focused on serving his home markets in Tennessee instead of aspiring to grow much beyond the state. (“We’re in Mississippi so I can buy our beer in Kroger when I go home and my mom doesn’t have to

2013: Ole Shed Brewing opens taproom in Tullahoma 2013: Big River is renamed Rock Bottom after ownership change 2014: HonkyTonk Brewing Co. begins operations in MetroCenter 2014: Little Harpeth Brewing Co. begins operations near North Capitol and Germantown

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bug me to bring some with me,” jokes Hall.)

Other than a small presence in Charleston, South Carolina, Hall plans to concentrate on growing Yazoo’s local share.

“The window for becoming a national brand has probably closed for most craft breweries,” he says. “We were in Alabama for a while, but we decided we could spend that time doubling our Nashville market share where we were missing opportunities. If you’re not strong in your home market, you shouldn’t be shipping.”

2014: TailGate Brewing Co. opens near Bellevue 2014: Boscos closes in Hillsboro Village 2015: Mantra Artisan Ales opens in former Turtle Anarchy space in Franklin 2015: Briarscratch Brewing Co. begins operations in Cottontown 2015: Corsair Distillery opens taproom in

The next new home Yazoo’s steady growth early this decade again put strain on its facility, so Hall opted for another move. After helping open many locals’ eyes to the Marthon Village and Gulch neighborhoods and contributing mightily to their broader commercial successes, he found Yazoo’s next home in six acres along the Cumberland River in Madison. That allowed him last year to sell his property on Division to a Charlotte-based hotel developer for a reported $9.2 million.

Marathon Village space previously home to Yazoo taproom

2016: Southern Grist Brewing Co. opens in East Nashville’s Eastwood

2015: Smith & Lentz Brewing Co. opens in East Nashville

2016: TailGate Brewing opens taproom in Midtown near Musica Roundabout

2015: Garr’s Beer Co. founded in Franklin (the beer is contract brewed out of state)

2016: Asgard Brewing Co. begins operations in downtown Columbia

2016: Bearded Iris Brewing Co. opens in Germantown

2016: New Heights Brewing opens in Chestnut Hill

2016: Fat Bottom relocates to The Nations 2016: Music City Beer Co. co-brands its Music City Light lager with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and targets tourists

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LEADERS

‘If we keep trying to draw people away from their traditional “third spaces,” we’ll be hurting our ultimate customers.’

LINUS HALL, YAZOO

In Madison, Yazoo’s destination brewery — expected to open some time this summer — will spread out across a campus with enough room for a separate facility for the Embrace the Funk program, outdoor recreation areas including a huge patio overlooking the 500 feet of river frontage and enough room to build a new brewery from the ground up. The site will allow for enough potential tank space to grow Yazoo’s capacity to 80,000 barrels a year — nearly triple that of The Gulch.

“This should be our home for a while,” promises Hall, who looked at Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards for inspiration as an example of a place where people want to gather on weekends to enjoy a drink or two.

“I saw the site in Madison and thought, ‘Oh my God! This is it, ready to go. People will want to come to visit us!’”

Spaulding will miss her neighbors at Yazoo: “We’ve been neighbor breweries with Yazoo for almost eight years now, and I’m sure gonna miss them when they go (even though I know the new place is going to be amazing). We do

2016: Nashville Brewing Co., jumpstarted by Scott Mertie, enlists Blackstone to brew its beer

a lot of the brewer equivalent of going next door for a cup of sugar – only instead it’s bags of grain and hops. Or the time we bought his chiller and he just drove it down the hill on the forklift. Though it doesn’t happen nearly enough, it’s a true joy getting to sit down and share stories over a pint.”

Some wondered why Hall would want to move his brewery out of the tourist-heavy Gulch neighborhood with its built-in traffic of tourists and pedal tavern-riding bachelorette parties looking for a place to drink some beer on a weekday afternoon or Saturday night. As with other projects in Yazoo’s past, Hall says it’s about staying true to the brewery’s roots.

His focus on wholesale business means that easy access to interstates from the new facility will be even more beneficial to Yazoo.

“As an industry, if we keep trying to draw people away from their traditional ‘third spaces,’ we’ll be hurting our ultimate customers, the restaurants and bars that support us,” he says. “We’re only moving six miles north, actually closer to a lot of our base. People are excited that there will be a brewery in that area.”

2016: Blackstone closes brewpub on West End Avenue and opens taproom in McKissack Park near Midtown

2017: Hollow Pointe (which has its product contract brewed) offers its beer in area restaurants

2017: Half Batch Brewing opens in Hendersonville

2018: Nano brewery Barrique Brewing and Blending begins production in Donelson of wine barrel-aged sour beers 2018: TailGate Brewing opens taproom in East Nashville

Even though Yazoo’s actual payroll is relatively small as far as headcount, Hall recognizes that the company has a much wider reach.

The brewery works closely with sales representatives at Lipman who touch so many of the region’s restaurants and bars. There are grocers and supermarkets selling six-packs to consumers. There are bartenders selling to their customers. As Hall puts it, “there are gatekeepers to be convinced at every single point.”

With Yazoo’s continued growth and new facility, Hall also is looking inward to figure out what his future roles should be. From the start, he needed to be involved in all parts of the business. He realizes now is a time when he needs to work on the business and train people to do many of his jobs.

“I still occasionally have to just come down from the office and look for something to weld on,” he says. “I love my job, and I have to make myself go home at 5:30 and eat dinner with the family. We have two kids that don’t seem to be interested in beer yet. Hopefully, by the time that Lila and I are ready for retirement, we’ll figure something out.”

2018: Steel Barrel Brewing begins brewing in Murfreesboro 2018: Yazoo announces future move to Madison 2018: Harding House Brewing opens in The Nations 2018: Southern Grist Brewing Co. opens a sister production facility in The Nations

2018: Living Waters Brewing Co. announces a brewery and coffee bar for East Nashville and slated to open in 2019 2018: Jackalope opens sister business The Ranch in Wedgewood-Houston 2019: Various Artists Brewing preps to open brewpub on Elm Hill Pike just east of downtown

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LEADERS

In what has become an annual tradition, the Nashville Post team presents In Charge, a compendium of Middle Tennessee’s top business, political and civic leaders. The more than 500 women and men found on our list, the Post’s 10th, represent the best of the best — and always are “in charge.”

32 ARTS 33 DEVELOPMENT 36 EDUCATION 37 FINANCE 40 FOOD 42 GOVERNMENT/ POLITICS 46

HEALTH CARE

50 LEGAL 53 MANAGEMENT CONSULTING 53 MANUFACTURING 54 MARKETING/PR 55 MEDIA/PUBLISHING 56 MUSIC 59 NONPROFITS 60 RETAIL 61 SPORTS 62 TECHNOLOGY 64 TOURISM 65 TRANSPORTATION/ LOGISTICS

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LEADERS

Arts ANNE BROWN

KATHLEEN O’BRIEN

Owner, The Arts Company: Former Metro Arts commissioner, longtime leader of Nashville’s visual arts community and co-founder of First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown. Her grassroots gallery provided key spark in revitalization of Fifth Avenue as a thriving arts community.

President and CEO, Tennessee Performing Arts Center: With $20 million annual budget and similar endowment, runs an entity that mixes bigname Broadway musicals and artists with educational outreach to thousands statewide and is the performance home to three resident companies.

Will retire this spring after 15 years as CEO.

RENÉ COPEL AND Producing Artistic Director, Nashville Repertory Theatre: Since joining the Rep in 2004 has advanced company’s artistic reputation and grown programming through creation of REPaloud series, as well as continued evolution of nationally recognized Ingram New Works Project.

SUSAN EDWARDS

Vasterling hits 20 years directing Nashville Ballet

Executive Director and CEO, Frist Art Museum: Built museum into downtown anchor and destination by presenting high-profile exhibitions from multiple artists. Holds Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres from Consul General of France.

Oversaw branding and name change in April 2018.

TIM HENDERSON Artistic Director and CEO Paul Vasterling has been connected to the Nashville Ballet nearly since it began. He joined as a dancer in 1989, just three years after it became a professional company. Not even 10 years later, in 1998, he was named artistic director and has led the organization since, adding the CEO title in 2010.

Celebrated for his choreographic prowess, Vasterling has created more than 40 works. He has forged partnerships within Nashville’s creative communities, with the company having commissioned 22 original scores for new ballets. Collaboration partners include The Bluebird Cafe, Ben Folds, the Nashville Symphony and Ten Out of Tenn.

Under Vasterling’s leadership, Nashville Ballet has toured domestically and abroad and its troupe of professional dancers has doubled to 24. The company made its Kennedy Center debut in 2017 and its sister entity, NB2, serves 60,000 children and adults annually through education and community engagement programs.

A Fulbright Scholar, Vasterling was also awarded a fellowship by Virginia Center for the Creative Arts in 2018 and was selected as a fellow in residence for the 2017-18 academic year at The Center for Ballet and the Arts at New York University. He recently commemorated his 20th anniversary as artistic director with a one-nightonly performance and gala at TPAC. This year, the Nashville Ballet will host the 30th annual Ballet Ball, the organization’s premier fundraising event. > NANCY FLOYD

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Executive Director, Humanities Tennessee: Named leader in late 2012 after serving in several capacities since 1998. Oversees group that organizes history and culture programs statewide, including Southern Festival of Books, Salon@615 and Nashville Reads.

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

JOHN HOOMES CEO and Artistic Director, Nashville Opera: Became organization’s leader in 2012 in addition to serving as artistic director since 1995. Has directed more than 200 productions of opera and musical theater in the U.S. and abroad.

MARTHA INGRAM Chairman Emerita, Ingram Industries: Doyenne of Nashville philanthropy, generous patron and unwavering advocate of the arts. Steadfast supporter of performing arts including Nashville Opera, Nashville Repertory Theatre and Nashville Symphony. Crucial to development of Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

ALEX LOCKWOOD Owner and Director, Elephant Gallery: Self-taught artist and sculptor opened in 2017 Buchanan Arts District gallery, focusing primarily on local and regional artists in any medium or style.

JANE MACLEOD President and CEO, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Since 2010 has introduced big exhibits and four-season programming to boost Cheekwood’s profile, membership rolls and fundraising coffers.

Completed restoration of the mansion and oversaw rebranding that included name change.

TIM OZGENER President and CEO, OZ Arts Nashville: With late father Cano transformed the family’s former cigar warehouse into performance and installation space to create a destination for cutting-edge contemporary art experiences with eclectic programming of performing and visual arts events.

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

STEPHANIE SILVERMAN Executive Director, Belcourt Theatre: Has overseen theater’s growth since 2006 and held leadership roles in national art house and historic theater organizations. With Development Director Brooke Bernard, Programming Director Toby Leonard and Education and Engagement Director Allison Inman led $5 million renovation of the Belcourt.

VAN TUCKER CEO and General Director, Nashville Fashion Alliance: Founded the NFA after more than 30 years in finance with a mission to build a sustainable and globally recognized fashion industry in Nashville. Released economic impact study on fashion industry in Nashville and hosted NFA Honors.

AL AN VALENTINE President and CEO, Nashville Symphony: Joined symphony in 1998 and has overseen major growth and innovative programming at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which has included the release of more than 30 albums that have earned 24 Grammy nominations and 13 Grammy Awards.

PAUL VASTERLING Artistic Director and CEO, Nashville Ballet: Has held top role at state’s largest professional ballet company since 2010 and oversees professional company and NB2, the second company.

Fulbright Scholar presents varied repertoire of classic and contemporary works, including his own original works.

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

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LEADERS

Development LEWIS AGNEW President, Chas. Hawkins Co.: Named leader of long-time firm in October 2016. Received the 2016 NAIOP Developing Leader Award for Middle Tennessee.

ALLEN ARENDER Director of Development, Holladay Properties: Has helped Indianapolis-based Holladay create Nashville market presence. Now focused on Donelson Plaza shopping center adaptive reuse project.

DAVID BAILEY Principal and Architect, Hastings Architecture Associates: Teams with William Hastings and David Powell to drive firm designing Asurion building in North Gulch for Highwoods and MCC Roundabout-area tower for New Orleans developer.

CHARLES ROBERT BONE President and CEO, Bone McAllester Norton: Serves as Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency board chairman. Provides legal counsel to San Diego-based Southwest Value Partners, which is undertaking Nashville Yards at former LifeWay campus in CBD.

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

BEN BREWER President, Elmington Capital Group: Teams with Cary Rosenblum (CEO) to lead company working on 153-unit apartment building Twelfth & Wedgewood in Edgehill and a mixed-used Belcourt Village building in Hillsboro Village.

JOE BUCHER Principal, Gresham Smith: Major player at company providing significant design, engineering and land-planning for Nashville Yards.

Goodyear. Previously worked as co-founder with Aaron White at Evergreen Real Estate.

DAVID CREED President, Creed Investment: Finished in late 2018 tasteful update of downtown’s The Pilcher Building.

Eyeing start on 20-story mixed-use building in Midtown. Works closely with Stan Snipes, founder of Snipes Properties and a former XMi stalwart.

ROY DALE CEO, Dale & Associates: Offers 30-plus years of experience in planning, zoning, development and construction management. Teams with righthand-man Michael Garrigan to lead company involved in countless local projects.

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

SHEIL A DIAL-BARTON Principal, EOA Architects: Fast becoming the face of firm long led by the venerable Gary Everton. Has been with company since August 1997.

TIM DOWNEY CEO, Southern Land: Leads company known for its mixed-use Vertis Green Hills. SLC sold its 3601 Market, a mixed-use high-rise located in Philadelphia, in August 2018 for $140 million. Westhaven (Franklin) company sold in 2014 its Elliston 23 for a then-record $287,000 per unit.

RYAN DOYLE GM, oneC1TY: Now in sixth year of leading development of mixed-use oneC1TY, which saw the opening of apartment building The Shay in 2018. Former board chair of Nashville Civic Design Center.

JOHN EAKIN

VP, Group Manger, JE Dunn: With local office of Kansas City-based builder since 2003, climbing the ladder ever since. Now working with his fifth title in 16 years. Helped oversee company’s May 2018 move to Rutledge Hill from Brentwood.

Chairman, Eakin Partners: Oversees with Barry Smith company that has developed mixed-use mid-rises Roundabout Plaza, SunTrust Plaza and 1201 Demonbreun. Broke ground in 2018 on nine-story mixed-use building in Rolling Mill Hill.

Also scrapped plans last year for office building near Vanderbilt.

JIM CADEN

JOHN ELDRIDGE III

Developer and Investor: Unassuming industry veteran who helped lead the evolution of M Street in The Gulch. Respected for his low-key and collaborative approach.

President, E3 Construction: Focused on Clifton Avenue and surrounding streets of McKissack Park (which he calls City Heights). Started in 2018 work on Connect at City Heights, to offer office, retail and restaurant space and, potentially, a small grocery store.

SEAN BUCK

WOOD CALDWELL Principal, Southeast Venture: Perhaps the face of a firm with many stars. Serves with Cam Sorenson and Tarek El Gammal in SEV’s development services division. Company remains focused on massive Silo Bend project in The Nations.

HUNTER CONNELLY CEO, Village Real Estate Services: Named to role in January and teams with Principal Broker Zach

Epstein bolsters building scene after West Coast stint

PAT EMERY CEO, Hall Emery: Founder of Spectrum | Emery teamed with Fred Hall to create company in late 2017. Developing Franklin Park, a 71-acre, multi-building development in Cool Springs, and hopes to finish in 2020 Fifth + Broadway at ex-Nashville Convention Center site.

Nashville’s development sector was long dominated by local men 40 and older.

After the Great Recession, the city saw an influx of younger men — both local and outof-town — enter the industry.

And then came Meg Epstein — all the way from San Francisco.

A thirty-something with a disarming personality and fascinating background, Epstein is now about seven years into her Nashville work.

She has two large-scale projects underway and at least two more planned.

And though she offers many characteristics that members of the local development industry (and many folks, for that matter) lack — she studied finance in college, worked in Barcelona, developed Wine Country sites with highend homes and holds a private pilot’s license — Epstein is actually quite similar to her peers. She is passionate about place-making, sitting on the Nashville Civic Design Center board. And, like many of her counterparts, she undertakes developments with partners.

Nashville is a “perfect blend of newcomers and Old South, entrepreneurship and corporations, artistic scene and industry,” Epstein writes on her website.

Epstein does a good bit of work via her CA South Development, which she created when she moved to the city with her husband. > WILLIAM WILLIAMS

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LEADERS

GINA EMMANUEL

KIM HARTLEY HAWKINS

Principal, Centric Architecture: Teams with Jim Thompson, Justin Lowe and David Plummer to guide one of city’s more forward-thinking design firms.

Co-Founding Principal, Hawkins Partners: Teams with husband Gary Hawkins to lead influential land planning and landscape architecture firm. Company is contributing to massive Nashville Yards project.

MEG EPSTEIN Founder, CA South Development: Working on multiple projects, including those near 12South and in North Capitol. Has background in developing sites with luxury homes in San Francisco area.

GARY GASTON Executive Director, Nashville Civic Design Center: Principal contributor to “The Plan of Nashville.”

Oversees nonprofit that has offered various options for city’s Church Street Park, on which Tony Giarratana wants to develop 750-foot-tall Paramount.

FLEMING SMITH

GBT’s Tomlin sees big picture in urban, suburban projects George Tomlin oversees a company with a distinctive one-two punch. And he likes that duality.

The president and CEO of Brentwood-based real estate development and investment company GBT, Tomlin has orchestrated a noteworthy change of sorts. At the start of this decade, GBT was largely focused on building and leasing big-box retail structures in suburban and rural areas. Now that thrust is supplemented with developing urban mixed-use buildings.

“We’ve developed over 35 million square feet of retail [boxes] and mixed-use development, which represents approximately $6 billion,” Tomlin says. “Executing most development functions in-house at that scale has allowed us to accumulate a deep bench of industry talent, capable of executing any type of project, anywhere.”

Tomlin says a key challenge is projecting shifting trends, needs and expectations of consumers and tenants while proactively ensuring that the programming at GBT’s development sites “stands far above the ordinary.”

He lists among the most enjoyable elements of his job “watching one of our developments cement itself as an irreplaceable center of a community.”

Since 2016, GBT has finished two developments in Hillsboro Village and now eyes larger-scale projects in downtown and Midtown.

“We know the market and understand the opportunity,” Tomlin says. “We are increasing our development activity locally as we believe Nashville will thrive for generations. > WILLIAM WILLIAMS

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Principal, Smith Gee Studio: Teams with fellow principals Hunter Gee, Dallas Caudle and Greg Tidwell at architecture firm focused on boutique projects in The Nations, Germantown and Wedgewood-Houston.

TONY GIARRATANA Principal, Giarratana Nashville: Skyscraper advocate who has developed downtown sites on which rise five towers of 200 feet or taller, included the 550-foot-tall 505. Also serves as Premier Parking co-owner with Ryan Chapman. Now eyeing 750-foot-tall Paramount.

JIMMY GRANBERY CEO, H.G. Hill Realty: Has overseen urban infill projects in 12South, Five Points, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village and Sylvan Heights. Though a member of the city’s old school development community, has earned praise for using progressive design and planning concepts. Focused on Publix-anchored project for East Nashville.

JOHN GROMOS Vice President and GM, Turner Construction: Has been with local office of NYC-based Turner since 2004. Company has built, among others, Bridgestone Arena, Hill Center Brentwood, Tennessee State Museum and vertical addition to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

CHAD GROUT

MICHAEL HAYES President and CEO, C.B. Ragland: Gentlemanly industry pro admired for advocating progressive urban placemaking principles. Completed with Hines the mixed-use 222 2nd in SoBro and now focused on Hyatt Centric hotel for ex-Listening Room site.

JEFF HAYNES Founder, Boyle Nashville: Oversees firm working with Northwestern Mutual and Northwood Ravin to develop Capitol View sites in North Gulch. Company overseeing construction of buildings for HealthStream and Hampton Inn. Teams with Thomas McDaniel, Boyle’s director of office properties.

RAY HENSLER Principal, Hensler Development Group: Known for $80 million, 23-story Gulch luxury condo tower Twelve Twelve. His Adelicia in Midtown ranks among city’s most attractive residential buildings.

Eyeing early 2020 start on Rolling Mill Hill residential tower.

TOM HOOPER Managing Director, JLL: Teams with co-Managing Director Bo Tyler to oversee national power’s Nashville office. Joined JLL in late 2012 and has since negotiated approximately 143 real estate transactions throughout Tennessee, totaling a collective roughly 14 million square feet.

BILL HOSTET TLER Principal Broker, HND Realty; Chief Manager, Craighead Development: Affable old-school industry veteran (about 38 years in the business) focused on developing reasonably priced condos and townhomes.

MICHAEL KENNER Owner, MiKeN Development: Focused on the city’s once-primarily working class west side.

Known for mixed-use The Phoenix and residential project Treaty Oaks, both in The Nations.

Founder and Principal Broker, Urban Grout Commercial Real Estate: Oversees East Nashville-based boutique company focused strictly on marketing and selling properties located no more than three miles from city’s epicenter.

STEPHEN KULINSKI

JASON HOLWERDA

KEN L ARISH

Partner, Brokerage Services, Foundry Commercial: Coordinated the 2018 purchase of brokerage business of OakPoint Real Estate’s Nashville office.

With that deal, industry veteran Rick Helton joined Foundry, giving company a strong one-two punch.

CEO, The Mainland Companies: Leads company with presence in both Nashville and Portland. Continues effort to break ground on 30-story tower on SoBro roundabout. Company merged in early 2017 with retail-focused Hart-Redd.

HAYNE HAMILTON

DEREK LISLE

Nashville Office Senior Development Manager, Panattoni Development: Teams with brother Whitfield on development of Music Row-area sites (including building home to SESAC). Now focused on Music Circle South office building (underway) and green-friendly 16th Avenue office building (planned) that required move of Bobby’s Idle Hour.

Co-Partner, Cottingham Capital Partners: Partners with Michael Young at locally based company focused on Salemtown and Germantown.

Managing Director, CBRE: Assumed current role in 2015 after 31-year career as an architect, most recently with Gresham Smith. Has served as president of local NAIOP chapter.

ROB LOWE Senior Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield: With company for almost 23 years. Has participat-

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LEADERS

ed in $810 million in investment sales and handled more than $975 million of leases while representing tenants and more than three million square feet of Class A office space for landlords. Works closely with Ronnie Wenzler, Cushman executive director.

BOB NICHOLS

BERT MATHEWS

AL PRAMUK

President, The Mathews Company: Community leader drives development, acquisitions, financing and institutional/investor relations for The Mathews Company. Also a partner with Nashville office of Colliers International.

Chairman and CEO, Gresham Smith: Firm (which changed named in 2018 from Gresham Smith & Partners) is architect-of-record for Fifth + Broadway and contributing strongly to Nashville Yards. Company now settled at 222 2nd after 2017 move.

STEVE MASSEY

BRIAN REAMES

Executive Vice President, CBRE: Joined company in 1985 and quickly established expertise as multi-family properties specialist in investment field. Has been involved in deals with properties representing more than $6 billion in collective value.

Senior VP and Regional Manager, Highwoods Properties: Steers company that developed SoBro site on which sits 30-story Bridgestone Americas Tower. Is now focused on developing North Gulch site with building to house Asurion.

JANET MILLER

FLOYD SHECHTER

CEO and Market Leader, Colliers International | Nashville: Former Nashville Area Chamber ECD leader who moved to Colliers in July 2014. Soon after recruited several key team members and acquired retail-focused Vision Real Estate.

President, SmartSpace: Leads private-sector drive regarding inclusionary zoning/ affordable housing. Successful redeveloper of large, old buildings. Re-signed Change Healthcare to Donelson-based Corporate Centre II.

DICK MILLER

MIKE SHMERLING

CEO and Chairman, ESa: Veteran architect, lecturer and author with noteworthy resume in health care facility design. Joined ESa in 1967. Formerly served as president, a title Todd Robinson now holds.

Chairman and CEO, Clearbrook Holdings: Opened with Tony Giarratana Pearl Street Apartments in 2017, with the two friends also having partnered to develop 1818 Church. Prefers low-key approach with Clear-

President and CEO, Ragan-Smith Associates: One of city’s most esteemed manmade environment industry officials, having joined Ragan-Smith in 1979. Vanderbilt grad volunteers for YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

brook (formerly known as XMi Holdings). Works closely with Henry Menge, managing director and principal broker with sister operation FifthGen.

BARRY SMITH Co-Founder and President, Eakin Partners: Combines with John Eakin to form respected duo. Former executive VP and principal of now-defunct Grubb & Ellis/Centennial Inc. Company developing Rolling Mill Hill site with Eakin Plaza.

WARREN SMITH III CEO, Avison Young: Ex-Cushman & Wakefield | Cornerstone CEO leads local office of Canadian-based heavyweight. Former partner and president of MidSouth Financial Corp. and ex-president and CEO of Q10 | Vista Mortgage Group.

TIM STOWELL Managing Member, Corporate Real Estate Advisors: Tenant rep with impressive ability to foresee a lease or sale before most others do so. Also effective in assessing CRE numbers and spotting trends.

LIZABETH THEISS VP of Business Development, Crain Construction: Joined Crain in 2004. An expert at marketing, media relations and business development with strong knowledge of placemaking issues.

GEORGE TOMLIN President and CEO, GBT: Drives Brentwood-based

AT THE CENTER OF

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Explore what’s next at cushmanwakefield.com.

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LEADERS

bike work play historic growth tomorrow’s lifestyle

company that has modified its approach to include developing urban sites with mixed-use large-scale buildings to supplement its owning/leasing of big-box retail buildings in the suburbs.

M c CL AIN TOWERY President, Towery Development: Has experience with projects located in or near 12South, Edgehill Village, The Nations and East Nashville. Participating in Hyatt House hotel project underway in SoBro.

SEAB TUCK Principal, Tuck Hinton Architects: Partners with Co-Principal Kem Hinton to oversee one of city’s most established architecture companies. Firm moved in 2018 to May Hosiery CoOp in Wedgewood-Houston from SoBro.

JAY TURNER Managing Director, MarketStreet Enterprises: Company has helped transform the once-desolate Gulch into arguably the city’s most vibrant mixed-use district. Teams with Joe Barker and Dirk Melton.

Designing Solutions in an Urban World

JAMES WEAVER Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Major player in shepherding urban development projects through Metro Planning and fundraising for Democratic political candidates. Representing Chicago-based Monroe Investments related to its planned River North development.

JIMMY WEBB Co-Founder, Freeman Webb Companies: Oversees with long-time friend Bill Freeman company with approximately 450 employees and about 15,000 apartment units and 1 million square feet of commercial property under management in four states. The two created in 2018 FW Publishing (the Post’s parent company).

AARON WHITE Principal and Co-Founder, Evergreen Real Estate: Co-founder of Core Development who later started Evergreen with Hunter Connelly (now at Village). Company is focused on 103-unit condominium building at Silo Bend in The Nations.

GOVAN WHITE Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Covenant Capital Group: Pairs with Rick Scarola to lead company that has made an art of acquiring older apartment properties, improving them and then selling for a tidy sum.

TOM WHITE Partner, Tune Entrekin & White: A go-to attorney on growth and development matters. Rarely loses a case. With colleague Shawn Henry makes for a powerful pair related to land-use legal work. Co-founded firm in 1978.

D.J. WOOTSON Principal, Titus Young Real Estate: Focused on North Nashville work. Plans to begin construction in mid-year on Alameda at Hadley Park near TSU. His 1821 Jefferson mixed-use building offers 18 apartments and a cafe.

MANUEL ZEITLIN

Land Development Consulting

ragansmith.com

Owner, Manuel Zeitlin Architects: Oversees boutique design firm whose modernist aesthetic (seen at, for example, Chelsea, the TAR Building, Terrazzo, etc.) elicits dramatically ranging opinions. MZA has designed the Moxy hotel building under construction in Hillsboro Village.

LEE ZOLLER Principal, Division Street Development: Commercial real estate industry veteran founded company in mid-2017. DSD is focused on boutique projects and is aligned with Gulch office of Toronto-based Avison Young.

Education DAN BOONE President, Trevecca Nazarene University: Understated academician who has the Church of Nazarene-affiliated TNU undertaking bold initiatives. Has in recent years launched degree programs and expanded and rebranded Trevecca’s athletic fundraising organization.

RANDY BOYD Interim President, University of Tennessee: Former gubernatorial candidate, appointed for two years by Gov. Bill Lee. Says will spend tenure searching for “perfect leader” for UT.

KATIE COUR President and CEO, Nashville Public Education Foundation: Oversees nonprofit centered on public education. Former executive director of talent strategy at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and leader of education consulting firm Cour Consulting.

BOB FISHER President, Belmont University: Has overseen within the past five years multiple major construction projects, including 12-story $80 million residential Tall Hall. Announced in 2018 1,700-seat multi-purpose theatre to open by 2021 and, in 2019, an architecture degree program. Leads Tennessee’s second-largest private university (about 8,300 students). Was Nashville Post CEO of the year.

SHARON GENTRY Chair, Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education: Elected a second time as board chair. With district having seen several controversies the past year, is tasked with leading team that holds director of schools accountable.

GLENDA BASKIN GLOVER President, Tennessee State University: Leads institution that has garnered multiple federal grants for, among others, agriculture, engineering and science research. Offered details in late 2016 for multi-building Cumberland City eyed for 80-plus acres adjacent to campus. Started construction in 2018 on 120,000-square-foot health science building slated for 2020 opening.

JAMES E.K. HILDRETH President, Meharry Medical College: Drives one of nation’s oldest and largest historically black academic health science centers. Working toward increasing faculty numbers and active in talks about Nashville General’s future.

SHANNA JACKSON President, Nashville State Community College: Former associate president and chief operating officer of Columbia State Community College’s Williamson Campus. Wants to grow NSCC to be state’s largest such college.

SHAWN JOSEPH Director, Metro Schools: Leads city’s more than 86,000-student public school system. Metro Nashville Board of Education hire is first black superintendent in city’s history. Tasked with turning around district’s struggling schools and overcoming recent controversy.

JAY KLINE President, Watkins College of Art, Design & Film: Runs 300-student, four-year college offering baccalaureate degree programs in film, fine arts, graphic design, interior design and photography.

Pushing hard to give 131-year-old school bigger national brand.

MIKE KRAUSE Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Commis-

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LEADERS

sion: Former founding executive director of Tennessee Promise and Drive to 55. In 2018, THEC’s college enrollment data showed upward trends in adults attending college.

academic strategic plan. Cell biologist with Vanderbilt’s Wente Lab, so named to recognize her VU contributions.

RANDY LOWRY President, Lipscomb University: Has since 2005 led ambitious growth push that has added buildings and new degree programs and grown enrollment to 4,800. In midst of $250 million five-year fundraising plan to further focus on cornerstone programs.

President, Austin Peay State University: Leads fastgrowing university now eclipsing 10,000 students.

Previously served as provost and senior VP for academic affairs at University of Texas at Tyler and provost and VP for academic affairs at Midwestern State University in Texas.

SIDNEY M c PHEE

NICK ZEPPOS

President, Middle Tennessee State University: Began working in 2017 with eight-member MTSU governing board. School’s University Honors College, the state’s first, offers “an Ivy League experience” for high-ability students. Attempted unsuccessfully in 2018 to open its own law school by co-opting Valparaiso Law School.

Chancellor, Vanderbilt University: Former faculty member, provost and vice chancellor marking 31 years of VU work. Oversaw split from VUMC and directed work on Warren and Moore Colleges for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Focusing on replacing Carmichael Towers with various buildings, including 20-story neo-gothic tower.

KEVIN ROME President, Fisk University: Tasked with increasing student enrollment and improving university’s recent financial issues.

ALISA WHITE

Finance

PENNY SCHWINN Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education: Gov. Bill Lee appointee and former chief deputy commissioner of academics for the Texas Education Agency.

SUSAN WENTE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vanderbilt University: Lead oversee of university’s

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VIC ALEXANDER Chief Manager, KraftCPAs: Has led one of region’s largest accounting and advisory firms for more than a quarter of a century, helping grow staff to about 200.

Specialist in business planning and valuation and financing, among other things.

DEVAN ARD Chairman, President and CEO, Reliant Bancorp: Built on acquisition of Community First Bank & Trust by building out operations in Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. Lender finished 2018 with record profits and word of a dividend hike.

SAM BELK EVP and Mid-South Division Manager, Wells Fargo: Joined Wells from BofA in 2005 and now oversees commercial lenders in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Has worked in banking for four decades.

SETH BERNSTEIN President and CEO, AllianceBernstein: Took over as leader of investment management firm in 2017 and oversaw process that led to Nashville being chosen as its future HQ. Previously spent more than three decades at JPMorgan Chase.

DENNY BOT TORFF Chairman, CapStar Financial Holdings: Ex-First American CEO who helped organize CapStar in late 2000s and also co-founded Council Capital in 2000.

Serves on boards of Ingram Industries and Vanderbilt University, among others.

BARNEY BYRD President and CEO, Gen Cap America: Founded firm focused on smaller companies in 1998. Current $250 million fund has of late bought several Midwest makers of shredders, fans and physical therapy products.

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LEADERS

SID CHAMBLESS Executive Director, Nashville Capital Network: Connects 100plus investors with promising startups via four funds. In second half of last year put money to work in payments company, population health software firm and moving venture.

RANDALL CLEMONS Chairman and CEO, Wilson Bank & Trust: Steered Lebanon lender through years of steady growth that included expansion into Nashville, Williamson and Rutherford. Will this year make way for EVP John McDearman.

JOHN CROSSLIN & JUSTIN CROSSLIN Co-Managing Principals, Crosslin: Two years ago took over from Dell Crosslin the day-to-day management of 30-year-old firm’s CPA arm and its IT services group, led by Co-Managing Principal Bryan White. Combined have three-plus decades of experience with firm.

TONY DET TER

Spitz drives on with Diversified after strong VU run Bill Spitz grew Vanderbilt University’s endowment more than tenfold during his tenure as its treasurer and vice chancellor for investments from 1985 to 2007.

His work at the university netted him a few awards and a little bit of time off before he helped launch Diversified Trust’s local presence in early 2009, when the Great Recession was still Conversation Topic No. 1.

Since then, Spitz’s steady hand has helped Diversified grow its office in Two American Center overlooking West End Avenue to 35 people, which is more than a third of Diversified’s total staff across four Southeastern markets. The employee-owned firm now manages more than $6.5 billion for its clients.

Spitz — who this year marks the 20th anniversary of his book, “Get Rich Slowly: Building your Financial Future through Common Sense” — is a director of MassMutual Financial Group and Acadia Realty Trust. The 67-year-old and his team are coming off a big year that saw them close the sixth — and, at more than $155 million, the largest — private equity fund in Diversified’s history and recruit Jeffrey Carson, a veteran of U.S. Trust, Northern Trust and a boutique Florida law firm.

A more recent notable recruit to Spitz’s team: Robin Satyshur, the former CEO of Pendleton Square Trust and the COO of the private office for members of the Turner family that launched Dollar General. > GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

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CEO, Asurion: Joined mobile device insurer and tech support company in 2003 and was its chief commercial officer before taking top job. Overseeing with Highwoods construction of two-building downtown HQ that will consolidate four area offices.

AARON DORN CEO, Studio Bank: Former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer and Avenue Bank executive who got much of the band back together to launch Studio. Bank opened its doors in The Gulch last year with $46 million in startup capital.

JEFF DRUMMONDS CEO, LBMC: Was partner in charge of LBMC’s tax group before taking top job in 2015. Oversaw firm’s main office move to Hill Center Brentwood and bought local outsourcing firm W Squared and Atlanta accounting software venture.

CHASE GILBERT CEO, Built Technologies: Co-founded with Andrew and Scott Sohr five-year-old construction loan management software venture that has processed more than $20 billion in loans. Attracted $21 million in funding from coastal VCs and has lured big-name clients.

RICHARD HERRINGTON Chairman, President and CEO, Franklin Financial Network: Has grown bank to more than $4 billion via organic growth and acquisitions of MidSouth Bank and Civic Bank & Trust. Williamson County market leader looking to build share in Davidson, Rutherford.

TINA HODGES CEO and Chief Experience Officer, Advance Financial: Ex-nurse practitioner leads consumer lender that now employs more than 1,000 and ringing up sales of more than $215 million. Has built online lending operations to nearly 20 states.

CHRIS HOLMES CEO, FB Financial: Has led FirstBank parent since 2013, overseeing loan growth, 2016 IPO and acquisitions in Tennessee and North Georgia that have grown asset base to more than $5 billion. Scouting for more branch deals to bring in additional deposits.

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

GAYLON L AWRENCE Owner, F&M Bank, Tennessee Bank & Trust, Volunteer State Bank: Has deployed chunks of family wealth in Middle Tennessee’s banking sector since 2015. Also owns sizable stake in CapStar, whose leaders have stiff-armed his interest.

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LEADERS

WANDA LYLE Managing Director and GM, UBS Nashville: Spearheaded Nashville expansion of global financial blue chip. Five-year-old downtown operations hub supporting various business units is now home to more than 1,500 people.

JOE MAXWELL Managing Partner, FINTOP Capital: Serial fintech entrepreneur and advisor who led and sold Investment Scorecard and Shareholder InSite, among others.

Firm’s $50 million-plus fund has invested in locally based software developer Core10, among others.

ROB McCABE Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Co-founder of Nashville’s largest homegrown bank and its Tennessee chairman since acquisition of BNC Bancorp in mid-2017. Began banking career in Knoxville in 1976 and rose to vice chairman of former First American.

MICKEY McKAY President, Fifth Third Bank (Tennessee): Veteran commercial banker who was tapped in 2017 to take over from Hal Clemmer at super-regional lender. Returned to Nashville from Charlotte in 2015 and has more than 35 years of industry experience.

ROB McNEILLY Market President, Synovus: In late 2017 moved to holding company that owns what was The Bank of Nashville after leading regional operations of Sun-

Trust since 2005. Active in community through Boy Scouts, Goodwill, YMCA and other groups.

T YSON MOORE Market President, Bank of America: Thirty-year Merrill Lynch veteran who was picked in early 2017 to succeed John Stein as leader of BofA’s 14-county regional franchise. Continues in Merrill market executive role he took on in summer of 2011.

TIM PAGLIARA Chairman and CEO, CapWealth Advisors: Launched Cool Springs firm in early 2000 and has overseen growth to more than $1 billion in assets under management. Prominent voice on national debt and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac restitution issues.

DAWN PATRICK Nashville Managing Partner, Cherry Bekaert: Leads local efforts of firm that in late 2017 bought Frasier Dean & Howard. Leads Cherry Bekaert’s practice working with technology, health and life sciences and industrial firms.

SCOT T POHLMAN President, Nashville Region, SunTrust Bank: Moved here from Atlanta in 2017 to succeed Rob McNeilly.

Had been director in syndicated and leveraged finance with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey since early 2011 and before that worked in real estate.

JAMES POWELL

local office and is national partner in charge of campus recruiting and university relations. Audit partner who works with clients in Nashville and Atlanta.

PEPE PRESLEY Chairman, President and CEO, Cumberland Trust: Leads one of region’s biggest trust operations, which passed $3 billion under administration in 2018 and now is home to more than 100 people. Formerly headed up personal trust services at SunTrust.

DOUG ROHLEDER Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young: Health care specialists who was named to position last summer about the time Big Four firm’s local office relocated to downtown’s 222 2nd tower. Before that was firm’s assurance managing partner for Southeast region.

RON SAMUELS Vice Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Sold Avenue Bank to Pinnacle in 2016 and has since helped lead the bank’s music and entertainment industry group. Always-around veteran of more than four decades in Nashville banking and community affairs.

BILL SPITZ Co-Founder, Diversified Trust: Firm he helped launch here in early 2009 now manages more than $6.5 billion for families, foundations, retirement plans and others. Was treasurer and vice chancellor of investments for Vanderbilt from 1985 to 2007.

Office Managing Partner, KPMG: Runs Big Four firm’s

Congratulations to the 2019 In Charge honorees.

Thank you for your leadership in our city. We’re honored to support what you create.

StudioBank.com

AARON DORN

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THANK YOU

LEADERS

InCharge honorees for shaping the Nashville of today

RANDY STEVENS Chairman and CEO, First Farmers and Merchants: Has worked at Columbia-based lender since 1973, been its CEO since 2002 and of late steered growth into Williamson and Davidson counties. Bank now runs 23 offices and has about $1.4 billion in assets.

CL AIRE TUCKER President and CEO, CapStar Financial Holdings: Former First American and FirstBank exec who co-founded CapStar in 2007.

Last year acquired Athens Bancshares to diversify deposit base and grow assets to nearly $2 billion.

TERRY TURNER President and CEO, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Co-founder of largest bank based in Nashville, which now has more than $25 billion in assets. Has kept profits growing after big BNC Bancorp purchase and last year launched first stock buyback.

WARD WILSON

BOOM trail blazers

community CHANGE MAKERS

NASHVILLE CEO

leaders

growth

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

Yochem building on a strong base at First Tennessee

Regional President, U.S. Bank: Joined nation’s No. 5 bank from First American in 2000 and has led its Middle Tennessee operations since 2005. Team has grown area deposits to $2 billion and maintained No. 7 area deposit market share.

TOM WYLLY Senior Partner, Brentwood Capital Advisors: Former Bradford partner who has been involved in more than $6 billion worth of deals and helped scale Acadia Healthcare and eMids, among others. Key backer of Nashville Capital Network.

CAROL YOCHEM By any measure, Carol Yochem’s tenure as head of First Tennessee Bank has featured some big numbers.

Yochem spent roughly 25 years in the Memphis and Nashville banking arenas before a short stint with TD Bank in the Carolinas. She returned to Music City in 2014 to succeed longtime local First Tennessee leader Doyle Rippee and has since made good on boss Bryan Jordan’s characterization of her hire as “an accelerated commitment” to Middle Tennessee.

Since then, Yochem and team have almost doubled First Tennessee’s deposit base to $4.9 billion and grown their loan book to more than $4 billion from $1.5 billion. Parent company First Horizon’s $2.2 billion acquisition of Capital Bank Financial played a role — and Yochem has had to close and/or sell some duplicative branches in the deal’s wake — but crucial to that growth has been Yochem’s recruitment of a fistful of experienced lenders.

Perhaps most notable is music business specialist Andrew Kintz, who arrived from SunTrust in 2016. Other additions have included health care specialist Brooks Hubbard and veteran commercial banking leader Renee Drake.

Yochem says those hires have “done wonders for loan production” and she’s confident First Tennessee is more than holding its own in Nashville’s competitive banking sector.

“We continue to look for opportunities,” she says of recruiting talent. “Those things become opportunistic and you often have to incubate them for a long time.” > GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

President, Middle Tennessee Region, First Tennessee Bank: Took over in 2014 after wealth management career led her from Tennessee to North Carolina. Team has roughly doubled area loans and deposits in four years.

Food DAREK BELL Founder, Corsair Distillery: Founded Nashville’s first microdistillery, which since 2015 has operated in Wedgewood-Houston.

Bought massive warehouse in The Nations in 2018 and opened revamped Marathon Village space Brewstillery earlier this year.

His WeHo building saw opening of Jackalope last year and prepping for Chandler Brothers Houston Street Pool Room space.

BOB BERNSTEIN Owner, Bongo Productions: Has added Box, a 12South coffee bar and bakery; Fetch, a to-go storefront next to Fido; Game Point @ Bongo East (the city’s first board game café); and Jefferson Street Café. Now more than 25 years in business. Prepping move to Alloy at Tech Hill.

NICK BISHOP SR. AND NICK BISHOP JR. Co-owners, Hattie B’s: Father and son founded popular Midtown hot-chicken outpost in 2012. Opened in Memphis (Cooper-Young district), Birmingham and Atlanta in 2018 to go with location on Eight Avenue South in Melrose.

MAT T BODNAR Partner, Fresh Hospitality and Fresh Capital: Part of group behind expansion of Jim ‘N Nick’s and Martin’s BBQ, among others.

Plans to this year finish food court at ex-Hunter’s space near Five Points and begin work on upgrading former building home to The Mad Platter.

SEAN BROCK Restaurateur, Culinary Advisor for Husk: Will open in winter 2019-

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LEADERS

20 restaurant — to focus upon the cuisine and culture of the Appalachian region — in the McFerrin Park/Cleveland Park district of East Nashville.

MANEET CHAUHAN President, Morph Hospitality Group: Nationally known chef opened vibrant Chauhan Ale & Masala in 2014, then launched Franklin-based Mantra Artisan Brewery in 2015. Two new restaurants were added to her hospitality group in 2017: Tànsuŏ (an upscale Chinese restaurant) and The Mockingbird (a global diner). Last year opened Chaatable on west side and Steel Barrel Brewing in Murfreesboro.

WILL CHEEK III Partner, Waller: Ex- Bone McAllester Norton attorney leads Waller’s alcoholic beverage team and provides licensing and regulatory compliance advice to restaurants, hotels, art venues, bars and clubs. Go-to source for Tennessee liquor law. Authors Last Call, a blog covering alcohol, restaurant and hospitality news.

not looked back. Prepping Atlanta, Wedgewood-Houston and Fifth + Broadway locations.

CHRIS HYNDMAN Owner, MStreet: Restaurateur who, with Jim Caden, transformed McGavock Street (aka MStreet) in The Gulch with Virago, Whiskey Kitchen and Kayne Prime (as well as Midtown’s Tavern). Involved with Eleventh House hotel in The Gulch.

WESLEY KEEGAN Founder and CEO, TailGate Brewing Co.: Former San Diego-based brewer has made major impact in Music City since relocating here in 2014. Opened taproom on Music Row Roundabout in 2017 and similar business on Gallatin Avenue in East Nashville in 2018.

ANDY MARSHALL Owner, A. Marshall Family Foods: Oversees Franklin company best known for Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant. Opened Deacon’s New South in iconic L&C Tower in 2017.

SANDY COCHRAN

PAT MARTIN

President and CEO, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Former BooksA-Million CEO earned a contract extension in 2018. Company expects to open eight or nine Cracker Barrels and three Holler & Dash units this year.

Owner, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Opened Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop on Charlotte Avenue in 2017 and added Berry Hill location this winter. SoBro Martin’s bustles with tourists and locals alike. Will open this year in ex-Logan’s building in Midtown.

BENJAMIN GOLDBERG AND MAX GOLDBERG

MARGOT M c CORMACK

Co-Owners, Strategic Hospitality: The brothers boast a portfolio that includes stalwarts Catbird Seat, Bastion, Patterson House and Pinewood Social. Opened popular Germantown spot Henrietta Red in 2017 and prepping for debut of Downtown Sporting Club on Lower Broad.

Chef-Owner, Margot and Marché: East Nashville culinary pioneer trained many chefs who helped establish Nashville as a popular foodie destination. Has received awards from Nashville Food Project and Springer Mountain Farms and appeared on Vivian Howard’s PBS series “A Chef’s Life.”

LINUS HALL

TOM MORALES

Owner, Yazoo Brewing: Oversees what is arguably Nashville’s top craft brewing company. Has been key in efforts to improve the state’s beer tax structure and to make sale of high-gravity beers less restrictive.

Brewery slated to move this year from The Gulch to Madison.

CEO, TomKats Hospitality: Founder of TomKats (entertainment industry caterer) and managing partner in SoBro’s The Southern Steak & Oyster and popular Lower Broad restaurant/bar/ music venue Acme Feed & Seed. Sold interest in The Gulch’s Fin & Pearl and CBD’s Woolworth on 5th.

DAN HASKELL

CATHERINE NEWMAN AND WILL NEWMAN

Partner, Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin: Offers more than 40 years of experience lobbying on behalf of clients before the Tennessee General Assembly related to alcoholic beverage regulations and laws.

CLINT GRAY, DERRICK MOORE AND EMANUEL “E.J.” REED Owners, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: Opened now uber-popular beer and pie joint in fast-changing Buchanan Arts District in 2017 and have

Owners, Edley’s Bar-B-Que and 12South Filling Station: Wife-and -husband team has seen Edley’s featured on the Cooking Channel. Duo operates five locations in Nashville area. Popular Filling Station complements 12South BBQ joint.

Nashville Roots.

National Reach.

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HAZEM OUF Chairman and CEO, CraftWorks Holdings: Ex-Logan’s Roadhouse CEO now oversees Colorado-based parent company of CraftWorks

Alcoholic Beverage

Corporate

Estate Planning & Probate Insolvency

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Litigation

Employment

Government Relations Real Estate

Tax

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LEADERS

Restaurants & Breweries and Logan’s. Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries (Lower Broad is home to an outpost) is part of the CraftWorks portfolio.

DEB PAQUET TE

Jackalope’s biggest fan and worked his way up to co-owner. Duo open in 2018 Wedgewood-Houston brewery The Ranch, while transitioning focus of the Gulch brewer (The Den) to sours and specialty beers.

Executive Chef, Etch and Etc.: Esteemed chef joined with 4 Top Hospitality to bring creative dishes to Etch, an elegant SoBro anchor, and Etc., the more intimate sister site in Green Hills. One of the first to bring global flavors to Nashville’s dining scene. Teams with Doug Hogrefe and Paul Schramkowski.

JIMMY SPRADLEY

AUSTIN RAY

KENT TAYLOR

President and Founder, A.Ray Hospitality: Runs company that opened in 2017 both M.L. Rose in Capitol View and Von Elrod’s near Germantown. Also an operating partner at The Sutler Saloon (Rambler, its lower-level speakeasy, opened in 2018) and a partner in Sinema restaurant.

Co-Founder, Blackstone Brewing: The so-called godfather of the local beer scene. In business since 1994 and runs city’s longest-operational brewery. His opening of Clifton Avenue brewery taproom in North Nashville softened blow of 2016 closing of Midtown brewpub. Became available in early 2018 in all Tennessee’s 95 counties.

RANDY RAYBURN Owner, Midtown Cafe and Cabana: Elder statesman of the restaurant scene. Community leader in whose name operates the culinary arts program at Nashville State Community College. A member in Belcourt Partners development team, whose Moxy Hotel will open this year in Hillsboro Village.

BAILEY SPAULDING AND STEVE WRIGHT Co-Owners, Jackalope Brewing: The former built Jackalope from a college hobby into one of Nashville’s most beloved breweries. The latter started as

CEO, Standard Functional Foods Group: Was 26 when family bought Standard Candy in 1982. Business grew to 500-plus employees before Spradley sold it in 2017 to refocus on Goo Goo Clusters. SoBro shop is a huge hit with tourists.

Government/ Politics L AMAR ALEXANDER U.S. Senator: Former governor and current Tennessee senior senator and chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Announced he would not seek an additional term in 2020, kicking off another open Senate race.

JANE ALVIS Owner, Alvis Co.: Lobbyist for Tennessee Municipal League. Formerly a partner at The Ingram Group and a staffer under Gov. Lamar Alexander and Mayor Bill Purcell.

TANDY WILSON

ROGERS ANDERSON

Chef-Owner, City House: Helped spur Nashville’s rise on the national culinary scene when he opened regarded restaurant in Germantown in late 2007. In 2016 was the first Nashville chef to win the prestigious James Beard Award as Best Chef, Southeast. Opened Mop/Broom Mess Hall in Germantown in 2018.

Mayor, Williamson County: Last year re-elected to a fifth term as executive of booming county where public education remains among the main draws — and most significant challenges.

FLEMING WILT CEO, Christie Cookie: Germantown headquarters offers beloved treats for sale via a retail space that opened in 2013. Opened retail space in 12South in 2018.

STEVE ANDERSON Chief, Metro Police Department: Nearing a decade at the helm of MNPD, has staved off calls for his ouster. Opposed the establishment of a community oversight board last year but will have to work with it going forward.

THANK YOU Tennessee Bank & Trust honors Gaylon Lawrence, Jr. for his vision, trusted partnership and dedication in leading our company through big changes making 2019 our best year yet.

Congratulations to each of this year's 'In Charge' honorees!

GAYLON LAWRENCE, JR. Owner Tennessee Bank & Trust

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MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER ©2018 TENNESSEE BANK & TRUST

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LEADERS

Congratulations Jimmy Webb, President and

WARD BAKER Political Consultant: Former National Republican Senatorial Committee executive director. Fresh off helping Marsha Blackburn get elected to Senate, is already talking with 2020 candidates, including Mike Pompeo, who could run in Kansas.

Co-Founder oF

MARSHA BL ACKBURN

Freeman Webb

U.S. Senator: Former state legislator turned congressperson, newly elected to the U.S. Senate. Trump ally handily defeated Democratic opponent, former Gov. Phil Bredesen.

ComPany,

DAVID BRILEY

For being

Mayor, Metro Nashville: Former Bone McAllester Norton attorney, Metro Council member and vice mayor who took over upon Megan Barry’s resignation last year. Easily won a special election in May and faces election to a full term later this year.

reCognized in

GLEN CASADA

nashville Post

Speaker, House of Representatives: After losing to Beth Harwell last time around, Williamson County legislator was easily elected speaker ahead of 2019 legislative session.

MARK CATE Principal, Stones River Group: Former Bill Haslam chief of staff was on team that lured Major League Soccer to Nashville.

Lobbyist for big-name companies like AT&T, Koch Companies, Methodist LeBonheur, Volkert and Ernst & Young.

JOHN RAY CLEMMONS State Representative, District 55: Lawyer and member of the House Democratic Caucus recently launched a campaign for mayor.

JIM COOPER U.S. Congressman, 5th District: One of few remaining long-serving Southern Democrats in Congress. Has already announced 2020 re-election bid. Declined once again to support Nancy Pelosi for speaker.

JON COOPER Director of Law, Metro Nashville: Tasked with guiding city’s legal tussles with the state, opioid manufacturers and others. Was previously the Metro Council attorney.

STEVE DICKERSON State Senator, District 20: Following Beth Harwell’s departure from House, becomes lone Nashville lawmaker with “R” next to his name. Positions himself as bridge between Nashville Democrats and Republicans in the majority.

BILL FREEMAN Chairman and Co-Founder, Freeman Webb Companies: A Democratic fundraiser and co-owner of this publication. Real estate developer who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2015 and whose son is now a state House member.

GLENN FUNK District Attorney General, Davidson County: Metro’s top prosecutor after nearly 30 years as defense attorney. Decided to file unprecedented murder charges against Nashville police officer for on-duty shooting.

BRENDA GILMORE State Senator, District 19: After stints in the state House and Metro Council, was elected to succeed longtime Sen. Thelma Harper. Part of small, but newly energized, Senate Democratic Caucus.

SCOT T GOLDEN Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party: Former Fincher staffer leading state party in era of Trump. After blowout statewide wins in 2018, Republican leaders re-elected Golden to another term.

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Kaegi effective for both Republicans, Democrats Kim Kaegi’s fundraising clients list is a who’s who of Tennessee Republicans: Bob Corker, Lamar Alexander, Bill Haslam and Bill Lee. Lately, though, it also has included prominent Democrats, including ex-Nashville mayors Karl Dean and Megan Barry and current mayor David Briley, with whom she is working on his 2019 re-election campaign.

“Most people are surprised when I’m working with Republicans and then work with these Democrat mayors of Nashville,” says Kaegi, LCR Capital Partners managing director of investor relations and founder and principal of Kaegi Resources.

“But the bottom line is there isn’t a Republican in the race, there hasn’t been, and I want to encourage the process to get good leadership.”

Kaegi’s mentor was the late Ted Welch, for decades the state’s most prominent GOP fundraiser and a national Republican power-broker. She decamped for Washington, D.C., upon his encouragement and returned to Nashville, again at Welch’s urging, ahead of the 1994 election cycle, when Tennessee saw three statewide campaigns won by Republicans.

In Nashville, party lines sometimes blur. Lee took some grief during last year’s campaign for an earlier contribution to Barry, both Kaegi clients. That’s true for donors, voters, candidates (Nashville mayoral elections are nonpartisan) and, yes, fundraisers.

“There’s certainly some overlap, just like there is with me participating in the mayor’s race,” Kaegi says. “But they’re unique in their own way, too.” > STEPHEN ELLIOTT

in Charge!

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

2/21/19 2:15 2:14 PM

LEADERS

Congratulations Bill Freeman, President and

TRE HARGET T Secretary of State: In his third term, has successfully overseen the push for a new Tennessee State Library and Archives building, now under construction. Has less successfully addressed voting issues in the state to the frustration of legislators from both parties.

Co-Founder oF Freeman WeBB

DARON HALL Davidson County Sheriff: In post since 2002 and recently re-elected to another term. Tasked with juggling the demands of a progressive Metro Council and a conservative state legislature and federal law enforcement as debate over local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues.

ComPany, For Being

JOE HALL

reCognized in

Partner, Hall Strategies: Co-founded boutique lobbying and strategic communications company more than a decade ago and during past year worked with both David Briley and Bill Lee, in addition to work with Predators and airport.

nashville Post in Charge!

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

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BILL HASL AM

Teatro emerges as forceful voice for refugees, immigrants Amid the nation’s ongoing debate over immigration policy and a border wall, Stephanie Teatro’s voice is as forceful as ever.

The co-executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition continues advocating for immigrants, as seen following the ICE raid in East Tennessee.

Beyond that, Teatro has worked on TIRRC Votes, which seeks to engage voters in the immigrant and refugee communities and to support pro-immigrant political candidates.

An immigrant herself (she was born in Canada and raised in Portland, Oregon), Teatro has worked with TIRRC since 2012. Named co-executive director in 2014, she has since been a fixture at the state legislature.

When then-Gov. Bill Haslam in May 2018 declined to veto a sanctuary cities bill supported by conservatives and opposed by progressives (thus allowing the bill to become law without his signature), Teatro did not sit silently. “[Haslam] caved to the most extreme fringe of the electorate,” she said then. “He chose hate and fear over good governance.”

And in March of last year, after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed on behalf of state legislators seeking to block refugee resettlement, Teatro accused those elected officials of a “quixotic campaign to harm refugees and end resettlement to the state. Hopefully the dismissal of this shameful lawsuit will put these efforts to rest, allowing lawmakers to instead focus on real issues and solutions that strengthen our communities.” > STEVEN HALE

Former Governor, State of Tennessee: Handed over power to Bill Lee in January after turning down opportunity to run for Bob Corker’s Senate seat. Instead, is openly weighing run for Lamar Alexander’s — at least after a vacation with his wife. Remains among state’s most popular political figures.

TOM INGRAM Founder, The Ingram Group: Political kingmaker. Former staffer for Lamar Alexander and advisor to Bill Haslam. Holds court in Tennessee and D.C.

JACK JOHNSON State Senator, District 23: Newly elected majority leader in Senate, is among handful of new state leaders from Williamson County.

MARTESHA JOHNSON Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender: Elected last year to succeed mentor Dawn Deaner. Prominent voice on criminal justice reform and first African-American lawyer to hold the job.

MIKE JAMESON Staff Attorney, Metro Council: Former Metro Council member who now provides legal counsel to 40-member body.

KIM KAEGI Fundraiser: Political fundraiser extraordinaire, has worked with Bill Haslam, Lamar Alexander and Bill Lee, among others.

Though most associated with Republican campaigns, has in recent years also worked with Nashville Mayors Megan Barry and David Briley.

BILL KETRON Mayor, Rutherford County: Former Republican Caucus chair left Senate after being elected to executive post in growing satellite county.

KRISTAL KNIGHT Executive Director, Emerge Tennessee: Campaign veteran picked to lead group that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. In its short existence, group has produced state lawmakers and local elected officials.

BRAD L AMPLEY Nashville Partner in Charge, Adams and Reese: Recently retook reins as leader of firm’s Nashville office, but also heads entity’s government relations team. Lobbies on behalf of Metro Nashville, Tennessee Bar Association and Delta Dental, among others. Ex-UT football player also serves on school’s board of trustees.

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LEADERS

BILL LEE Governor, State of Tennessee: Bested better-known Republican rivals before easily beating Democrat Karl Dean in general election. Former Williamson County businessman now settling into first government job.

TALIA LOMAX-O’DNEAL Finance Director, Metro Nashville: Former deputy finance director under Rich Riebeling now tasked with managing strapped Metro budgets.

MARY MANCINI Chair, Tennessee Democratic Party: Successfully fended off re-election challenge, despite dispiriting losses in 2018, particularly in U.S. Senate race.

Nashville-based activist and former political candidate will continue to lead state party into 2020 elections.

DAVID M c MAHAN Principal, McMahan Winstead: Powerful GOP lobbyist with 25 years of Hill experience. Registered to represent entities from multiple industries, including AT&T, charter school groups and Vanderbilt.

RANDY M c NALLY Lieutenant Governor, State of Tennessee: Longtime Republican legislator from Oak Ridge elected to head Senate after Ron Ramsey’s retirement.

With new leaders in House and governor’s office, enters 2019 as one of most experienced state officials.

STUART M c WHORTER Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration: Nashville investor, who considered running for mayor, helped new Gov. Bill Lee during campaign and was rewarded with top cabinet post in administration.

BOB MENDES Metro Council, At Large: Among handful of Council members in the fray on seemingly every major fight, including policing, transit and affordable housing.

Though oft-mentioned as a possible candidate for mayor or vice mayor, is running for Council re-election.

KEN MOORE Mayor, City of Franklin: Declined to run for Marsha Blackburn’s seat in U.S. House and instead won election to another term as mayor last year. Prominent supporter of preservation and downtown development in fast-growing Nashville suburb.

cyclists and pedestrians. Running for re-election to his district seat this year.

EMILY PASSINI Chief of Staff, Mayor David Briley: Longtime political strategist entered Metro government as part of changing of the guard from Barry to Briley.

RON RAMSEY Former Lieutenant Governor, Lobbyist: Retired Republican speaker of Senate, now lobbying for MTSU, Tennessee Chamber and others.

BOB ROLFE Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: Staying with high-profile role under new Gov. Bill Lee. Prior

RALPH SCHULZ President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Cheerleader for Nashville’s business community, has led since 2006 organization with goal of “facilitating community leadership to create economic prosperity.”

HERBERT SL ATERY III Tennessee Attorney General: Bill Haslam’s former legal counsel and friend, continuing under new Gov. Bill Lee. Some in General Assembly have pushed to appoint AG themselves, in part because of Slatery’s reluctance to pursue some conservative-inspired legal action.

STEPHANIE TEATRO Co-Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: Teatro has remained a major voice in the immigration debate.

Helped launch TIRRC Votes last year as a way to support pro-immigrant political candidates.

TANAKA VERCHER Metro Council, District 28: Remains chair of Council’s Budget and Finance Committee as city’s leadership debates managing growth, debt and taxes.

MAT T WILTSHIRE Director, Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development: During period of unprecedented growth, has overseen Nashville’s efforts to lure businesses.

JEFF YARBRO State Senator, District 21: Prominent Nashville Democrat and newly elected leader of Senate Democrats.

FREDDIE O’CONNELL Metro Council, District 19: First-termer represents North Nashville and downtown. Served on Nashville Metro Transit Authority’s board of directors and active on transit issues, advocating for

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LEADERS

Health Care TIM ADAMS CEO, Saint Thomas Health: Former Tenet executive who took over local hospital system from Karen Springer at beginning of 2018. Has since added joint replacement and critical care capacity and partnered on MetroCenter mental health hospital.

HAL ANDREWS CEO, Trilliant Health: Helped lead Digital Reasoning and Shareable, among others, before taking over at data and analytics venture that brought together Aegis Health and Clariture. Last year wrapped $12 million fundraising round that will go to systems buildout.

TRACY BAHL

OneOncology’s Bahl leads cancer care company on mission Tracy Bahl is a well-traveled and well-rounded health care executive who has returned to Nashville with OneOncology, where he is president and CEO and leads a team on an ambitious mission to take cancer care into a new era.

Announced late last summer, OneOncology combines the efforts of Tennessee Oncology, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and West Cancer Center in Memphis as well as Flatiron Health’s electronic records platform. The goal: Break down cancer care cost, quality and location barriers by rolling up independent cancer care practices around the country, backing them with financial and management muscle, sharing data analytics and infusing them with the latest research and treatment options.

Bahl has the résumé to assemble and run a far-flung organization with multiple moving parts. He came to OneOncology after overseeing the health plans division of CVS for more than four years. Before that, he was a special advisor to big investment firm General Atlantic Partners, a role that included serving as executive chairman of locally based payment processor and health data intermediary Emdeon. From 1998 to 2007, he held various leadership roles at UnitedHealth and oversaw at various points its marketing team, consumer health business and tech development and infrastructure.

Since the news of its launch, OneOncology hasn’t had much to say. Look for that to change as Bahl gets his arms around the tasks before him. > GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

46

President and CEO, OneOncology: Former CVS Health executive and Emdeon executive chairman leads team that last year launched cancer care venture that includes Tennessee Oncology with $200 million in backing.

CINDY BAIER

around sharing health care data. Communications industry veteran was previously with West Health Institute and 3M’s wireless division.

MICHAEL CARTWRIGHT Chairman and CEO, AAC Holdings: Looking for rebound year with addiction treatment services firm he built and took public. Rolled out $15 million cost-cutting plan after Google algorithm change last summer disrupted marketing efforts.

DEVIN CART Y CEO, Martin Ventures: Former Vanguard chief marketing officer and Cancer Treatment Centers of America strategy and talent chief who last spring was promoted from COO at Charlie Martin’s investment firm.

STU CL ARK CEO, Premise Health: Former CHD Meridian exec who oversaw 2014 worksite health care merger that created Premise, which now runs more than 600 health and wellness centers, many of them at workplaces. Stayed on after Canadian pension plan last year acquired majority in company.

DICK COWART

CEO, Brookdale Senior Living: Former company CFO (and Navigant and Central Parking exec) has steered company through restructuring and property sales since taking over in early 2018.

Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: Firm board member and leader of its health and public policy group leader. Works with for-profit and nonprofit providers on policy and governance issues.

JACK BAILEY

BOB CRANTS

Managing Director, Bailey Southwell & Co.: Has 20-plus years of middle-market deal experience and in 2005 founded Brentwood-based investment bank that has worked on deals worth more than $15 billion. Last year launched equity fund with goal of raising $20 million.

Chief Investment Officer, Pharos Capital Group: Co-founded with Kneeland Youngblood firm that manages about $800 million. Last year bought companies to serve as platforms for post-acute and oncology expansion.

JEFF BALSER

CEO, Change Healthcare: Oracle veteran took over at former Emdeon in 2013 and recently bought PokitDok assets and stake in local online marketplace venture MDSave. Company is now 70 percent-owned

by McKesson, which is said to be planning IPO.

President and CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Has led $3.2 billion hospital system since 2009 and oversaw its 2016 separation from Vanderbilt University, where he remains dean of med school. Last year had to work through CMS scrutiny on heels of 2017 patient death.

JOHN BASS CEO, Hashed Health: Health IT veteran who helped lead InVivoLink and empactHealth.com and who now oversees team building blockchain-based use cases and partnerships. Group last year moved from Germantown to East Nashville’s WeWork space.

CRAIG BECKER President, Tennessee Hospital Association: Moved here from Maine in 1993 to be trade group leader and continues to be among most vocal advocates of Medicaid expansion to support state’s small and rural hospitals.

CHUCK BYRGE President and CEO, Harpeth Capital: Has three decades of experience in M&A and capital raising and took over at Harpeth in 2005 after leading FTN Financial’s i-banking team. Recently advised MDSave on investment from Change Healthcare.

ED CANTWELL President and CEO, Center for Medical Interoperability: Heads up four-year-old nonprofit research lab tasked with developing standards and systems

NEIL DE CRESCENZO

JIM DEAL CEO, Compassus: Four-decade health care services veteran co-founded hospice venture and oversaw 2014 recapitalization by two firms. Company now has more than 140 locations and more than $500 million in revenue.

DAVID DILL CEO, LifePoint Health: Picked last summer to lead new iteration of LifePoint following combination with RCCH HealthCare Partners. Former Renal Care Group exec joined hospital owner in 2007 and was previously president and COO.

BRANDON EDWARDS CEO, ReviveHealth: In 2009 founded marketing agency now part of Weber Shandwick after working at national firm and Tenet. Moved HQ to Nashville from California and has grown team to 70. Firm’s client list includes HCA, VUMC and Cleveland Clinic.

DAN ELROD Attorney, Butler Snow: Veteran member of firm’s health care regulatory and transactions group. Certificate-of-need and licensing expert who works with hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and others.

SPRING 2019 | NASHVILLEPOST.COM

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LEADERS

ALEX FENKELL

BRIAN HAILE

CHRIS HOLDEN

Co-Founder, SmileDirect Club: Public face of booming dental aligners venture that last year landed funding valuing at more than $3 billion. Company is opening dozens of retail stores and growing into international markets.

CEO, Neighborhood Health: Former TennCare deputy COO and Jackson Hewitt exec who was recruited in 2017 to replace primary care organization’s longtime leader Mary Bufwack. Oversaw insurance exchange planning initiative for state prior to Jackson Hewitt stint.

President and CEO, Envision Healthcare: CEO of former AmSurg last year guided under-pressure company through sale to KKR, sparred with UnitedHealth and replaced several departed C-suite members.

BILL FRIST

JAY HARDCASTLE

Partner, Cressey & Company: Former U.S. Senate majority leader who in 2015 founded population health nonprofit NashvilleHealth and helps lead Health Care Council’s Fellows program. Firm last summer raised more than $1 billion for sixth fund and co-investment vehicle.

Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: One of city’s top health care advisors who works with providers of all sorts on M&A, joint ventures, Medicare/Medicaid issues, whistleblower defenses and more.

Chief Medical Officer, LifePoint Health: Former Cogent HMG exec joined hospital operator in early 2013 and has posted strong results with quality improvement program developed with partners at Duke University Health System.

SAM HAZEN

HARRY JACOBSON

CEO, HCA Healthcare: Took reins from Milton Johnson at city’s most prominent health care company after two years as president. Started with hospital giant in early 1980s before overseeing Western Group and being named COO in ’15.

Co-founder and Partner, TriStar Health Partners: Former VUMC CEO has founded more than 10 companies and mentored countless others. Works with multiple investment firms, including Iroquois Capital.

TIM HINGTGEN

President and CEO, Jarrard Phillips Cate & Hancock: Veteran communications strategist and advisor to health systems and entrepreneurs who leads 40-plus-member team that has worked with more than 400 clients in 40-plus stores.

BOBBY FRIST Chairman and CEO, HealthStream: Co-founder of health care workforce development company has in past year ceded president title to Eddie Pearson and paid $18 million for skilled nursing quality software. Company’s platforms now have nearly 5 million subscribers.

VICTOR GIOVANET TI EVP of Hospital Operations, LifePoint Health: Joined company in 2013 from HCA and led two of its hospital groups until being named to senior leadership team for company after merger with RCCH.

DAVID GUTH CEO, Centerstone: Co-founded nonprofit behavioral health provider and has steadily grown its footprint via acquisitions to more than 170,000 patients in five states and more than $320 million in revenue.

President and COO, Community Health Systems: Was promoted twice in 2016 into top operations role and continues to lead work on improving performance at many hospitals. Joined CHS in 2008 as a VP of operations.

CRAIG HODGES CEO, CarePayment: Former senior Emdeon executive relocated patient financing company’s home office here from Oregon in 2017 and since expanded provider partner base. Company runs has more than 3 million accounts with no-interest payment plans.

RUST Y HOLMAN

DAVID JARRARD

PAUL KUSSEROW President and CEO, Amedisys: Has led home health and hospice company since late 2014, overseeing financial turnaround that has led to quadrupling of market value to more than $4 billion. Last year invested in local analytics company Medalogix.

Bravo! Bravo!

Congratulations, Rob! We’re proud to congratulate Rob McNeilly, our Nashville Market Leader, for being named to the prestigious InCharge List for the Financial Sector by the Nashville Post. We applaud Rob’s accomplishments and are proud to call him one of our own.

1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

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LEADERS

DON L AZAS Managing Partner, NueCura Partners: Gastroenterologist and former U.S. Army Medical Corps major who has built NueCura into prominent angel investor group. Portfolio companies include Concert Genetics, EvidenceCare and Satchel Health.

KEVIN L AVENDER Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking, Fifth Third Bank: Former state commissioner joined Fifth Third in 2005 and has led lender’s national commercial sales team since 2016.

KEN MARLOW Chair of Healthcare Department, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Leads team comprising nearly 200 attorneys and works with health systems, home health and long-term care providers.

Has been part of hospital deals worth more than $14 billion.

CHARLIE MARTIN

Join us in congratulating

Joshua Douglas CTO of Bridge Connector

for making the

2019 InCharge Technology List Thanks for helping us change the way healthcare communicates, Josh.

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Chairman, Martin Ventures: Veteran hospital company builder and ex-Vanguard Health CEO in 2013 returned full-time to investment firm he founded to evangelize for technology — including blockchain — as a way to simplify and improve health care.

WHIT MAYO

Veteran Vandewater leading Ardent on public offering path For the better part of 15 years, David Vandewater patiently built Ardent Health into a $2 billion operator of hospitals and integrated health systems in a handful of markets.

In the second half of this decade, however, he and his team have doubled revenues at the Green Hills-based company with the backing of billionaire investor Sam Zell’s company Equity Group Investments (EGI). A planned initial public offering, which is targeting a raise of $100 million, will give Vandewater more ammunition.

The 68-year-old Vandewater joined Ardent’s predecessor, Behavior Healthcare Corp., as chairman in early 2001 and was tapped to lead it in the following year. (The decade before, he was the No. 2 to Rick Scott at Columbia/HCA Healthcare after working as COO of Republic Health Corp.)

Since EGI came on board in the summer of 2015, Ardent has spent more than $1.2 billion to build out its network via acquisition. It also has plowed more than $160 million into a massive overhaul of its tech systems — going with the Epic platform — that is on track to be completed by the end of next year.

Those expenses will be baked in by the time Ardent has been public a few quarters. It will then be up to Vandewater to write the capstone chapter of his career and set up Ardent for a new era. > GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

Managing Director, UBS: Veteran analyst of hospitals and other providers who last year moved to UBS after a decade at local office of Baird.

BRUCE MOORE President of Service Line and Operations Integration, HCA Healthcare: Joined hospital giant more than three decades ago and has since early this decade overseen oncology, urgent care and surgery centers businesses, among others.

FRANK MORGAN Managing Director, RBC Capital: Former Jeffries analyst and J.C. Bradford partner has led health care services equity research at RBC since late 2008. Authority on hospital industry, senior living, behavioral and other operators.

ANNA-GENE O’NEAL President and CEO, Alive Hospice: Formerly top quality exec at Cogent and Essent who has led nonprofit hospice provider since 2012. Has of late hired CNO and opened or relocated offices in area suburbs.

DEBBIE OSTEEN CEO, Acadia Healthcare: Former UHS exec recruited by Acadia directors as part of their shock ouster of Joey Jacobs. Joined Pennsylvania-based UHS in 1984 and had since 1999 led behavioral health group that now has $5 billion in revenue.

JONATHAN PERLIN Chief Medical Officer, President of Clinical Services, HCA Holdings: Joined hospital titan in ’06 after working as Veterans Health Administration CEO. Oversees clinical performance push that leans heavily on company’s massive data analytics group.

CL AY PHILLIPS VP of Network Innovation, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Joined state’s largest insurer in 2006 to direct government relations and took on current role in 2013. Manages provider networks and leads work on ACOs and other alternative payment programs.

C. WRIGHT PINSON Deputy Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and CEO, Vanderbilt Health System: Clinical and operational leader who plays point on partnerships with regional providers. Last year aligned with UT-led University Health Network.

MART Y RASH Director, LifePoint Health: Former CEO of RCCH HealthCare Partners and one of region’s most experienced hospital execs. Built and sold Province Healthcare before starting over with RegionalCare and guiding venture through 2016 merger with Capella.

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LEADERS

CL AY RICHARDS

JIM SOHR

DON WEBB

CEO, naviHealth: Healthways veteran helped launch booming post-acute care manager in 2012; deal by NY PE firm last year valued venture at more than $1.3 billion. Recently promoted company COO to president and recruited exec to build out provider relationships.

Chairman, Powered Health: Co-founder and ex-CEO of the former AIM Healthcare who launched Powered in 2013 to house health IT investments. Portfolio includes Perception Health, Xsolis and Relatient.

CEO, Williamson Medical Center: Has worked at hospital since 1985 and was appointed to top role in 2012.

Has overseen major renovations and partnerships with VUMC on children’s hospital wing and ex-Vanderbilt Bone and Joint docs on $40 million clinic.

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

HEATHER ROHAN President, TriStar Division: Former nurse who began HCA career more than 30 years ago and moved into leadership role at 19-hospital group in late 2016 after leading flagship Centennial Medical facility for four years.

SAURABH SINHA CEO, emids Technologies: In 1999 co-founded health IT systems company now home to more than 1,500 people. Moved HQ to Cool Springs from airport area after expanding to London and buying QuintilesIMS unit that added about 200 people in 2017.

WAYNE SMITH Chairman and CEO, Community Health Systems: Veteran CEO still laboring to turn around results at Franklin hospital company in wake of big HMA buy.

Has in recent years sold hospitals with more than $5 billion of revenue to trim debt load.

FAHAD TAHIR President and CEO, Saint Thomas Midtown and West hospitals: Tapped to lead local Ascension network’s flagship facilities after reorganizing and growing network’s doctor group for three-plus years.

DONATO TRAMUTO CEO and President, Tivity Health: Took over at former Healthways in 2015 and oversaw big restructuring that focused company on fitness programs. Late last year struck $1.3 billion deal for NutriSystem that was met with investor skepticism.

DAVID VANDEWATER President and CEO, Ardent Health Services: Former Columbia/HCA president who has led Ardent’s steady growth since 2001. Following several acquisitions and JV deals, lead owner Equity Group Investment late last year filed IPO papers.

PAUL WALL ACE Managing Director, Heritage Healthcare Innovative Fund: Nashville native and ex-Healthways exec with two decades of VC and PE experience. Firm’s two funds backed by 15 big industry names have built portfolio of more than 20 health IT ventures.

JOSEPH WEBB CEO, Nashville General Hospital: Former Methodist LeBonheur exec and TSU alum still pushing to improve finances of Metro-owned hospital. Fought off ex-Mayor Barry’s proposal to end inpatient care and recently floated idea of relocating hospital.

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

MARCUS WHITNEY CEO, Health:Further: Serial entrepreneur who is reshaping Health:Further into advisory services firm and ditching headline annual conference. Former exec at Emma, Moontoast and others also helped build Nashville SC.

STEVE WILSON CEO, United Healthcare of Tennessee: Has been with giant insurer for more than a decade and leads unit that has more than $1 billion in sales by working with groups of up to 3,000 employees.

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LEADERS

Legal KATHRYN BARNET T Nashville Managing Partner, Morgan & Morgan: While leading the local office of national plaintiffs firm, continues to practice in consumer protection, personal injury and torts. With a Morgan & Morgan colleague, won a $13.5 million jury verdict against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. last year.

JEFF BIVINS Chief Justice, Tennessee Supreme Court: Leading the state’s highest court since 2016, the longtime judge and former Boult Cummings Conners & Berry attorney has taken an active role in the state’s legal community, including by publicly advocating on behalf of judicial branch.

Birmingham firm turns to area lawyer for leadership role

MELISSA BL ACKBURN Presiding Judge, Davidson County General Sessions Court: Elected to the court in 2014, took over as presiding judge after a tumultuous year in 2017. Recent high-profile matters have included her decision early this year to send a Nashville police officer’s murder case to a grand jury.

CHARLES W. BONE Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, a nearly 150-year-old law firm based in Birmingham, has historic ties to Nashville. Notably, its name derives from Boult Cummings Conners & Berry, which at the time of the 2008 merger of the two was among Nashville’s largest legal entities.

But now Bradley has more than historical ties to Nashville.

The 500-attorney firm’s board last year tapped Jonathan Skeeters, a partner in the Nashville office, as chairman and managing partner. His selection as Bradley’s first managing partner based outside Birmingham “underscores our growing national presence,” he says.

And indeed, the firm opened a Dallas office in 2018, bringing to 10 the number of offices Bradley has across the South and in Washington, D.C. Though its offices stretch only as far west as Texas and as far north as D.C., the firm still cracks national rankings, making the National Law Journal’s top 100 list each of the past three years.

Skeeters made partner at Boult Cummings, about a year before the merger. A three-time University of Kentucky graduate, his practice mostly focuses on the health care industry.

Previously, he served on Bradley’s board of directors, finance committee and recruiting committee.

“We looked throughout our firm for the best person to fill our top leadership role,” says Lela Hollabaugh, Nashville office managing partner. “Jon’s demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision made him a natural selection.” > STEPHEN ELLIOTT

50

Founder and Chairman, Bone McAllester Norton: After a long career representing clients in M&A, financial institutions and government relations matters, has more recently taken on a high-profile role as a representative for Cyntoia Brown, whom Gov. Bill Haslam granted clemency earlier this year.

ROSS BOOHER CEO, Latitude Legal Solutions: After stint at a more traditional law firm, started with health care exec Ken Clarke company that provides attorneys to firms and companies on an on-demand basis.

MAT THEW BURNSTEIN Chairman, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Has led major firm since 2014 while continuing to work with large health care companies and other businesses on transactions.

RICHARD BUSCH Partner, King & Ballow: Leads the firm’s entertainment and IP sections and remains well-known for representing the estate of Marvin Gaye in 2015 victory against Pharrell Williams and Robi n Thicke related to the song “Blurred Lines.”

BRIGID CARPENTER Nashville Managing Shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz: As leader of firm’s local presence, has overseen planned office move while maintaining practice that includes products liability defense, catastrophic personal injury defense and prosecution and defense of commercial disputes.

MARK CHALOS Nashville Managing Partner, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein: While leading local office of national plaintiffs firm, sustains a practice that often puts him in newspapers and the local news, including filing lawsuits on behalf of multiple governments against opioid companies.

JIM CHEEK III Member, Bass Berry & Sims: A decades-long career has seen Vanderbilt Law School graduate represent major local companies like HCA and Genesco and retained to audit the operations of New York Stock Exchange.

DON COCHRAN U.S. Attorney, Middle District of Tennessee: After taking over as chief federal law enforcement officer in Nashville and surrounding area under President Donald Trump, has bolstered his office’s violent crime and health care fraud efforts. Was previously Belmont University College of Law professor and, before that, a prosecutor in the federal case against one of the Klansmen who bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.

CHASE COLE Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Represents companies in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, securities offerings and SEC reporting.

Was lead outside counsel for CapStar Financial’s 2016 IPO.

WAVERLY CRENSHAW Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee: After being unanimously confirmed by U.S. Senate in 2016, took over as chief judge in 2017. Was previously a partner at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis for more than two decades.

PAGE DAVIDSON Partner, Bass & Berry & Sims: Has worked for decades on corporate transactions, including the recent IPO of payment processing company i3 Verticals.

ALBERTO GONZALES Dean, Belmont University School of Law: Former U.S. attorney general and White House counsel has led BU law school since 2014.

CHRIS GUTHRIE Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Law: Recently re-appointed to five-year term in charge of VU law school. Remains a nationally recognized expert on behavioral law and economics, dispute resolution and negotiation.

AUBREY HARWELL Partner and Co-Founder, Neal & Harwell: After turning over the reigns as chief manager to Phil Irwin several years ago, remains active in commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense and crisis management, including representing Pilot Flying J in federal fraud investigation and recently being retained to represent the fired and arrested former Nissan exec Greg Kelly.

TUCKER HERNDON Nashville Managing Partner, Burr & Forman: Took over as leader of Birmingham firm’s local presence last year after joining Burr in 2015 from Bone McAllester Norton. Practices in firm’s lending group.

LEL A HOLL ABAUGH Nashville Managing Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Has served in local leadership role with firm since 2015. Was previously a partner at Waller and considered a top lawyer in gas-pipeline issues.

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LEADERS

JAMIE HOLLIN

STACEY GARRET T KOJU

ROCKY M c ELHANEY

Sole Practitioner: Represents clients in various Metro regulatory matters, including land use, zoning and short-term rental issues. Co-counsel in lawsuit that resulted in election date change related to successor former Mayor Megan Barry.

Founding Member and Board Chair, Bone McAllester Norton: Firm leader who concentrates practice in corporate transactions, labor and employment law, and higher education.

Founder and Managing Partner, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Leader of eponymous and highly visible personal injury shop.

DANIEL HORWITZ

RYAN LEV Y Managing Shareholder, Patterson Intellectual Property Law: Last year took reins at specialized firm.

Practice focused on patent litigation.

Member, Frost Brown Todd: For several years led regional firm’s local office, before relinquishing role in 2018. Practices in areas of employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, union negotiations and arbitration.

Sole Practitioner: Along with Hollin (see above), successfully petitioned to move mayoral election last year. Duo also represented Community Oversight Now, the group advocating for police oversight board, with Horwitz having taken on multiple other high-profile clients in his relatively young legal career.

PHIL IRWIN Chief Manager, Neal & Harwell: Succeeded firm co-founder Aubrey Harwell in leadership position in 2015. Has spent three decades with Neal & Harwell, primarily practicing civil litigation.

MARTESHA JOHNSON Metropolitan Nashville Public Defender: Newly elected chief public defender, replacing mentor Dawn Deaner. Has worked in office since 2007.

BILL KOCH JR. Dean, Nashville School of Law: Left Tennessee Supreme Court in 2014 to lead NSL, where he has taught for more than two decades. Previously served on Tennessee Court of Appeals.

TOM L AWLESS

MEKESHA MONTGOMERY

Attorney, Lawless & Associates: Bankruptcy and creditor’s rights specialist with deep political ties. Sits on Tennessee Registry of Election Finance Commission and Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct. Serves as Oak Hill city judge.

BILL NORTON

MARK MANNER

L ARRY PAPEL

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Experienced corporate attorney previously served as founding member and managing shareholder at Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner.

Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough: An expert in land-use and real estate law who has served in leadership capacities with both the Nashville Civic Design Center and Watkins College of Art, Design and Film.

JERRY MARTIN

BILL PENNY

Partner, Barrett Johnston Martin & Garrison: ExU.S. attorney who emphasized health care fraud has continued similar private sector work representing whistleblowers in fraud and abuse cases. Re-entered public eye last year as private attorney for then-Mayor Megan Barry.

Partner, Burr & Forman: Former Stites & Harbison member who moved to Burr in 2015. Leads regional firm’s environmental practice group.

Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: An adjunct at alma mater Vanderbilt Law School and noted bankruptcy law expert with more than 30 years of experience in the field.

Congratulations to all on the 2019 InCharge List

Serving the financial industry for 37 years

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LEADERS

STATE-OF-THE-ART MASTER PLANNED PARK

STATE-OF-THE-ART MASTER PLANNED PARK

JOHN PETERSON Managing Shareholder, Polsinelli: Leads local office of firm that has nearly 20 offices around the country.

Joined in 2015 after being partner at Riley Warnock & Jacobson. Experienced litigator has handled financial services, real estate, corporate governance cases and more.

BRANT PHILLIPS Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: Leads litigation and dispute resolution practice group and is member of firm’s executive committee. Last year helped secure reversal of a $19 million verdict against local physician services company.

GREGG RAMOS Partner, North Pursell & Ramos: Past president of Nashville Bar Association, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and Conexión Américas. Practice includes personal injury, employment law and workers’ compensation.

DAVID RAYBIN Co-Founder, Raybin & Weissman: Practice includes criminal trials, criminal appeals, parole hearings and civil rights litigation. In past year represented Nashville police officers Rob Forrest and Andrew Delke in high-profile criminal trials.

STATE-OF-THE-ART MASTER PLANNED PARK

JENNIFER ROBINSON Nashville Managing Shareholder, Littler Mendelson: Leads local office of worldwide labor and employment firm while also co-chairing firm’s hospitality group.

TODD ROL APP Managing Partner, Bass Berry & Sims: Was chair of Bass’ corporate and securities department before assume managing partner role in 2013.

ROBERT SARTIN

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Chairman, Frost Brown Todd: Previously led Louisville office before 2011 relocation to Music City. In 2017, took over as Louisville-based firm’s first Nashville-based chairman.

KEVIN SHARP Nashville Managing Partner, Sanford Heisler Sharp: After surprising legal community by announcing retirement as federal district court judge just a few years into a lifetime appointment, opened local outpost of national litigation firm.

Last year advised Kim Kardashian on her criminal justice reform efforts.

TOM SHERRARD Founding Member, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison: Serves as outside counsel to public and private companies, advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and securities law.

JONATHAN SKEETERS Chair and Managing Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Assumed

leadership of Birmingham-based regional firm last year, signaling future growth in Nashville. Practice primarily focused on health care industry.

JOYCELYN STEVENSON Executive Director, Tennessee Bar Association: Succeeded Tennessee Bar Association Executive Director Emeritus Allan Ramsaur in 2017 following term as Littler Mendelson shareholder and as Nashville Bar Association president.

GERARD STRANCH IV Managing Partner, Branstetter Stranch & Jennings: In 2017, elected leader of local firm. Has participated in major litigation, including against Volkswagen and opioid manufacturers.

PETER STRIANSE Attorney, Tune Entrekin & White: Former federal and state prosecutor.

Client roster has included ex-Nashville Judge Casey Moreland, former state Rep. Jeremy Durham and one of the convicted Vanderbilt rapists.

GIF THORNTON Managing Partner, Adams and Reese: Leads regional firm while maintaining influential government relations practice. Has served on multiple nonprofit and other boards.

BYRON TRAUGER Partner, Trauger & Tuke: Former Rhodes Scholar whose practice includes health care, civil litigation and regulatory agency work. Politically connected and an advisor to unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign of former Gov. Phil Bredesen.

JACK WADDEY Partner, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis: Co-leader of firm’s intellectual property practice group after bringing four colleagues to Waller in 2015 from Waddey Patterson, which he founded.

DARKENYA WALLER Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: New leader of self-proclaimed state’s largest public service firm. Joined LAS in 2008, leading Nashville office since 2010.

T YLER CHANCE YARBRO Managing Partner, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella: Succeeded firm co-founder Margaret Behm in leadership role last year. Joined firm in 2011 from Public Defender’s Office.

ED YARBROUGH Member, Bone McAllester Norton: Former U.S. attorney and assistant district attorney with several decades of experience in private practice. Was member of legal team advocating on behalf of Cyntoia Brown, whom then-Gov. Bill Haslam granted clemency earlier this year.

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LEADERS

Management Consulting

DEBBIE GORDON

ART REBROVICK

President, Master Key Executive Consulting: Entrepreneur who built and sold Snappy Auctions and S3 Asset Management before turning to leadership coaching and training. Also CEO of cybersecurity training venture Cloud Range Cyber.

President, Compass Executives: Three-decade consulting veteran who brings background in manufacturing, distribution and experience with turnarounds to clients. Firm of more than a dozen people has worked with more than 300 clients.

BETH CHASE

ROB GRAJEWSKI

NANCY SCHULTZ

Senior Managing Director, Ankura: Last year sold c3/ consulting, which she founded in 2005, to national firm.

Board member at Ingram Industries and EC, among others, and Nashville branch director of Atlanta Fed.

Executive Director, The Wond’ry: Entrepreneur and growth equity and venture capital investor who ran Edison National Medical incubator before being named first leader of Vanderbilt’s innovation center in 2016.

Vice President, North Highland: Has about three decades of consulting experience and specializes in business processes and work with vendors. Launched firm’s Nashville office in 1999 and led growth to 60+ people.

JIM CL AY TON

KATHERINE MCELROY

DON WILLIAMSON

Chairman and CEO, InfoWorks: In 1997 co-founded firm that has been fully employee-owned since 2012 and works with about 250 clients. Spent 32 years with IBM in Nashville.

Senior Managing Director, Ankura: Specialist in IT assessments and business processes with 30-plus years of experience. Chair-elect of Alignment Nashville and director of Greater Nashville Technology Council.

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

DAVID FURSE

DAVID OWENS

Co-founder, Executive Aura: Former professor who built Nashville Consulting Group in ‘80s and ‘90s and co-founded Executive Aura in 2012. Has been adjunct at Vanderbilt since ’02 and led development of EC’s mentor program.

Professor of the Practice of Management and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management: Specializes in innovation, product design and organizational design. Has consulted for NASA, The Smithsonian, Nissan and many other big names.

DEB PALMER GEORGE

KIMBERLY PACE

MIKE APPERSON

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

President and CEO, Resource Label Group: Oversees label printing business home to about 1,300 employees and that has undertaken more than a dozen acquisitions since 2011. Has backing of private equity firms First Atlantic and TPG Growth.

Principal, Palmer Solutions: Facilitator and executive coach with more than 25 years of experience in organizational development, strategic planning and sales.

Former chair of Metro Human Relations Commission.

Manufacturing

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smart solutions. creative space.

For innovative companies seeking transformative possibilities.

LEADERS

GREG BAFALIS CEO, Aries Clean Energy: Named in July 2016 to position at previously called PHG Energy. Has 32-plus years of leadership in clean technology and energy sector. Past work includes stints with Fortune 500 companies. Started PE-backed renewable energy company in Houston. Company landed in early 2018 collective $46.4 million of new and additional equity from two entities.

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

KEN KNIGHT Executive Director, GM Spring Hill Manufacturing Plant: Leads 6.9-million-square-foot, 2,000-employee operation producing two engines and Chevrolet Equinox. Plant added in 2017 a third shift and 650 jobs to increase output of Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia, the latter expected to represent a $27 million investment.

DENIS LE VOT

CEO, Gibson Brands: Replaced Henry Juszkiewicz at end of company’s bankruptcy restructuring in October 2018. Former Levi’s exec looking to balance heritage, innovation for iconic brand.

Chairman, Nissan North America: Previously served as senior VP and chairman of company’s Eurasia region for Groupe Renault. Joined Renault in 1990 and has held multiple positions in aftersales. Once served as new cars marketing and sales director in Turkey; vice president, marketing and sales for Eurasia region; chief operating officer of Renault Russia; and vice president, sales and marketing, for Europe/G9.

PHILIPPE FAUCHET

BRAD SOUTHERN

Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Engineering: Veteran academician also serves as VU professor of engineering. An expert in silicon photonics who holds numerous patents and once founded a successful startup. Helped land last year $20 million gift for engineering school from VU chair Bruce Evans.

CEO, Louisiana-Pacific: Replaced Curtis Stevens in July 2017 as fifth CEO in company’s history. Joined LP in 1999. Company in 2017 acquired Minnesota-based International Barrier Technology for $22 million. Company board in February OK’d $600 million share repurchase plan for 2019.

HEATH HOLTZ

SAM STRANG

Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America: Manages Nissan’s U.S. and Mexico, including all supply chain and purchasing operations. Previously served as VP, manufacturing, overseeing Nissan’s Smyrna vehicle assembly plant. Joined company in 2006 as vehicle operations manager.

CEO, Alley-Cassetty: Vanderbilt grad has overseen 1879-founded brick, concrete block and mortar company since 2011.

JAMES CURLEIGH

JEFF HOLLINGSHEAD CEO and GM, Smyrna Ready Mix: Active with Rutherford County Home Builders Association, Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, Tennessee Concrete Association, Better Business Bureau and the National Homebuilders Association.

Company acquired seven companies in four states in 2018.

MARK JOHNSON President, Mars Petcare, North America: Oversees strategy and execution for company, which employs more than 3,000 associates and has 22 facilities nationwide. Mars Petcare offers more than 40 pet products brands.

CHRISTINE KARBOWIAK Chief Administrative Officer, Bridgestone Americas: Promoted to CAO in 2010 from EVP of community and corporate relations, adding environmental affairs, internal audit, safety and corporate security duties. Bridgestone’s first woman board member announced in 2018 company’s $1 million of in-kind donations to Maplewood High School Automotive Training Center since program’s 2015 launch.

MAT T KISBER President and CEO, Silicon Ranch: Helped lead energy company in its 2018 $200 million sale to Royal Dutch Shell. Former state ECD commissioner during administration of Phil Bredesen, who co-founded Silicon Ranch.

TED KLEE SVP, Global Supply Chain, Schneider Electric: Brings more than 32 years of industry experience. Vanderbilt graduate’s specialties include operations, lean manufacturing and financial management.

Leasing and managing 800,000 SF of commercial space.

tiring Gary Garfield in September 2016. Previously served the tire manufacturer as chief operating officer. Last year promoted Joseph Saoud to president, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Latin America.

GORDON KNAPP President and CEO, Bridgestone Americas: Replaced the re-

HO SUNG SUH American Headquarters SVP, Hankook Tire America: Previously served as senior vice president of Hankook’s Global Corporate Strategy Planning Division, filling the role held by President Hee-se Ahn, who has led Hankook Tire America since January 2015. Key goal is to grow the tire maker’s presence in the American market via Clarksville plant.

JOSE LUIS VALLS Vice Chairman, Nissan North America: Assumed role in late 2018. Joined company in 2011 as regional vice president, commercial, Nissan Mexicana.

UZI YEMIN Chairman, President and CEO, Delek US Holdings: Has led U.S. arm of Israeli energy conglomerate since mid-2004, overseeing acquisitions of pipeline and logistics assets as well as more recent $535 million sale of Mapco retail division. Company in 2017 bought remaining outstanding shares of Texas-based Alon USA for more than $460 million. Fueled in part by that purchase, Yemin in mid-2018 said company had generated savings of $89 million.

Marketing/PR JEFF BRADFORD President and CEO, The Bradford Group: Has worked in the industry since 1985. Firm represents technology, real estate, finance, law and health care clients. Among the youngest individuals inducted (1991) into Leadership Nashville.

CLINT BREWER Co-Principal, Stones River: Veteran of the communications industry whose talents meld politics, journalism and marketing. Former Tennessean government and politics editor, City Paper editor and ED of Beacon Center.

smart-space.com | 615-251-8900

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LEADERS

JEFFREY BUNTIN JR. President and CEO, The Buntin Group: Leads Tennessee’s largest communications agency, which is prepping to relocate this year its 110 employees from Gulch-area building to former Tennessee Central Railway train shed.

LIBBY CALL AWAY Founder and Principal, The Callaway: Oversees communications agency offering content creation, event execution, strategic marketing and PR focused on companies in fashion, beauty, retail and hospitality.

Curated Keep Shop, a boutique retail space in downtown hotel Noelle.

DARDEN COPEL AND Managing Director, Calvert Street Group: Leads public affairs firm founded in 2009 and that specializes in managing grassroots political campaigns. Does work within the commercial, retail, industrial and residential sectors. Quashed rumors in 2018 he was attempting to sell his historic downtown-based Berger Building.

BETH SEIGENTHALER COURTNEY Managing Partner, Southeast, DVL Seigenthaler: Assumed current role in early 2019. Teams with Managing Partner Ronald Roberts and Founding Partner John Van Mol to lead 2014-created company.

SHARI DAY President and CEO, BOHAN: Promoted SV_In Charge half page_proof.pdf 1 2/19/2019 4:54:33 in PMNovember

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

DAVID FOX Partner, MP&F Strategic Communications: Ex-reporter (in both Memphis and Nashville) who once worked in the presidential campaigns of Howard Baker and Jimmy Carter. Respected for understated demeanor and knowledge or urban Nashville.

KEEL HUNT President and Founder, The Strategy Group: Politics and media veteran who has consulted for some of Tennessee’s largest institutions, including HCA, Pilot, Ingram Industries and BellSouth. Noted author and columnist.

ROSEMARY PLORIN President and CEO, Lovell Communications: Joined firm that focuses on health care in 2000 and took over as its leader in 2015. Has worked with news outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Reuters, Bloomberg, Newsweek, CNN, 60 Minutes and 20/20.

BEN RIGSBY President and Co-Founder, SnapShot Interactive: Oversees approximately 40-person operation that handles graphic design, video and animation. Company has offices in East Nashville and in St. Louis.

DEBORAH VARALLO

JEFF LIPSCOMB

President, Varallo Public Relations: Tireless PR sector veteran who likely attends more events — camera in tow — than any other official within her industry.

Boasts a vast network of contacts.

Co-owner and CEO, GS&F: Oversees Cummins Station-based integrated marketing agency that employs more than 115 people and has capitalized billings of more than $76 million. Diverse client roster ranges from Amazon Prime to Von Elrod’s.

Media/Publishing

TIM M c MULLEN Founder and CEO, Redpepper: Oversees Germantown-area-based company that has worked with Cracker Barrel, Slack and Verizon, among others.

Brand strategy and communications company maintains Atlanta office.

CHUCK ALLEN President and CEO of AMG/Parade and Executive VP and COO, Athlon Sports Communications: Runs company known for its college and pro sports season

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We take pride in our ability to build and maintain lasting relationships.

Since forming in 1981, our mission to “build value by valuing relationships” has been at the core of what we do, allowing us and our clients to prosper for more than 35 years. www.southeastventure.com

SOUTHEAST VENTURE

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LEADERS

preview annuals. Athlon Media Group acquired Parade Media Group (parent company of Parade magazine) in late 2014.

been honored with three National Telly Awards and two National Communicator Awards.

DAVID BAILEY

VP and General Manager, NewsChannel 5: NewsChannel 5 power broker previously served as station manager. Has been with WTVF since 1998.

CEO, BTC Media: Oversees company that publishes what it bills as world’s only print magazines about Bitcoin and blockchain industries. BTC claims 3.5 million readers.

L ADONNA BOYD President and CEO, R.H. Boyd Publishing: Runs family’s 115-year-old religious publishing company. Father is Boyd Publishing Chairman Emeritus R.H. Boyd Publishing, who stepped down in late 2017 from running daily operations and is a Nashville Entrepreneur Center Hall of Fame member.

ANITA BUGG Vice President of Content, Nashville Public Radio: Has doubled the WPLN news team staff number.

With NPR since 1995 and in current role since 2016.

WSMV looks for stability with hiring of veteran GM René LaSpina stepped into a challenging job when she enlisted as WSMV News 4 general manager in early January.

But her varied background suggests she is ready to tackle the task, as LaSpina boasts a resume that includes work as GM and president of a Buffalo station and GM positions in Minneapolis; Memphis; Albany, New York; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania.

That experience should help her calm the waters at Channel 4. LaSpina replaced Dale Woods, whose tenure corresponded with three lawsuits from five ex-WSMV broadcast journalists, including former anchor Demetria Kalodimos (for alleged age discrimination). Woods served a mere 17 months, rendering LaSpina’s hiring a key for station stability.

Iowa-based Meredith Corp., which owns WSMV, hired LaSpina, in part, for her more than 20 years of management experience. But she also offers an unconventional educational background for a TV station role, with a bachelor’s degree in HR from the University of Scranton and executive education program work at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

Meredith Local Media Group President Patrick McCreery said at the time of her hiring that LaSpina has “an impressive track record of increasing station revenue, as well as success driving share and ratings growth.

“She is a strategic leader and focuses on building winning teams,” he added. > WILLIAM WILLIAMS

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YURI CUNZA Co-Founder and Editor, La Noticia: Influential figure within Nashville’s 75,000-member-strong Latino community. Peru native whose Spanish-language newspaper features original content written by and for Hispanics. Teams with co-founder Loraine Segovia-Paz.

CHRIS FERRELL CEO, Endeavor Business Media: Founded B2B company in December 2017. Former CEO of thenPost parent SouthComm. Ex-Metro Councilman still connected to of city’s political dealings.

LYN PL ANTINGA

ERIK SCHELZIG Editor, Tennessee Journal: Ex-Associated Press reporter covered Tennessee state government and politics for 12 years before succeeding Ed Cromer as Tennessee Journal top dog in 2017. Once worked for the Washington Post and German paper Der Spiegel.

MARK SCHOENWALD President and CEO, HarperCollins Christian Publishing: Guided what was then Thomas Nelson through the 2012 sale to News Corp. subsidiary HarperCollins then oversaw integration with Zondervan division. Launch United Kingdom-based Christian imprint Harper Inspire in spring 2018.

PHIL WILLIAMS Chief Investigative Reporter, NewsChannel 5: Lowkey yet bulldog hard news man who boasts three duPont-Columbia University Awards and three George Foster Peabody Awards. Started his now-storied broadcast journalism career as a newspaper man.

Music

JEREMY FINLEY

JOHN ALLEN

Chief Investigative Reporter, News Channel 4: Has won multiple Midsouth Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards. Did local media’s best reporting regarding the fall of former (and now jailed) Davidson County General Sessions Judge Casey Moreland.

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

JOHN INGRAM

DAN AUERBACH

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

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

RENE L ASPINA VP and GM, News Channel 4: Hired in January and brings more than 20 years of television station management experience. Has held TV jobs in Buffalo; Minneapolis; Memphis; Albany, New York; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania.

ROSET TA MILLER-PERRY Publisher and CEO, The Tennessee Tribune: Founded Perry & Perry & Associates in 1990 and, the following year, created Tennessee Tribune, generally considered the state’s most influential African-American-owned publication.

Renaissance woman whose broad background includes work with the U.S. Navy, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Memphis in 1956.

BOB MUELLER Anchor, News2: Steady broadcast journalist has co-anchored WKRN’s main desk since 1982. Has

SCOT T BAILEY President, Opry Entertainment Group: Named to position in September 2018, replacing Steve Buchanan (who co-created the TV show “Nashville”).

A media and publishing veteran who previously served as president of The Enthusiast Network’s automotive group, overseeing the transformation of legacy publications like Motor Trend into contemporary multimedia entities.

SCOT T BORCHET TA President and CEO, Big Machine Records: Launched Big Machine (2005), sister label Valory Music Co. (2007) and BMLG (formerly Republic Nashville, 2009). Roster includes Rascal Flatts, Cheap Trick and Lady Antebellum, among others.

ASHLEY CAPPS President and CEO, AC Entertainment: Founded in 1991 music promotion company that co-produces Bonnaroo and several other festivals. Opened

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LEADERS

a Nashville office in 2013. Sold in 2016 a majority stake in AC to Live Nation.

Started music biz career in 1970s booking shows in Knoxville.

gram and WEA Corp. Runs Warner Music Nashville, encompassing Warner Bros. Nashville, Atlantic Nashville, Elektra Nashville and LoudMouth.

JAMIE CHEEK

ROD ESSIG

President, Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy: Role has elevated since 2018, when founding partners Chuck Flood, Frank Bumstead and Mary Ann McCarthy ceased day-to-day operations at entertainment industry financial advisory firm. A music business manager since 1997 and a co-owner of FBMM since 2006. Presides over leadership team of five. Recognized on Billboard’s Top Business Managers list each year since 2016.

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

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

DAVE COBB Producer: One of Nashville’s most in-demand producers. Has worked with Jamey Johnson, Lindi Ortega, Rival Sons and Sturgill Simpson, among others. Named 2014 Producer of the Year

by Americana Music Association and won Grammys in 2015 for work with Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell. Tenant of historic RCA Studio A since 2016.

MIKE CURB Founder and Chairman, Curb Records: California’s former lieutenant and acting governor. Songwriter, producer and owner of independent record company since 1962, yielding more than 400 No. 1 records. Major Belmont University benefactor.

DOYLE DAVIS AND MIKE GRIMES Co-Owners, Grimey’s New & Preloved Music: Co-proprietors of nationally respected indie record store, which moved from Eighth Avenue South to East Nashville in 2018. Davis hosts WXNA’s D-Funk radio show, and Grimes runs live music venues The Basement Nashville and The Basement East.

MIKE DUCHARME VP, Nashville Regional Office, AEG Live: Recently relocated to company’s Nashville office from Kansas City, where he helped revitalize historic Midland Theatre. Arrives as AEG prepares to build two venues (one 4,000 seats and the other 600 seats) at downtown’s future Nashville Yards. With arrival, AEG senior vice president Ali Harnell moves to the concert promotions giant’s global touring team.

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

JOHN ESPOSITO Chairman and CEO, Warner Music Nashville: Formerly at Def Jam, Poly-

Board Certified and Board Certified Fellowshipand Trained in FellowshipSports Medicine Trained in

KATIE FAGAN Head of A&R, Prescription Songs Nashville: An early hire at the publishing company founded by multi-platinum producer and songwriter Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald. Helped launch L.A.based firm’s Nashville office in 2017 and was promoted to head of A&R in 2018.

Sports Medicine

LESLIE FRAM Senior VP of Music Strategy, Country Music Television: Oversees music integration throughout CMT’s brands and across all platforms, including on CMT, CMT.com and CMT Radio. Georgia Radio Hall of Fame member and T.J. Martell Foundation Award recipient.

JOE GAL ANTE CEO, Galante Entertainment Organization: Industry veteran and former Sony Music Nashville chairman holds key positions in various philanthropic organizations. Vice chairperson of CMA Foundation, which raises funds for music education programs.

RANDY GOODMAN Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville: Former VP and general manager of RCA Label Group and senior VP of marketing at RCA before that. Thirty years of experience in the industry.

Member of Music City Music Council and board member of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

JED HILLY Executive Director, Americana Music Association: Has overseen nonprofit artist advocacy group since 2007.

Grammy and Emmy winner as producer of Levon Helm: Ramble at the Ryman and two-time Regional Emmy winner for Americana Honors and Awards. “Americana” has been added to slate of Grammy Awards, Billboard charts and the Merriam-Webster dictionary during his tenure.

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

Brandon H. Downs, MD

Brandon H. Downs, MD Top Shoulder & Knee Specialist Top Shoulder & Knee Specialist

Nashville Native

Nashville Native

Graduate of Belmont University, Magna Graduate Cum Laudeof Belmont University, Magna Cum Laude

Graduate from Loma Linda School of Graduate from Loma Linda School of Medicine (AOA - Top 10% of class) Medicine (AOA - Top 10% of class)

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(615) 590-8000 (615) 590-8000

Nashville Office Nashville 1912 CharlotteOffice Avenue 1912 Charlotte Nashville, TNAvenue 37203

Nashville, TN 37203

Dickson Office 425 Henslee Drive Dickson Office Dickson, TN 37055 425 Henslee Drive

Dickson, TN 37055

Ashland City Office 313 North Main Ashland CityStreet Office Ashland City, TN 37015 313 North Main Street

Ashland City, TN 37015

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LEADERS

Webb celebrates 40 years!

JAY JOYCE Producer and Songwriter: Produced career-defining albums

by Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert, Cage the Elephant, Patty Griffin, Little Big Town and Thomas Rhett, among others. Songwriting credits include tunes cut by Emmylou Harris, Keith Urban and Faith Hill. 2015 winner of ACM Honors Studio Recording Award.

JAY LIEPIS Apple Music: Longtime Apple employee who lacks a specific title and has worked with the company since 2004. Roles have included label and artist relations and programming strategies at iTunes and Apple Music. Moved to Nashville in 2018 to lead relationship building in the city’s music business community.

Interviewed by Variety and Billboard, executives across the country music spectrum sang Liepis’ praises.

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

JONATHAN LOBA Executive Vice President, BBR Music Group: Longtime BBR executive has had a relationship with label’s flagship artist Jason Aldean since start of latter’s career. Aldean’s 2018 LP “Rearview Town” hit No. 1 on all-genre Billboard 200 list, contributing to reported 10 percent bump in parent company BMG’s Nashville marketshare.

DAVID MACIAS CEO and co-founder, Thirty Tigers: Versatile Grammy-winning producer who handles marketing, distribution and management for Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Aaron Watson, Trampled by Turtles and others.

JOHN MARKS

2017 national irem amo oF the year aWard

Global Senior Editor/Music Programmer Country, Spotify: Assumed post in November 2015 after leaving SiriusXM Radio, where he was among Music Row’s most influential tastemakers as senior director of country programming.

MICHAEL MARTIN Vice President, ASCAP: Leads Nashville membership office operations and creative team, overseeing the signing, development and retention of ASCAP members in country music market. ASCAP is a U.S. performing rights organization that is owned and run by its 650,000 plus songwriter, composer and music publisher members.

SHANE M c ANALLY

freemanwebb.com

CEO, SMACK and Co-President, Monument Records: Highly respected hit songwriter founded music publisher SMACK in 2012. In 2017, Sony Music tapped him and Sandbox Entertainment CEO Jason Owen to run revived Monument imprint.

The original label (founded in 1958) released albums by Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton and others, while revived label’s roster includes Caitlyn Smith and Walker Hayes.

GREG OSWALD

3810 Bedford Ave # 300 Nashville, TN 37215

ProPerTy mANAgemeNT CommerCiAl

made headlines for his open letter protesting the CMA Foundation board’s appointment of Mike Huckabee. Also serves as co-president of Monument Records with Shane McAnally.

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

LEANN PHEL AN Co-Leader, Sea Gayle Management: Industry veteran left ASCAP’s Nashville membership/creative team in 2015 to join the management entity of 19-year-old publishing company Sea Gayle Music.

JOHN PRINE Founder, Oh Boy Records; Singer-Songwriter: Legendary folk and country vocalist, lyricist and guitarist and multiple Grammy winner. Co-founded Oh Boy Records, along with now-deceased industry vet Al Bunetta, in 1981. Oh Boy bills self as nation’s second-oldest artist-owned indie label and oldest in Nashville.

KELLY RICH Senior Label Relations Manager for Nashville, Amazon Music: In 2017, left position at Big Machine Label Group to help online sales and streaming media giant expand local business.

Billboard estimates that while roughly 6 percent of all music streamed is country, the genre makes up some 15 percent of Amazon’s streaming music volume.

SHEROD ROBERTSON President and Owner, Music Row Enterprises: Former CFO for ex-Post parent company SouthComm Inc. Bought company (dba MusicRow magazine) in 2010. Oversees all operations and develops strategic initiatives.

JESSIE SCOT T Program Director, WMOT: Veteran DJ and radio programmer with more than 45 years’ industry experience. Hired when MTSU-based station switched to Americana format in 2016.

Co-founder of Americana Music Association and popular YouTube channel Music Fog.

JENNIE SMY THE CEO, Girlilla Marketing: Founded digital marketing firm in 2008, with client roster now including Tim McGraw, Brandy Clark and the Academy of Country Music. Making industry opportunities for women has been major focus (her team of 11 includes only one man). Was elected earlier this year chair of CMA Foundation board.

JOHN STROHM President, Rounder Records: Former Loeb & Loeb senior counsel was named president of 48-year-old bluegrass and roots label Rounder Records in 2017. Also a musician who has played with The Lemonheads and Antenna.

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

Co-Head, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Nashville: Teams with Scott Clayton, Joey Lee and Jay Williams to oversee office that represents multiple high-profile artists. Relocated in 2017 to WME Nashville’s new headquarters at 1201 Demonbreun St.

SARAH TRAHERN

JASON OWEN

KELLI TURNER

President and CEO, Sandbox Entertainment: Company’s client roster includes Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill and Little Big Town. Billboard’s 2018 Executive of the Year for Country Power Players. Takes progressive approach to artist management and

President and COO, SESAC: Brought extensive background as a media executive to SESAC in 2014 as CFO and EVP of operations, corporate development. Promoted to president and COO in October 2018. Previous role achievement included

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

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leading sale of SESAC to private equity firm Blackstone and revenue collections reportedly doubled during her tenure.

as foundation head since 2002 and been with entity since 1983. Oversees more than $350 million in foundation assets.

LESTER TURNER

BARBARA BOVENDER

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

Tennessee Region Chair, American Red Cross Tiffany Circle: Founding member of Nashville chapter of Tiffany Circle, female donors to Red Cross who pledge to donate $10,000 or more annually. Serves on Tiffany Circle National Council.

MIKE VADEN Principal, Elliott Davis: Accountant with long history of working with music industry figures including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and George Jones. His work ranges from services for family businesses to handling complex tax preparations for high-net-worth clients.

AGENIA CL ARK

JACK WHITE

President and CEO, Nashville Rescue Mission: Oversees large-scale operation that includes staff, 20-plus-member board and hundreds of citizens serving Nashville’s homeless population. Mission facility property in SoBro is being engulfed by nearby development.

Musician and Owner, Third Man Records: Grammy-winning songwriter known for his work with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather and more. Landed a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in 2015 and recently opened pressing plant in native Detroit. Raconteurs are prepping to release album this year.

JODY WILLIAMS VP, Creative, BMI: Founder of publishing group Jody Williams Music (a joint venture with Sony Tree) and former president of MCA Music Publishing’s Nashville division. Directs songwriter and publisher relations in BMI’s Nashville office. Board member at the Country Music Foundation and CMA board president.

SALLY WILLIAMS GM, Grand Ole Opry, and Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment Group: Head of Opry Entertainment Group’s newly created programming and artist relations division. Industry vet has served on Music City Council and chairs Country Music Association board.

Nonprofits TATUM HAUCK ALLSEP Founder and CEO, Music Health Alliance: Launched in 2013 to provide access to health care and insurance for music community. Has served more than 9,700 clients and secured over $40 million in cost savings.

JANET AND JIM AYERS Co-Founders, The Ayers Foundation: Founded organization in 1999 to improve quality of life for Tennesseans through health, education and social welfare programs. Foundation has awarded more than 4,300 college scholarships.

BARI BEASLEY CEO, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County: In April 2017 named historic preservation entity’s first-ever CEO bringing 15 years nonprofit experience to job. Oversaw name change to reflect county-wide preservation efforts.

PETE BIRD President and CEO, Frist Foundation: Has served

CEO, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee: Dynamic leader of organization that serves more than 20,000 girls and volunteers in 39 Middle Tennessee counties.

GLENN CRANFIELD

JAYNEE DAY President and CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank: Has led since 1988 organization fighting hunger with about 490 partner agencies working within 46 counties. Retiring in June after 30 years.

TARI HUGHES President and CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management: In December 2016, named fourth president and CEO of nonprofit that serves nonprofits. Formerly spent 12 years as president of Nashville Public Library Foundation, raising more than $41 million.

ELLEN LEHMAN Founder and President, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: Oversees entity that has managed more than $1 billion in charitable donations and distributed about $874 million in grants spanning 27-year history. Foundation administers approximately 1,350 separate funds.

LIZ M c L AURIN President and CEO, The Land Trust for Tennessee: Succeeded founder Jeanie Nelson as president in July 2015 and assumed CEO office in May 2016. Accredited nonprofit has since 1999 protected more than 125,000 acres of public and private land statewide through about 350 projects.

SYLVIA RAPOPORT Founding President, The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park: In September 2018 transitioned to new position. Continues to spearhead strategic development with focus on Centennial Park Revitalization Capital Campaign and Conservancy Gala.

SHARON ROBERSON President and CEO, YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee: Oversees organization with $10 million in assets, more than 75 employees and programs for women and girls, including the Family Literacy Center and the state’s largest domestic violence shelter.

RICK SCHWARTZ President, Nashville Zoo: Tireless leader of exotic wildlife park, which in 2018 welcomed record

Allsep aids creative types via Music Health Alliance Tatum Hauck Allsep founded Music Health Alliance (MHA) in 2013 so that music industry workers would have access to top-notch health care and health insurance.

Since then, the nonprofit has saved about $40 million in health care costs — including insurance premium savings, medical bill reductions and discounted medications — for more than 9,700 individuals and their families.

Allsep is uniquely qualified to assist music industry people, three-fourths of whom are self-employed and lack access to group health benefits. The former music executive faced her own ordeal following the birth of twins, later seeing a widespread lack of access to health insurance after launching Vanderbilt Medical Center’s music industry program.

Motivated to solve the dilemma, Allsep aligned an impressive staff and board of directors from the two dissimilar fields and built from scratch a new health care model.

MHA provides free services thanks to grants, donations and fundraising events, and music professionals have wholeheartedly supported.

They give back to their own on Heal the Music Day, with high-profile songwriters — Garth Brooks and Roseanne Cash included — sharing their earliest attempts and biggest hits at the annual The First and The Worst, slated for March 26.

Today, a staff of seven works with Tatum to support emergency and ongoing medical needs of the music industry. Her innovative response to an immense problem provides the city’s creative class with affordable health care solutions and resources. > HOLLY HOFFMAN

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one million-plus visitors. Overseeing multi-million dollar master plan, which included opening of Andean bear and spider monkey exhibits in 2018 and planned veterinary center and renovated Sumatran tiger exhibit to open this year.

DERRI SMITH

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ZANE DAY President, Kroger Nashville Division: Named to role in early 2016. Had served as vice president of operations in Kroger’s Smith’s division, at which he began his career on the night crew in Ogden, Utah, in 1974.

Executive Director, End Slavery Tennessee: Founded ESTN in 2008 to confront modern slavery in Middle Tennessee and provide comprehensive aftercare for human trafficking survivors. In 2017, Tennessee was named nation’s top state for laws that fight human sex trafficking.

BOB DENNIS

RENATA SOTO

JOHN DYKE

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Conexión Américas: Former United Way stalwart co-founded Conexión to aid region’s fast-growing Latino population. After 17 years, Costa Rican native stepping down in May.

Owner, The Turnip Truck: Affable organic foods advocate who announced in 2018 he would open a grocery on Charlotte Avenue in West Nashville to join his Gulch and east side stores.

BECCA STEVENS

Executive Director, Nashville Farmers’ Market: Assumed role in January 2014. Previously worked in marketing for Second Harvest Food Bank and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Facility’s Night Market has been huge hit under her watch.

Turnip Truck’s Dyke sees busy four years, preps west side site

Founder and President, Thistle Farms: Episcopal priest, author and entrepreneur whose nonprofit works with women recovering from prostitution, trafficking and addiction. Two-year residential program and social enterprise employs 50 residents, with graduates manufacturing all-natural beauty products sold in 450 retail stores. Nonprofit has served as model for 50-plus organizations nationwide.

It has been a busy past four years for John Dyke.

Since July 2015, the affable owner of natural foods grocery company The Turnip Truck has overseen the addition of a value-priced product line, the closing of his Five Points store, the opening of a Woodland Street facility, the $5 million acquisition of a West Nashville property and, now, the preparation to move to that west side building.

The future Turnip Truck, with an address of 5001 Charlotte Ave. in Sylvan Park (formerly home to Cash and Carry), is slated to open by year’s end and will be Dyke’s third.

“Our business is built on relationships with our customers, our farmers and our city,” Dyke said in August when he announced the future store.

Dyke opened in Five Points (the first Turnip Truck) in mid-2001 and has grown the business since. He unveiled a Turnip Truck in The Gulch in late 2010. The Five Points location relocated to nearby Woodland Street in late 2015 and remains the flagship.

Dyke say he will close neither existing Turnip Truck once the west side grocery is operational.

“When [the west side] location became available, we had no doubt it was the right next step for our company,” Dyke says. “This store will serve a broad portion of West Nashville, and our team is beyond eager to get to know our new neighbors.” > WILLIAM WILLIAMS

STEVE TURNER Chairman, James Stephen Turner Charitable Foundation: Credited for philanthropic efforts and helping jumpstart downtown Nashville development in 1980s. Supports, among others, Nashville Symphony and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

HOLLY WHALEY President and CEO, Nashville Wine Auction: Leads nation’s oldest charity wine auction, which has raised more than $21 million for cancer research since 1980.

JERRY WILLIAMS Executive Director, Leadership Nashville Foundation: Oversees entity founded in 1976 as independent, nine-month executive leadership program.

Honored with Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award in 2017 by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Retiring in June after 25 years.

Retail AUSTIN BENEDICT Senior Associate, CBRE: Among the city’s go-to brokers for urban retail space. Was a key factor in filling first-floor commercial spaces at SoBro’s Encore.

CRISSY CASSET T Y Retail Recruiter, Nashville Downtown Partnership: Major contributor to downtown’s landing of soft goods and food-and-beverage retail businesses. Works equally effectively with owners of properties and of retail businesses.

Chairman, President and CEO, Genesco: Former Hat World boss who succeeded Hal Pennington in 2008. Recently sold struggling Lids division for $101 million to focus more on footwear and is adding to stock buyback.

TASHA KENNARD

DAVID MEADOWS General Manager, CoolSprings Galleria: Left mall in late 2016 to be replaced by Mike Johnson. Then returned to replace Johnson last year. Has worked with Chattanooga-based CBL & Associates, which owns the Galleria, since 1994.

JAD MURPHY General Manager, Opry Mills Mall: Oversees facility highlighted by about 200 stores, many of them outlets of popular retailers. Spanning 1.2 million square feet, mall in 2018 saw announcement of Amber Falls Winery and Cellars, the parent company of which owns a winery, tasting room and vineyard located in Hampshire, Tennessee, near Columbia.

ANN PATCHET T Author, Co-Owner, Parnassus Books Nashville: New York Times bestselling author and co-owner, with Karen Hayes, of the literary landmark in Green Hills. Open outpost at airport in 2017.

GREG SANDFORT CEO, Tractor Supply: Replaced company legend Jim Wright in late 2012 and has overseen growth to more than 1,700 stores in 49 states. Company reported revenue of about $7.9 billion in 2018.

KIMBERLY SHADWICK General Manager, The Mall at Green Hills: Assumed post in February 2013. Has spent past 27 years with Michigan-based Taubman Centers, which purchased The Mall at Green Hills in 2011.

Major recent additions include Peloton and Untuckit. Crate and Barrel is reportedly on way.

TODD VASOS CEO, Dollar General: Took over from Rick Dreiling in May 2015 after overseeing store operations, merchandising and supply chain. Joined Goodlettsville-based company in 2008. Had in mid2018 contract extended to mid-2021.

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Sports IAN AYRE CEO, Nashville MLS/Nashville SC: With background directing professional soccer teams in England and Germany, is charged with leading Nashville’s entry in Major League Soccer through all formative steps. In November, took over as CEO of Nashville SC as that club prepared for its second USL campaign.

RICK BYRD Men’s Basketball Coach, Belmont: Has won more than 700 games in 32-plus seasons and nearly 800 overall in his 38th as college head coach. In December 2018, was nominated for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Since 2006, BU teams have won nine regular-season titles and have played in seven NCAA tourneys.

BERNARD CHILDRESS Executive Director, TSSAA: Under his direction, body achieved the long-discussed public-private split with its 2017 reclassification and expanded to nine classifications for football. Has shown a firm hand in dealing with disciplinary issues, including fights during recent basketball seasons.

TIM CORBIN Baseball Coach, Vanderbilt: Sustained success over 17 seasons has produced steady string of Major League players and prospects, including two first overall MLB draft picks (David Price in 2006 and Dansby Swanson in 2016). Has become resource for coaches in other sports — both on campus and nationwide.

SCOT T CORLEY Director of Athletics, Belmont: Star basketball player during Belmont’s NAIA era has applied a contemporary business model to athletics department operations since 2016 hiring. Early coaching hires have shown he can identify and attract proven leaders.

WILLY DAUNIC Nashville Predators Play-by-Play Man and CoHost of Darren and Daunic (102.5 The Game): As Preds’ television broadcast voice has ears of loyal and passionate fan base. Role as co-host of midday talk show on Predators’ flagship station affords opportunity to share NHL franchise’s message.

BETH DEBAUCHE Commissioner, Ohio Valley Conference: In nine years on the job, has expanded conference membership and championship events and negotiated digital and television deals, the most recent having put 600-plus OVC events on ESPN+. Moved league basketball tournaments to Evansville from Nashville to avoid being overshadowed by SEC tourney.

MARK ELLIOT T Director of Athletics, Trevecca: Has led school’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II competition and wrote operating codes for G-MAC, the first new NCAA Division II conference in 25 years, to ensure Trevecca had a place to compete. Also has upgraded facilities, including new basketball floor and a high-tech lighting system for baseball.

TONY FORMOSA Promoter, Fairgrounds Speedway: Has directed events at the sometimes-controversial venue since 2010 and recently struck a deal with Speedway Motorsports deal that ultimately will lead to return of NASCAR events to city via upgrades to facility.

SEAN HENRY CEO, Nashville Predators: Franchise will sell out every home game for the third straight season, leading to putting cap on season ticket sales.

Impact of franchise’s fan engagement under his leadership was apparent in tens of thousands who turned up outside arena for 2017 playoff games.

PHILIP HUTCHESON Athletic Director, Lipscomb: In past year, Bison men’s basketball team made its NCAA Tournament debut and men’s and women’s soccer teams each advanced in their respective NCAA tournaments.

His direction over past decade is paying dividends for nearly all of school’s programs.

PETER L AVIOLET TE Coach, Nashville Predators: First American-born coach to lead three different franchises to NHL’s Stanley Cup final and, for first time in career, has led same team through five full seasons. Since coming to Nashville in 2014, his Predators are among NHL’s top five in wins.

GEOFF MACDONALD Women’s Tennis Coach, Vanderbilt: In 2016, led team to first women’s national championship in school history. Every year since, program has gotten at least to national semifinals and in 2018 finished as national runner-up. Vanderbilt also won last two SEC regular season and tournament titles.

CHRIS MASSARO Director of Athletics, Middle Tennessee State: In 13 years on job, MTSU teams have won 54 conference championships. School recently launched $100 million campaign for facility upgrades to benefit all sports. Academic achievement in athletics also has improved and peaked in 2017 when graduation success rate hit 88 percent.

ADAM NUSE General Manager and COO, Nashville Sounds: Has helped oversee steady attendance increase through first four years of First Tennessee Park. In 2018, Sounds were one of only four minor league franchises that drew more than 600,000 fans. Also struck affiliation deal with Texas Rangers after Oakland A’s sought a new partner.

TERESA PHILLIPS Director of Athletics, Tennessee State: Has led department since 2002, a period that has included limited return of football games to campus and the football program’s first playoff appearance in 14 years. In last decade, has hired two basketball coaches, John Cooper and Dana Ford, who improved program before leaving for more prestigious jobs.

DAVID POILE President Hockey Operations/General Manager, Nashville Predators: In last year, became winningest general manager in NHL history and was inducted into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Was NHL’s 2017 general manager of the year after hav-

Turner plans to serve in AD role with willingness to listen For much of his professional life, Malcolm Turner has been the man willing to — make that paid to — offer advice.

Now that he has the final say on all things related to Vanderbilt University athletics, Turner wants to hear what others think.

“I grew up in the consulting business,” he says. “So I grew up going in and out of brands across different categories, properties across different sports trying to solve C-suite problems and create opportunities.

“I think that will serve me well in terms … identifying our challenges but also trying to identify solutions and how we can create opportunities to move us forward.”

Vanderbilt named Turner its athletics director in mid-December and his first day on the job was Feb. 1. He comes to the position with a lengthy and successful business background unlike any who have held that position previously at the school.

In a number of ways, Vanderbilt is the Southeastern Conference’s square peg, an outlier in terms of enrollment size, academic standards and athletic spending relative to the other 13 institutions.

Turner’s job is to make sure the school fits in even as it strives to stand out.

“I’ve never gone into any situation with all the answers on the test,” he says. “… I come to this role with some initial ideas … [but] good ideas can come from a lot of places.” > DAVID BOCLAIR

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ing been finalist three other times. Only thing missing from his résumé is a Stanley Cup.

SCOT T RAMSEY President and CEO, Nashville Sports Council and Music City Bowl: Nashville continues to attract international soccer events. This year, the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams will play at Nissan Stadium. His direction also was factor in NFL Draft coming to town while Music City Bowl, Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon and others have become fixtures on local sports calendar.

JON ROBINSON Executive VP/General Manager, Tennessee Titans: In three years on job, has shown he won’t settle for status quo. Fired a head coach (Mike Mularkey) following playoff appearance and has been willing to move on from proven players such as DeMarco Murray and Avery Williamson in attempt to improve franchise. Next step is to do better than 9-7.

combined) in recent history but with many other programs in good shape. Background in marketing and branding should be boon for program that is lagging when it comes to developing and managing modern revenue streams.

BRAD WILLIS Program Director, 104.5-FM The Zone: His station is flagship for Tennessee Titans as well as local outlet for University of Tennessee football and basketball. Three daily local shows rank among most highly rated anywhere in country and influence local dialogue.

ROB BELLENFANT Founder and CEO, TechnologyAdvice: Retook reins of business technology consulting firm in 2017 after short stint as chief strategy officer. Previously launched and led Thrive Marketing Group and has been NueCura Partners advisory board member since 2013.

CHUCK BRYANT Co-Founder, TechFed Nashville: Teamed with John Wark and Jacques Woodcock to launch group looking to be hub for city’s grassroots tech groups. Also co-founded with Clark Buckner podcast-focused agency Relationary Marketing.

Technology

ALEX CURTIS

AMY ADAMS STRUNK

ANTOINE AGASSI

Controlling Owner, Tennessee Titans: In last year, has asserted herself in numerous ways, most notably by leading effort to bring 2019 NFL Draft to Nashville.

The redesigned uniforms and updated colors also were a pet project. Has also adopted much more public stance regarding fan interaction.

Chairman and CEO, Trinisys: Former chair of thenGov. Phil Bredesen’s e-Health Advisory Council who has led data management and integration company since early 2015. Was previously president of Cogent Healthcare and CIO at 21st Century Oncology, among other things.

MALCOLM TURNER

CHARLIE APIGIAN

Athletics Director, Vanderbilt: Started job Feb. 1 amidst worst basketball season (men’s and women’s

Director, Data Science Institute at MTSU Jones College of Business: Chair of university’s computer

Celebrating our New Space for Growth in Nashville

information systems department, which is home to about 500 students, and a linchpin in region’s efforts to boost IT workforce.

Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Familiar face at local tech events has spearheaded advocacy group’s state lobbying efforts. Previously was director of Creators’ Freedom Project.

GREG DAILY Chairman and CEO, i3 Verticals: PMT Services and iPayment veteran who launched latest payment processing-focused venture in 2012 but also is building related software business. Took company public in June 2018 and is forecasting more than $120 million in revenues this fiscal year.

CPAs & Advisors with Your Growth in Mind No matter where you want to take your business, you need a resourceful and innovative partner to steer you in the right direction. Let Cherry Bekaert guide you forward to your growth destination.

Find out how we can be your guide forward Dawn G. Patrick, CPA Managing Partner, Nashville Practice 222 Second Avenue South, Suite 1240 Nashville, TN 37201 615.383.6592

cbh.com Atlanta | Austin | Charlotte | Durham | Greenville | Hampton Roads | Miami Nashville | Orlando | Raleigh | Richmond | Tampa | Washington D.C.

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LEADERS

WELLFORD DILL ARD CEO, CM Group: Leads global email marketing player that bought local success story Emma in 2017. Rebranded holding company early this year announced acquisitions to move more aggressively into enterprise email market.

MARAGET DOL AN President and CEO, Launch Tennessee: Tapped last year to succeed Charlie Brock at helm of public-private partnership that promotes entrepreneurship.

Previously led LocalShares and Saint Thomas Health Foundations and spent two decades at Ingram Industries.

JOSHUA DOUGL AS Chief Technology Officer, BridgeConnector: Joined data integration platform last year with more than 15 years of experience, including at D2 Health and Sandlot Solutions. Helps lead fast-growing local team that last year took space in Fifth Third Center.

KEITH DURBIN CIO and Director of Information Technology Services Department, Metro Government: Has led Metro’s IT team since 2009 after being member of Metro Council. Former HCA IT&S manager has set up new data center for city and led push to make more data publicly available.

CARNELL ELLIOT T AND NICOLE GIBSON Co-Site Directors, Dell: Jointly oversee the tech giant’s local campus, which this year will mark its 20th anniversary and is now home to about 1,500 employees. Both promoted to current leadership positions in 2017.

TIM ESTES President, Digital Reasoning: Launched AI software company in 2000 and built it beyond its national security roots to play roles in finance and health care.

Stepped aside as CEO in 2017 to focus more on AI product development.

TOD FETHERLING CEO, Perception Health: Serial entrepreneur who built on IT career at HCA to help build GoNoodle, Stratasan and other firms and, as Tech Council president, was part of core team that launched EC. With Perception, is working to turn masses of health care data into actionable business insights.

RAY GUZMAN CEO, SwitchPoint Ventures: Co-founded consulting/equity investing firm last June with Damian Mingle after building WPC Healthcare and transitioning to buyer Intermedix. Looking to take machine learning and AI expertise to smaller companies.

TAMMY HAWES Founder and CEO, Virsys12: Started

and leads firm that helps health care companies integrate Salesforce. Last year landed first outside funding from Salesforce vehicle. Previously worked in tech positions at HCA, Central Parking and Paradigm Health.

AMY HENDERSON President and COO, Nashville Software School: Named early this year to new post for nonprofit education venture. Led Firefly Logic through growth and sale to LeanKit and is incoming board chair of Greater Nashville Technology Council.

BETH HOEG COO, Trinisys: Joined data conversion and integration company in 2009 and has more than 20 years of IT and organizational improvement experience.

Past president of Women in Technology of Tennessee.

BRET T JACKSON CEO, Digital Reasoning: Took over cognitive computing company in 2017 amid rapid growth and expansion into new markets. Previous leader of both Logi Analytics and Digital Harbor last year oversaw $30 million funding round led by BNP Paribas.

PETER MARCUM Founding Partner, Dev Digital; Managing Partner, Kernel Equity: Serial entrepreneur has built web services company over past decade after running Nashville Computer Liquidators, Bargain Hunt and other companies.

Recently added Bahamas office to presence here and in India.

MARK M c GARRIT Y CEO, Pilgrim Consulting: Took over as leader and sole owner of Franklin software development firm in 2017. Twentyyear-old company is home to more than 100 people and has 40-plus clients.

ENDERSON MIRANDA

- CLARK VITULLI

AVAILABLE FOR:

CEO, OnSomble: Was promoted in 2017 to lead customizable health care education platform after being its president and COO for four years. Joined firm in 2012 after managing Sprint’s regional business operations.

BRIAN MOYER President and CEO, Greater Nashville Technology Council: Former CIO at Gaffey Healthcare and HealthTechS3 assumed helm of trade group in 2016.

Has overseen sharpened focus on workforce development (including via Apprenti program) and advocacy work.

SAM NADLER Nashville General Manager, Lyft: Has since 2016 led local office of ridesharing giant through rocket ride of growth.

Office on Second Avenue is now home to more than 750 people.

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Contact Clark Vitulli at: CVitulli@MusicCityCEOs.com Or Visit: www.MusicCityCEOs.com

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LEADERS

MART Y PASLICK Senior VP and CIO, HCA: Three-decade veteran of hospital operator, where he oversees more than 5,500 IT&S workers working at five data centers and 15 support offices. Past chair of Tech Council board.

Your corporate

JOELLE PHILLIPS

meeting, event and

President, AT&T Tennessee: Has since 2013 overseen state operations for telecom giant, which has invested billions in networks this decade and early this year launched push to add 100 people to its downtown call center.

party destination

DAVID PIERCE CEO, Education Networks of America: Has led networking and school company focused on schools and libraries since 2002 and has more than three decades of industry experience.

unique corporate and event space corporate retreats including lakeside activities

STEVE PROCTOR

Kittell, Hermitage team got ’19 started with strong ’18 end

Former CEO, Edgenet: Helped guide product content software company (where he also worked last decade) out of Chapter 11 in 2014 and through growth spurt that pushed employee count to 130 from about 50. Chicago-based Syndigo (then still Gladson) bought company early this year.

NICOLE TREMBLET T VP of Information Technology and Services, HCA: Leads strategy and planning for big national team of more than 5,500. Past Nashville Technology Council board chair who now holds same role for TechBridge TN.

JOHN WARK

lodging for 30-40 guests open vendor policy

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Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage got a jumpstart on 2019.

Kittell, president and CEO of the cultural attraction’s parent, Andrew Jackson Foundation (AJF), joined the Hermitage in November 2008 and saw a milestone moment almost 10 years later when the state announced in October 2018 it had transferred ownership of its Hermitage land holdings to the AJF — setting the stage for a robust 2019.

“It is confidence in the foundation’s stewardship of these historic lands into the distant future,” Kittell said at the time. “It will be a great benefit to the visitor experience. We are excited about what lies ahead for this remarkable site of our nation’s history.”

Keeping the momentum going, Kittell announced in December an admissions price of $19 for two adult tickets throughout January (single tickets typically are $20).

On Jan. 8, the Hermitage commemorated the 204th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans with complimentary admission. About 3,000 folks attended — the highest single-day mark since 2013.

And in mid-February, Kittell welcomed veteran community leader Marty Dickens to an AJF Board of Trustees that also includes philanthropist Janet Ayers, Mara Liasson (the national political correspondent for National Public Radio), presidential biographer Jon Meacham. > WILLIAM WILLIAMS

CEO, Nashville Software School: Founded and bootstrapped 7-year-old nonprofit training academy to point that it has moved to larger space in airport area and recruited Amy Henderson to be first president and COO. School last year graduated about 275 people.

Tourism JOE CHAMBERS Owner, Musicians Hall of Fame: Oversees Municipal Auditorium-based museum that exhibits instruments owned and played by both well-known artists and behind-the-scenes session musicians. Facility offered in 2018 Rolling Stones exhibit, gaining national notoriety.

JAN FREITAG Senior VP of Lodging Insights, STR Inc.: Teams with Chairman and Co-Founder Randy Smith and President and CEO Amanda Hite to lead one of the international lodging industry’s major data providers.

HENRY HICKS President and CEO, National Museum of African American Music: Leads nonprofit that is prepping to unveil distinctive cultural attraction at Fifth + Broadway by year’s end. Has worked in both the private and public sectors.

ASHLEY HOWELL Executive Director, Tennessee State Museum: Assumed role in 2017 and oversaw move to new home in late 2018. Began career at Knoxville Museum of Art in development, marketing and public relations.

HOWARD KIT TELL President and CEO, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Has held position more than 10 years. Previously served as ED at Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. Offers educational background in architectural history and urban planning.

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LEADERS

BILL MILLER Owner, Johnny Cash Museum, Nudie’s Honky Tonk & Patsy Cline Museum: Opened Cash Museum on Third Avenue South in 2013. Later added Nudie’s Honky Tonk on Lower Broad and Cline Museum (also on Third). Bought last year downtown building home to restaurant/bar Skull’s and opened live magic venue/restaurant House of Cards. Prepping to open Cash restaurant.

ROB MORTENSEN President and CEO, Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association: Replaced in late 2018 former Metro councilmember Greg Adkins. Leads Nashville-based 1,800-member entity that is state hospitality industry’s resource for information and education.

COLIN REED Chairman and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties: Leads company that owns Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium and radio station WSM. Recently established Opry brand in New York and unveiled Ole Red Nashville on Lower Broad in 2018.

Transportation/ Logistics STEVE BL AND CEO, WeGo Public Transit: Ex-Pittsburgh transit head who replaced Paul Ballard in 2014. Leads what had been called until last year the Metro Transit Authority.

CL AY BRIGHT Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation: Replaced John Schroer, who retired, as part of transition to Gov. Bill Lee’s administration. Spent 36 years at construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie, opening in 1998 its Nashville outpost and overseeing more than $3 billion in construction during his 20-year tenure in that office.

MARK CLEVEL AND

Managing Partner, Chartwell Hospitality: Co-founded in 2003 hotel development entity that completed Hilton Garden Inn in SoBro in 2015 (which company sold in 2016 for $80 million). Now undertaking 10-story Hampton Inn in Capitol View.

CEO and Co-Founder, Hytch: Leads company whose Hytch Rewards app validates, tracks and rewards ridesharing behavior and is funded, in part, by a state grant and employer partners. Company partners with Nissan and in 2018 secured growth funding from consortium led by local investment fund XMI Growth.

STEVE SMITH

DAVID INGRAM

Owner, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Owner of the most legendary honky-tonk in Nashville. As co-owner of Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central and The Diner, a strong voice for downtown merchants. Opened in 2018 four-story Fourth and Broadway building home to a Kid Rock honky-tonk.

Chairman and President, Ingram Entertainment Holdings: Owns and operates (independent of his powerful family) nation’s largest distributor of DVD software. Privately held IEH is major distributor of audiobooks, video games and related products. Also runs DPI Beverage distributorship.

BUTCH SPYRIDON

ORRIN INGRAM

President, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau: Helped lead effort to see the Music City Center come to fruition.

Comfortable speaking frankly about Nashville’s tourism and convention industry — both its flaws and its positives.

President and CEO, Ingram Industries: Leads holding company that includes inland marine transportation company, Ingram Barge Company and publishing industry services company Ingram Content Group. Vanderbilt grad known for work with university’s board of trust.

ROB SCHAEDLE

CHARLES STARKS President and CEO, Music City Center: Oversees a 225-person staff at massive SoBro-based convention facility. Oversaw recent major upgrades to the building’s Eighth and Demonbreun corner, work that yielded a market and cafe.

RAY WATERS VP, Castlerock Asset Management: Key figure at company that owns 456-room Westin Nashville Hotel and finalized in 2018 144-room boutique hotel Bobby. A 40-plus-year industry veteran who is past president of Greater Nashville Hotel and Lodging Association and Tennessee Hotel and Motel Association. Was named in 2017 Hotelier of the Year by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.

CONGRATULATIONS

DOUG KRUELEN President and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority: Former airport COO assumed CEO role in December 2017 and now leads authority’s $1 billion upgrade plan. Facility announced in October 2018 British Airways flights connecting BNA to London.

BOB MURPHY Vice President, KCI Technologies: Oversees local office of Sparks, Maryland-based engineering, consulting and construction services behemoth. KCI acquired Murphy’s RPM Transportation Consultants in January 2017 for an undisclosed sum.

PETE WEIEN

MICHAEL SKIPPER

SVP of New Venue and Retail Operations, Opry Entertainment: Former Gaylord Opryland General Manager returned to Ryman Hospitality, which owns Opry Entertainment, in March 2018.

Executive Director, Greater Nashville Regional Council: Former ED of Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The numbers/details man behind region’s push to expand mass transit.

KYLE YOUNG

MARK STURTEVANT

Director, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: Has led iconic downtown-based cultural attraction since 1999. Facility saw in 2013 completion of a major addition and expansion integrated with the adjacent Omni hotel.

Director, Metro Public Works Department: Named to position in December 2017. Works closely with Mark Macy, the department’s assistant director of engineering.

RANDY TUCKER CEO, Americas, Geodis: Leads what had been called Ozburn Hessey-Logistics. Joined Brentwood-based OHL in 2011 as executive vice president of human resources and project management officer.

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NTC Celebrates 20 Years of Greater Nashville Area Growth & Prosperity

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Greater Nashville Technology Council’s mission is to strengthen and advance the technology sector by helping business grow and helping to build a skilled tech workforce. Our members span the technology sector of Middle Tennessee from Fortune 500 companies, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Dell, to the many small tech service providers that support the implementation and management of technology. The Greater Nashville Technology Council is the leading voice and advocate for the $6 billion information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50,000 technology professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers our region’s economy.

500 Interstate Blvd. S, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37210 Website: https://technologycouncil.com Twitter: @NashTechCouncil

The history of the Greater Nashville Technology Council dates back to 1999 when a group of business leaders came together to address the need in Nashville for better paying tech jobs and improved capital investment in technology start-ups.

Today, the NTC supports the local technology industry and its 460+ member companies, by actively developing local tech talent, connecting professionals to cultivate a collaborative community, uniting around policies that nurture expansion and attract both talent and businesses, and promoting Middle Tennessee as the nation’s creative tech destination.

In the past year, the NTC produced, promoted, or hosted 458 unique events -connecting more than 18,000 participants in the local community.

The Nashville Analytics Summit is one of the NTC’s most successful programs, seeing 488% growth since its inception in 2013. Attendees can engage in hands-on workshops and learn from expert speaker presentations from a spectrum of industries. On September 9-10 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, the 2019 Nashville Analytics Summit will expand with a healthcare data analytics track in partnership with TN HIMSS.

The NTC’s Tech Hill Commons community venue successfully hosted everything from product launches to tech meetups and networking events, inviting more than 16,490 visitors into the space last year. In 2019, the Nashville Cyber Range Event Center launches at Tech Hill Commons.

Facebook:

Last fall, the NTC Foundation launched Apprenti TN, the first technologyfocused apprenticeship program in Tennessee for locally developed entry level tech talent. The program is focused on skilling-up the underemployed through a combined 15 month educational boot camp + onthe-job training with a hiring partner.

With the help of community partners with constituencies from overlooked segments of our population, the program has attracted 500+ individuals who have successfully tested for the aptitude to learn a tech skill. Of those, 24% are women, 43% are veterans and 58% are from other minority segments. Clearly, Apprenti TN has the potential to change the face of our tech community by growing a more inclusive tech workforce.

Number of Employees: 9

With the goal of doubling the size of Middle Tennessee’s tech workforce by 2025, the Greater Nashville Technology Council invites partners, influencers and champions to align in the effort to make Nashville a better place for all.

https://www.facebook.com/ NashvilleTechCouncil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ nashville-technology-council https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/51917

Number of Company Members: 460+ Founded: 1999 Contact: Phone: 615.873.1284 Email: info@technologycouncil.com

s pe c i a lt ie s Apprenti TN The NTC launched Apprenti TN in 2018, the first technology-focused apprenticeship program in Tennessee for locally developed entry level tech talent. Learn more: ApprentiTN.com Community Programming: The NTC hosts 85+ community events a year, on topics including: professional development, tech education, BI & analytics, tech marketing, business development, cyber security, health tech, and policy and more.

Learn more: Technologycouncil.com/ events

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Data Bank

CLIMBING COSTS

FEW PEOPLE SEE a recession taking hold nationally this year or next and even fewer think Nashville, still riding a wave of population and business growth, will be particularly stung by the next downturn.

On this page are a few numbers to put the city’s growth into perspective.

Lagging new home construction is a big reason why median prices in the region’s three largest counties have risen steadily over the past five years, with Davidson showing the biggest leap. (Numbers are for Q4.)

DAVIDSON

QUITE THE PIPELINE

72%

$250K

2018

1,469

WILLIAMSON

AREA VACANCY AVERAGE CHANGE

RENT FROM Q1 Nashville

9.1% $29.98 2.4%

Midtown

5.7% $34.38 1.9%

Green Hills

4.3%

15.9%

8.4% $30.56 -1.4%

Cool Springs

11.7%

Brentwood

10.3% $29.60 -0.6%

Airport South

10.5%

North Nashville Source: Cushman & Wakefield

2018

2015

2014

2013

2017

$500K

61%

$250K

4.3%

3.2%

$21.16

-3.8%

2018

$23.50

8.7%

2017

10.2%

2016

-5.2%

5.5% $24.00 9.1%

2015

$25.40

RUTHERFORD

2014

$30.80

$250K

0

2013

$33.67

2016

33%

After dipping below 5 percent in 2015, the region’s office vacancy rate was back near its historical average at the end of 2018 thanks to new construction.

The average rent for Class A space, meanwhile, will have likely topped $30 per square foot by the time you read this.

Airport North

2018

$500K

3,245

HOT SPOTS

MetroCenter

2017

2,304

Source: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

• Forecast

CBD

2016

0

2019* 2020*

2015

2013

1,219

2014

830

2017

2016

No fewer than 20 hotels are expected to come to the Middle Tennessee market this year, according to city officials — and that’s after 15 additions in 2018. Here’s what that looks like in terms of new rooms.

$500K

Source: Greater Nashville Realtors

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A time for reinvention Renaissance Nashville Hotel makes major changes as its surroundings prep for overhaul

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

Sponsors

sk Nashvillians their opinions regarding downtown’s most influential hotel and you likely will hear The Hermitage, Omni, JW Marriott, Union Station or Westin.

Few, indeed, would respond with “Renaissance Nashville Hotel.”

But the hotel’s recent upgrades and its location near the future Fifth + Broadway, Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Nashville Yards are positioning it to flourish.

A

“When we invest millions of dollars in upgrading this hotel, it [still] can be difficult to make people aware of all the new features, like our new restaurant, Little Fib,” says Tom Boyer, Renaissance general manager. “But [guests] are seeing how alive and authentic this hotel is, and they’re telling us how much they appreciate that.”

Renaissance, mildly put, is not your typical hotel.

First, it shares a building with six floors of office space (no other major Nashville hotel does so).

Second, its building offers some brutalist/modernist architectural elements (for example, lots of concrete skin, a poorly defined main entrance and dark glass) that some folks find odd — if not unsightly.

Third, the entrance faces a parking garage, not ideal for impressing guests.

Fourth, and since opening in 1987 as the Stouffer Hotel, the facility was long associated with the sincerazed, dysfunctional and unattractive Nashville Convention Center.

Lastly, and perhaps key, the Renaissance has functioned the last 12 months without John Fleming, its highly respected general manager, who died in March 2018.

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“Mr. Fleming … was a leader of the hospitality industry in Nashville,” Boyer says. “He was a key driver of the call for action in developing the Music City Center, and also the Nashville Downtown Partnership, which has done an incredible job of keeping downtown clean and safe.”

Butch Spyridon, CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., says the Marriott-owned hotel has a bright future via “built-in business with the office tower at Fifth + Broad,” he says.

“John Fleming supported the Music City Center and Omni, even knowing it would hurt the Renaissance initially,” Spyridon says. “John always protected his interests in a broad and respectful way, and he always had the big picture in mind.”

John Mathieson, a life-long Nashvillian who worked for Towne Park in guest services at the Renaissance in the early 2000s, says the hotel’s distinctive elements — particularly The Bridge (a lounge housed in a structure that spans Commerce Street) and the two exterior elevators (which offer users sweeping views of the city via the north face of the structure) — can be capitalized upon.

“The western half of the CBD is poised for serious reinvention,” says Mathieson, an original member of the 15-year-old Nashville chapter of international growth-and-development message board urbanplanet.org. “It’s noteworthy that the Renaissance will be both a strong contributor to, and benefactor of, that future transformation.”

With an encyclopedic knowledge regarding the history of Nashville’s high-rise buildings, Mathieson estimates he has spent no fewer than 1,000 hours walking the CBD’s western half. He points to the early 2000s loss of Hewgley’s Music Shop, then located at Seventh and Commerce, and the major stalling of construction of the federal courthouse as pivotal, and negative, points.

“It is unfortunate to see this part of downtown deteriorate to this degree,” he says. “The main library (which opened in 2000) and the updating (to residential space) of the Bennie Dillon Building have helped.

But we’ve needed multiple high-profile projects to jumpstart the area, and now those are on the way.”

Mathieson points to the 2018 opening of the Holston House, a boutique hotel housed in the art deco building that once served as the James Robertson Apartments, as an underrated element of the current transformation.

“I’m not sure even some of the city’s place-making experts fully appreciate the symbolic importance of the adaptive reuse of that semi-masterpiece of a building,” he says.

New Orleans-based HRI Properties owns the Holston House building and undertook its upgrade.

Of note, the company plans a 24-story mixed-use building on a parcel owned by Christ Church Cathedral at Eighth and Commerce. That lot was last home to the elegant pre-World War II-constructed Hathcock Building, which Christ Church leaders had razed in 2004. Concerned by its loss, Mathieson co-founded the local urbanplanet.org chapter, in part, to educate Nashvillians about effective urban placemaking.

“This has been a challenging wait,” he says bluntly.

“I clearly recall the days in the late 1990s when early talks of the federal courthouse began. I truly hope people who are relatively new to Nashville appreciate the significance of seeing this segment of the CBD be so positively impacted.”

It is also worth noting the Great Flood of 2010, though the Renaissance went unscathed, Boyer says.

“Some hotels were devastated by that event – with Gaylord Opryland Hotel being hit the hardest,” he says. “It was amazing how the hotels in town pulled together to make sure that guests and employees of the affected properties got the help they needed.”

That event, perhaps oddly so, focused attention on the Renaissance — good timing considering plans were underway for the Nashville Omni Hotel (it opened in 2013).

Boyer says that approximately since the flood, revenue has grown by 100 percent.

“For a mature property to double revenue is unheard of,” he says. “Our room rates have increased by 43 percent during that time period. In 2018, we had 84.3 percent occupancy.”

Boyer projects revenue per available room (RevPAR) will remain at a record-high level in 2019.

“When you consider the tidal wave of competition coming our way (about 5,600 future hotel rooms and 1,100 of those in downtown) maintaining record RevPAR levels will be a huge win,” he says. “We have been operating without the meeting spaces we had in the old convention center, and those will be coming back on line this year. By December, we will have 86,000 square feet of meeting space available, making the Renaissance the hotel with the most meeting space in downtown. Our sales team, led by Sherry Franklin, is booking future conferences into this hotel at [a strong] pace.”

That pace will accelerate as the multiple projects come on line.

“We’re probably three years from really feeling the impact on this part of downtown,” Spyridon says, “and four to five years at which point you will not recognize it.”

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Moving toward the river Germantown’s eastern section is facing significant change — and likely for the better

BY WILLIAM WILLIAMS

he post-2000 evolution of Germantown can perhaps best be highlighted by the intersection of Fifth and Madison.

It was there, one block north of Jefferson Street, that the mixed-use building home to Germantown Café, Red Bicycle and a handful of second-floor condominiums opened in 2003 — signaling the start of a boom that has made the North Nashville district among the most popular and well recognized of its type in the city.

But fast forward about 15 years and Germantown has still not capitalized on perhaps its two single-greatest assets: the Cumberland River and various industrial buildings located near that body of water.

That will change this year with the opening of various buildings and businesses at the Hammer Mill site — including apartment building The Griff — and the announcement of adaptive reuse plans related to the former industrial complex long home to the Neuhoff meat processing company.

Indeed, major change looms for what some loosely refer to as East Germantown — the section of the district bordered by Jefferson Street on the south, the river on the east, the central wastewater treatment plant on the north and the Cumberland River Greenway on the west (some would even have either Third Avenue North as the western border).

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This segment of Germantown offers some large-scale parcels for which various questions remain unanswered. These include the site slated for Germantown Union, the Neuhoff parcels, the Davidson County Farm Bureau site (located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Second and Jefferson), the Centurion Stone site (which is for sale) and eight parcels owned by Smyrna Ready Mix (which are not for sale).

Derek Lisle, co-partner with Michael Young of Nashville-based Cottingham Partners, says that if the rumblings regarding the potential redevelopment of the Neuhoff property are “anywhere close” to being accurate, it could be a “game changer for the entire area,” potentially spurring the redevelopment of various parcels within the aforementioned footprint, and beyond.

John Tirrill agrees. The managing partner of Atlanta-based SWH Partners (which continues to undertake work at Germantown’s Taylor Place), Tirrill says the eastern portion of the district is distinctive.

“What is unique,” he says, “is the size of the parcels and their proximity to the [heart of] Germantown, the Neuhoff buildings and the river.”

The energy in East Germantown elevated in late 2018, when Atlanta-based chef-restaurant owner Ford Fry announced he is targeting a summer 2019 opening for The Optimist and two sister eateries at Hammer Mill.

Then in January, an affiliate of local chef Maneet Chauhan’s Morph Hospitality Group sold a 1.75-acre property at 93 Taylor St. and adjacent to the Neuhoff site. The buyer, Neuhoff Acquisition LLC, shares an address with the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase &

DANIEL MEIGS

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‘What is unique is the size of the parcels and their proximity to the [heart of] Germantown, the Neuhoff buildings and the river.’

JOHN TIRRILL, SWH PARTNERS

Co., Nashville Business Journal reported at the time, suggesting a possible tie to the future owner of the Neuhoff property, Atlanta-based Jim Irwin of New City LLC. (Cumberland River Development Inc., comprising members of the McRedmond family, had yet to sell the Neuhoff site as of publication time, and Irwin is not disclosing details until after the deal.)

Chris Carter, founder of Atlanta-based Advantage (which is undertaking new construction of commercial buildings across Adams Street from Hammer Mill), says the reinvention focus of Germantown’s east section “needs to be not on how quickly, but how correctly over time.”

Carter also notes the importance of having multiple development entities involved in the area. Hammer Mill, for example, is spearheaded by TriBridge Residential, also of Atlanta.

Emerging urban districts “are best served with multiple developers over time filling in pieces of the puzzle,” he says.

“If you come in as a developer listening first — before you [finalize] your ideas … that works better,” Carter adds, noting the architects for the area’s projects, both current and future, benefit by designing or adaptive reusing for pedestrians and not automobiles.

Mark Hollingsworth, Nashville chapter president of global place-making message board urbanplanet.org, says both Centurion Stone (located to the north of Neuhoff) and SRM Concrete (to the south) eventually will need overhauling “in order for full reimagining of East Germantown to occur.”

“As the primary cement producer for all of the mind-bending construction happening downtown, SRM is a highly productive and profitable business,” he says. “So it will take a lot to get them to relocate. It will remain [a less than ideal visual] unless a deal can be brokered.” (The Post could not determine SRM’s long-term plans.)

“With that in mind, as well as other industrial sites located on the northern edge — like Trench Safety and Supply (which is for sale), Dash Scooters, Ace Pipe Cleaning and Lion Oil — perhaps a program could be put in place to shield the gritty factories and storage tanks by lining the streets with tall cedar trees,” Hollingsworth says. “Especially along the northern edge of Van Buren Street. Besides improving the view, the trees could provide greenery and even absorb some noise pollution between the residential and industrial neighbors.”

It is that “industrial grit” that gives East Germantown some of its character, those interviewed for this article agree.

“Save and reincorporate as best as possible,” Carter says of it.

In contrast, incorporating the Rev. Kelly Miller Smith Memorial Bridge — along which Jefferson Streets spans the river — into the reinvention of the area could be a challenge.

“I would focus on expanding and improving the design of the Cumberland River Greenway,” Tirrill says. “That could be a great neighborhood asset. The bridge is long and [doesn’t offer a comfortable walk]. Development on the east side of the Cumberland would help.

Maybe we should study the Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina, for inspiration.”

Hollingsworth says the city should consider using historical kiosks (the type utilized at the Jefferson Street Gateway to Heritage Plaza located underneath an Interstate 40 viaduct near Tennessee State University) could be useful.

“Public art could also be solicited to decorate the pillars where the bridge arches over Second Avenue North,” he says. “Since the Cumberland River Greenway goes underneath the bridge near the river, maybe a workout station similar to what is utilized where the Gulch Greenway goes under the Church Street Viaduct in the North Gulch could be installed.”

An underrated element of the future improvements to East Germantown likely could be the emergence of a key street.

Those interviewed for this article mentioned Taylor, Adams, Monroe, Second and Third.

“The key is to reconnect Adams Street, which then [doglegs and becomes] Monroe, and offers connections to downtown and the interstate,” Tirrill says.

Lisle predicts Third will become the “heart” of Germantown, as he considers it the dividing line between the historic residential district and the industrial parcels to the east. Of note, Cottingham Partners is looking to redevelop property located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Third and Jefferson.

“Third Avenue North is prime to be the new ‘main street’ within the neighborhood,” he says. “It will serve as the primary entrance into the newly developed properties in the eastern portion of Germantown, given that Second Avenue doesn’t connect directly with

NASHVILLEPOST.COM | SPRING 2019

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Jefferson Street. I expect Third Avenue to be redeveloped with buildings offering a substantial amount of ground-floor retail.

It also has the advantage of being the only Germantown street that extends all the way to Metro Center, connecting the two.”

Hollingsworth foresees Monroe Street as initially being the primary connector between the established portion of Germantown and the revitalized eastern sector. He notes Monroe will border the long-planned Germantown Union to the north and the mixed-use multi-building LC Germantown to the south, while moving east into the Neuhoff site.

“Eventually, however, Taylor Street could be equally important, as there is a planned pedestrian bridge that would span the Cumberland River between the huge River North project on the east bank and connecting on the west bank between Neuhoff and The Griff where Taylor intersects with Van Buren,” he says.

On the pedestrian bridge theme, Lisle says the fact that phase one of River North is underway makes a bridge all the more necessary.

“Having comfortable pedestrian access to all of the future development on the east side of the river will make living in Germantown even more desirable,” he says. “I also will be interested to see if more office space will be built in the neighborhood, as that will help support the existing and future retail. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a hotel as part of one of the future developments either.”

Hollingsworth believes the Germantown Union project, to be overseen by Atlanta-based TPA Group, could be as transformative as either Hammer Mill or the Neuhoff complex.

“It would seem that the developers behind Germantown

Union are moving forward,” he says of the plan for the former Goodwill Industries warehouse site bordered by Second, Taylor, Monroe and the Cumberland River Greenway and to potentially feature 400,000 square feet of office, retail and hotel space in several four- to seven-story structures. Hollingsworth points to TPA Group’s having just purchased an additional 1.1 acres at 1324 Second Ave. North.

“There is no word yet as to their plans for the [recently acquired] parcel, but it shows an overall level of commitment to something substantial between the two sites,” he says.

Hollingsworth says it will be interesting to see what Irwin has in store for Neuhoff, pointing to the fact that, in the mid-2000s, conceptual plans offered a public park and a small amphitheater.

“I would also like to see more upgrades made to Morgan Park, which sits northwest of East Germantown,” he says. “It could definitely use a more contemporary playground and dog park, as well as upgrades to the Morgan Park Recreation Center.”

Hollingsworth says that as East Germantown gains traction, Metro will need to address a riverwalk concept along the west bank of the Cumberland. A river taxi station, assuming it is built, could connect to River North to the east, as well as Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park and Boathouse Park to the south.

“Furthermore, there are at least seven other parcels located either within or near this footprint that are currently surface lots or low-level industrial sites that could be developed as well,” he says. “So there are plenty of additional development possibilities to add to the overall vibrancy of East Germantown.”

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TECHIE

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Sashank Purighalla BOS Framework founder wants to overhaul software development

Sashank Purighalla launched BOS Framework in Nashville last year after scouting a number of peer cities as potential bases. With $2 million in funding from, among others, former Emma CEO Clint Smith, Andrew Goldner at GrowthX, Wes Warrington of Resolve Diagnostics and Robert Grajewski of The Wond’ry, the venture is off to a quick start. It markets standardized blocks of software — scheduling, user management and search tools, for instance — to entrepreneurs looking to build starter versions of their products that will let them go to market much more quickly than they could before.

Here’s what Purighalla told Clark Buckner of Relationary Marketing — with a few thoughts added later — shortly after receiving the tech startup of the year and innovator of the year honors at the NTC Awards in late January.

BOS IS A revolutionary software framework that helps build practically any web or mobile application 70-percent faster and helps reduce costs for the life of the product. It’s a new framework that’s not just accelerating software development.

It leapfrogs a large portion of what was otherwise considered mandatory development.

We’ve identified the 70 percent of the common-sense functionality that belongs in every single software and that people do over and over but never do right the first time. We’re making sure that they have access to it in a manner where they can use it with any technology and any application.

One thing I’ve seen is, whether I was working at a startup as a software developer or as a CTO in a very large corporation or anything in between, the problems we were trying to solve over two decades were really not different.

I’ve found that software itself is not engineering – I feel that the term ‘software engineering’ is an oxymoron. Software lacks the discipline that traditional engineering offers. For instance, the same programmer that develops the same thing two times does it differently. For companies that build software at scale, this makes software development incredibly inefficient and expensive. This is a huge problem and BOS Framework fixes it.

ERIC ENGLAND

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Ripple effects What Amazon will do to Nashville’s tech scene — and what it definitely won’t

BY GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

ovember’s news that Amazon plans to hire 5,000 people for an operations hub in the Nashville Yards project downtown was met primarily with elation. Here, after all, was one of the world’s biggest companies lauding Music City’s vibrancy, talent pool and business-friendly policies. The announcement also came with a fair share of angst, though — about the stress Amazon would put on the city’s infrastructure and housing costs and just how many millions in incentives Metro and the state will pony up.

Most of those discussions will take years to wrap up and Amazon execs’ decision in February to pull back from its HQ2 plans in New York City understandably set tongues wagging about how many more jobs the company might bring to Nashville. More to come, maybe, on that front.

For those in Nashville’s fast-growing tech sector, meanwhile, the angst has focused on the potential for Amazon to be the bull in its china shop. There’s no arguing Amazon will be a long-term game changer for IT in Middle Tennessee. But what does its arrival mean in the short and medium terms for its tech peers? And which fears will likely prove to be unfounded? We thought it over, asked around and came up with these four ideas.

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Amazon’s future home along Church Street

Amazon will not pillage Middle Tennessee’s small and mid-sized tech companies like a Viking job raider.

The e-commerce and tech giant has given itself seven years to keep its 5,000-job promise. Of that number, “only” somewhere between 1,000 and 1,750 are expected to be pure IT jobs; the others will be operations and administrative positions that have to be part of a presence as prominent as Amazon will have in Nashville Yards. Company officials are counting on hiring between 400 and 600 people in their first year here.

Put simply: The majority of those jobs will not come from the Nashville area. Amazon has the appeal and clout to recruit from anywhere in the world and Nashville’s ascent into the national and global consciousness is helping broaden the already-big talent pool available to its recruiters.

“In sitting down with us, Amazon’s people have said they don’t want to wreak havoc on the existing market,” says Greater Nashville Technology Council CEO Brian Moyer, who is ballparking that only about a fifth of Amazon’s future workforce is already in Middle Tennessee.

“They want to be part of the solution.”

By and large, says Christel Alvarez of Elevation Search Solutions, Amazon also won’t be terribly interested in many developers or other techies from area startups or up-and-comers.

She adds that the feeling will be mostly mutual: Many of the people who have cast their lot with promising young firms are in it in large part for the experience of being part of a tight-knit team building something. They aren’t (yet) ready to sign up with a corporate behemoth such as Amazon, even if doing so comes with a decent raise.

Take that thought one step further: Worker flows involving Amazon won’t be one-directional for long. Steve Proctor, who led the team that sold e-commerce software developer Edgenet to Chicago-based Syndigo early this year, says exciting local ventures will soon be able to pick off entrepreneurially-minded top talent from Amazon.

Amazon will put Nashville on the short list for even more bright young graduates.

The competition among cities to lure big employers goes hand in hand with the battle for

GRESHAM SMITH

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TECHIE

talent, particularly recent college grads who often have their pick of destinations. It’s a fight that Nashville has been winning handily for years over its peer cities — fellow boomtown and eternal rival Austin, Texas, excepted.

The virtuous cycle started two decades ago with the Titans and the Predators at its core. This decade, it continued with the ‘Nashville’ TV show and the “It City” moniker while welcoming businesses such as UBS and Eventbrite. Those firms were followed by Lyft and Houzz before we welcomed the big fish that are Philips and AllianceBernstein — combined, they will soon employ nearly 2,000 people here — as well as Amazon.

Few of those companies’ leaders would have made their calls if Middle Tennessee didn’t consistently show itself to be a magnet for skilled young employees. For them, that track record makes it a whole lot easier to recruit — be it locals or those wanting to join thousands of their peers in an up-and-coming city. Adding Amazon as an employment option? Expect the demographic wave to grow taller still.

‘A lot of the bigger companies know what’s coming.’

BRIAN HOPPES

‘It’ll expose weak cultures — and that’s good.’

STEVE PROCTOR

Amazon will make it even easier to market Middle Tennessee as a great place for logistics and e-commerce.

If you’ve ever spent 10 minutes talking about Greater Nashville with a local economic development official or veteran commercial real estate pro, you’ll have heard about the logistics advantages the region has. You’ll have been told that we live in that rare city at the crossroads of three interstates, have a growing network of air connections and are within a day’s drive of a majority of the country’s population. All that makes us very attractive to a lot of companies in the business of moving goods for themselves or others.

That has, over the years, let Middle Tennessee build a thriving — albeit by its nature somewhat invisible — sector around its shipping, logistics and supply chain expertise. Among the prominent names in that group are warehouse owner Ozburn-Hessey Logistics (now Geodis) and truckers such as Averitt Express and Western Express, many of which are linked to the region’s massive automotive sector managing just-in-time inventory systems and intricate supplier networks.

Also worth considering is the e-commerce talent embedded at retailers such as Dollar

General, which has 15,000 stores, as well as Tractor Supply (1,700 stores) and Genesco (1,500 locations). Those companies have been competing against Amazon for years, building stout online sales operations, honing efficiencies and gaining customer insights.

Don’t doubt that Amazon’s team — led by former local ECD pro Holly Sullivan — got to know very quickly how deep this region’s supply chain heritage runs. And consider that Amazon will provide a much more public face to this behind-the-scenes part of the region’s economy. It will quickly become a billboard for Nashville as an e-commerce hub.

Amazon will make life more difficult — and expensive — for some of the region’s big names.

A number of Middle Tennessee’s bluest of blue chips — many of the companies mentioned above as well as the likes of AT&T, Nissan and Bridgestone — may have the most to fear from Amazon weaving itself into the region’s economy.

As the e-commerce giant rounds out its Nashville team of senior executives and the people reporting directly to them, it will become a very attractive destination for middle and upper-middle managers now at established local corporations. Think of the upcoming director or VP — in finance, legal or operations — rounding out her skills and biding her time as the boss nears retirement: Her next big move could be four or five years away but jumping to Amazon would slash or altogether eliminate that waiting period.

“A lot of the bigger companies know what’s coming,” says Elevation CEO Brian Hoppes.

“They’re building their bench strength now.”

Those efforts could have a massive positive domino effect, Hoppes says. As the region’s top employers invest more in the people they see as valuable future contributors, salary, benefits and training practices could get acrossthe-board upgrades that help a larger number of workers. That will push competitors to step up their game.

“It’ll expose weak cultures — and that’s good,” Proctor says.

Competition that makes everyone better?

That will only cement Nashville’s reputation as a place to consider for the next Amazon-type team looking for a home for thousands of jobs.

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PROMISING P AT H Middle Tennessee State University and the Tech Council last fall released the first “State of Middle Tennessee Tech” report, which was authored by Amy Harris, an MTSU associate professor of information systems and analytics.

Here are a few highlights.

Forging ahead A then-and-now look at the Tech Council’s top goals

BY GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

decade ago, the Greater Nashville A Technology Council (then still without the first word in its name) was marking its 10th birthday as the economy was working its way through a stinging downturn.

In taking stock for the group’s next marketing plan, then-President Tod Fetherling’s SWOT analysis listed two items, awareness and industry representation, under both strengths and weaknesses. You could look at it as getting a “good but can do better” comment on your report card.

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The group’s membership, Fetherling said, needed to better include small businesses and aspiring innovators — the Nashville Entrepreneur Center was still more than a year away from opening its doors at its first home at 105 Broadway — while also growing into emerging industry sectors such as programming and digital media. Community feedback, meanwhile, said the Tech Council team should focus on standing out from other industry associations by becoming the true voice for tech in Middle Tennessee and building out its lineup of conferences and other events.

“Our research told us the Technology Council had become ‘old and stodgy,’” Fetherling, now CEO of Perception Health, tells the Post. “We knew we had to rethink and rebrand what we were doing and expand our reach or we’d get lost in the shuffle.”

A number of other groups and initiatives were claiming similar ground, Fetherling wrote, but the Tech Council had the opportunity to strengthen its role as the hub of a sector that would help lead Nashville out of the recession.

30%

Employment growth in the region’s tech sector from 2012 to 2017 to more than 46,000, doubling the overall area’s job growth rate

$71,370 The median pay for area tech jobs, which is about 13% less than that of the national tech sector

16%

Growth in tech jobs through 2022, 7 points faster than the region overall

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FAST FORWARD to the end of the Tech

Council’s second decade and many of Fetherling’s points have proved to be solid guide signs. Coming out of the Great Recession, workforce development quickly rose to the top of the local tech sector’s priorities. Broader recruitment initiatives launched before Nashville took on the It City tag faded but the Tech Council team under former President and CEO Bryan Huddleston and current leader Brian Moyer has kept its focus firmly on marketing Middle Tennessee as a rising tech center looking for skilled labor. (Last summer, the council launched Apprenti TN, the state’s first tech apprenticeship program.) That has helped flesh out the region’s workforce while

also contributing to the growth of education programs at area universities as well as the Nashville Software School.

Going back to the industry representation message Fetherling pushed a decade ago, Moyer and his team have leaned into the Nashville area’s long history as a home for creative talent by crafting a “creative tech” message that incorporates both traditional IT roles as well as analytical positions and skill sets tailored to the entertainment sector and other industries.

And in an era where a booming Nashville economy has made it a cinch to fill your calendar with events of all kinds, the Tech Council’s lineup of major conferences and gatherings collectively gathered more than

2,000 participants last year. On the advocacy side, the group launched a formal state government lobbying effort three years ago, spurred in part by legislators’ adoption of a software-as-a-service tax.

But workforce development remains atop the priority list for Moyer and his team, who have set their sights on doubling the region’s 46,000-strong tech workforce by 2025.

“It’s a big, hairy, audacious goal and it will take a coordinated effort,” Moyer says, ticking off K-12 and nontraditional education pushes as well as recruiting better and growing Nashville’s startup scene as factors. “These are longterm initiatives and it will take all of them to hit our goal.”

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THE RULES

Driving Interoperability Health IT regulators have some mandatory reading for health care pros

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT of Health and Human Services late last year issued a draft strategy mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act surrounding a key component that will help drive the future of health care for decades to come: interoperability among electronic health records.

A major issue surrounding today’s health care industry is the regulatory and administrative burden of using electronic systems to document patient health records. In fact, administrative cost increases in hospitals have been a major factor in rising health care costs.

In the past 60 years, they’ve increased at three times the rate of inflation and make up 25 percent of hospital budgets. Although EHRs play a valuable role in providing better care, they can be burdensome to providers, particularly when they don’t connect well with other systems. The report from The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information

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Technology aims to provide strategies to create a health IT infrastructure that is both intuitive and functional.

The draft is required reading for everyone within the health care industry and went through a public comment process that ended in late January.

It concluded by setting out three goals designed to strengthen interoperability within EHRs: • Reduce the effort and time required to record health information in EHRs for clinicians • Cut the effort and time needed to meet regulatory reporting requirements for clinicians, hospitals and other health care organizations • Improve the functionality and ease of use of EHRs As far as implementing the strategies on a local level, Alisa Chestler, a shareholder at Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, thinks the sentiments outlined in the

report are innovations already underway in Nashville — specifically its call for the specialization of EHRs. “The government spent a lot of time realizing the one-size-fits-all strategy is not going to work,” Chestler said. “It shows an appreciation for a lot of what the smaller companies [in Nashville] are doing.”

Nashville is home to several niche health IT startups that have been capitalizing on technology like blockchain and artificial intelligence to locally increase the efficiency of EHRs as well as other issues the health care industry faces.

All in all, Chestler said the government has accurately outlined what industry players can expect from health IT regulations in the future.

“They do need to read this because the next decade of health IT and the way the government is going to look at it is contained in here,” she said. > KARA HARTNET T

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Schooling sensitivity Many of Tennessee’s dentists don’t follow continuing education rules

BY KARA HARTNETT

early half of Tennessee’s dental professionals aren’t meeting their continuing education requirements, and the reason why may be the delicate interplay between incentives and penalties.

In the last six months of 2018, only 58 percent of dentists audited by the Department of Health’s Board of Dentistry were in compliance with their continuing education requirements, and that doesn’t include the various dental hygienists and assistants who have followed suit. If that number is representative of all active dental licenses in Tennessee, more than 8,000 providers today lack sufficient continuing education.

During the last six months, the number of dental professionals cited for not meeting their CE mandates climbed 65 percent. From July to December, the Board of Dentistry fined 92 dental professionals across the state a collective $27,850 — which was only $2,300 shy of 2017’s full-year total. Overall, there was a 37 percent increase in 2018 in dental professionals not completing their CE mandate.

In order to hold a dental license, professionals have to maintain a certain level of CE credits that help them keep up with best practices, train for various procedures and overall ensure they are best able to care for patients.

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Sarah Thiel, CEO of CE Zoom, a national organization that organizes and tracks continuing education mandates, says Tennessee’s rules aren’t as complicated as other states. Dentists here are required to amass 40 hours of CE credits during a two-year cycle, dental hygienists are required to fulfill 30 — up to half of those can be taken online — and dental assistants must fulfill 24. All categories of workers must keep a current CPR card and serve two of their required hours studying controlled substances or chemical dependency — no small matter given the rise of opioid dependency in recent years; a December report in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adolescents who get their first opioid prescription from a dentist or oral surgeon are at greater risk of falling victim to addiction.

The CE shortfall is not an accessibility problem. Dental professionals can take privately and publicly funded courses and there are alternative options such as attending government dental meetings, publishing research or teaching a CE course. Some courses are offered online, others are in-person in weekend or one-day time slots, at conventions and conferences and as onsite job training.

There is also a mass program, organized by the Tennessee Dental Association, that comes to Nashville once a year with a wide range of fairly priced classes.

Cost also isn’t a stumbling block. The cost of CE courses averages $40 per credit — although more specialized instruction can cost upward of $25,000 — and there are some travel costs to consider. At some larger or company-owned practices, dentists may receive stipends and onsite training that can count toward their hours without having to spend a dime. (Dental hygienists and assistants often do not receive the same financial aid.)

So why are so many dentists not complying with the rules? According to Thiel, most state boards — often staffed by volunteers from the industry — simply ask providers to sign a paper verifying they completed their hours, without having to submit proof. To increase accountability for meeting the CE requirements, the Board of Dentistry throughout the year conducts audits requiring providers to show proof of their participation in courses.

Dentists with sedation or anesthesia permits are required to complete additional CE hours

‘I don’t think dentists think they are going to get audited.’

SARAH THIEL, CE ZOOM

and 100 percent of such permit holders are audited each month. For all other dental professionals, the audits are conducted at random.

“Honestly, I don’t think dentists think they are going to get audited. So they just don’t do it,” Thiel said. “They think they are going to get away with it, without actually having to do it.”

The board sanctions professionals found to not have completed their CE hours with a fine: $150 for dental assistants, $300 for dental hygienists and $600 for dentists, with exceptions for dentists who hold specialty licenses. At the average $40 cost to take a credit hour, the ballpark cost to comply with the state’s CE mandate over two years is $1,600 — substantially higher than the fine for not completing them.

In fact, even the maximum civil penalty a provider can receive, $1,000, is less expensive than fulfilling the mandated hours.

Put simply: A $600 fine actually motivates dentists to do nothing — at a discount of more than 60 percent versus the cost of two years of education.

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Your guide to Nashville’s social scene

New methods, new measures

march 2018

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JANUARY 2018

Several calls and voicemails to Board of Dentistry President Katherine Hall asking for comment on this story went unanswered. The executive director of the board, Dea Smith, declined to be interviewed.

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Thiel said that dental professionals in other states may get their licenses suspended or be placed on probation until they make up their CE credits.

“They do get fined, but then they lose their license,” Thiel countered when asked about the perverse incentive to not keep up with CE regulations. “They can’t practice now that they are not in compliance. They have to get those CE courses eventually, regardless.”

That does not appear to be the case in Tennessee. During the last three years, no dentists have had their licenses suspended, surrendered or revoked for continuing education violations. During that same time span, one dental hygienist and three dental assistants voluntarily surrendered their licenses, one dental assistant was suspended and two dental assistants had their licenses revoked.

In fact, only a few professionals have since 2016 had their licenses formally reprimanded, which by the board’s definition means “a written action issue for one time and less severe violations.”

Other Tennessee professional license holders face stiffer penalties, including two that lag dentistry when it comes to the number of CE shortfall citations.

The Board of Medical Examiners, which has similar continuing education mandates as the Board of Dentistry, issues fines of upwards of $4,000 per violation. And the board overseeing massage therapists, who are responsible for half

the CE mandate of dentists, has issued fines nearing $1,300.

Tennessee’s dentistry board last summer began using CE Broker, software that tracks providers’ continuing education activity.

The system not only helps the board ensure compliance but also helps providers, at no cost, find board-approved courses to take.

Using CE Broker is currently not mandatory for dental professionals.

Since CE Broker’s debut, civil penalties issued by the board have risen considerably. (See chart.) The best comparison between dental professionals and other health care professionals regarding CE credits can be seen in last October’s disciplinary action report: Whereas 65 dental professionals — 18 dentists, six dental hygienists and 41 dental assistants — were found to be out of compliance, the board with the second-highest number of CE sanctions, massage licensure, issued just 15.

Another recent development on this front: At the beginning of this year — several weeks into the Post’s endeavor to interview a representative from the board of dentistry — the Department of Health’s disciplinary action report featured a new section in the action plans for all dental professionals who don’t comply with their CE mandates: They must provide proof the hours have been made up. Previously, that measure was used only in special cases, typically when a licensed provider failed to respond to an initial audit.

Including such an action plan has been common practice by other boards under the purview of the Department of Health.

A call to the Board of Dentistry to ask what prompted the move wasn’t returned prior to our print deadlines.

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In October, 65 dental professionals were found to be out of compliance with CE standards.

The Department of Health board with the nexthighest number of sanctions issued just 15.

LOSING CREDIT The group overseeing Tennessee’s dentists issued nearly 40 percent more disciplinary actions related to continuing education last year than it did in 2017. The average penalty was a mere $305 — basically the cost of a few hours of continuing education.

Source: Tennessee Board of Dentistry

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$20,000 ACTIONS

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FINES LEVIED $15,000

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Michael Genovese CMO of Acadia Healthcare The retail industry has seen a great deal of success with personalization and customization. Retailers realize that not all consumers want or need the same thing. It may seem like an odd analogy, but I believe the field of psychiatry — specifically addiction treatment — needs to provide care in the same way, offering a variety of treatment protocols to fit the patient’s unique needs. Another best practice the health care industry can learn from retail is rewards programs. Designing programs that promote healthy behaviors can empower patients to take charge of their well-being proactively and even reduce chronic illness.

Back to school

Michele Mayes Senior VP of Consulting of Quorum Health Think about the airline industry. Air travel has consistently become one of the safest, most reliable forms of transportation. Each flight has the potential for catastrophic failure; yet most have error-free performances. So how can we apply the aviation industry’s safety-driven efforts to patient safety? High-reliability organizations must commit to safety at the highest level and adopt a special approach to its pursuit. To really advance patient safety, hospitals need an organization-wide focus on quality and shared governance on accountability, process improvement and Lean health care.

Health care pros talk about what their world can learn from other industries he list of outsiders looking to break into health care with the next big idea is long and growing. But those leading and advising health care organizations have their eyes open and heads up, too. Post reporter Kara Hartnett reached out to seasoned experts from many parts of the Nashville health care landscape — IT, finance and marketing pros as well as providers — to drill down on some specific approaches that would make the system work better. Here’s what they told her.

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Scott Kozicki CEO mentor and advisor My answer might seem glib but it’s succinct: Everything and nothing. Health care is woefully behind in the way that it leverages best practices from other industries. It’s woefully behind in even leveraging best practices within the health care industry, not just across the globe, but even within the same market. That’s because health care doesn’t work like other industries. It works the way that it does in the U.S. because it is constructed of competitive silos, misaligned incentives and active thwarting of citizen involvement and control. Best practices from other industries are not easily portable into the health care market for this reason.

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Reed Omary Professor at VUMC and Vanderbilt School of Medicine Our patients shared their appreciation for simple registration processes at restaurants and hotels that check them in with text messages. Mimicking that design, Dr. Daniel Fabbri and Joseph Coco at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed an easy-to-use text messaging approach for patients to check in for their appointments at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

Brian Fengler CEO and CMO of EvidenceCare I am passionate about football. One of the things that amazes me is the delicate dance between the quarterback and his receiver. My business, and health care in general, can learn from the no-look pass perfected by NFL’s finest.

First and foremost, mastering the no-look pass requires trust between the passer and the receiver. Transparency and a deep understanding of the play is vital. And both people understanding and respecting one another’s role is essential to execution. I believe health care will thrive when providers, hospital leaders, payers and patients can master the no-look pass.

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VITALS

David Frederiksen CEO of PatientFocus

Chuck Byrge President and CEO of Harpeth Capital The evolution and adoption of high-deductible plans and increasing focus on the patient responsibility portion of payment has created a massive collections issue for health systems. As a result, consumerism and health care IT are front and center.

Companies like MDsave are finally allowing consumers to shop, compare and purchase health care services much like they would any other product, saving 40 percent to 60 percent in the process and with full knowledge upfront of the total costs of the service — i.e. no surprise follow-on bills months after the event. With consumers largely paying out of pocket, there is more demand than ever to know the actual and total costs of health care services.

“My medical bill was complete and easy to understand,” said no one, ever.

Health care would do well to take a page from online retailers’ playbook.

Amazon is able to tell its customers — anywhere in the world and on their smartphone — how much their purchase cost, how much shipping/handling was added, if the item was taxed and when it shipped. Simply informing a patient that a bill will be coming sets expectations and dramatically increases the likelihood of payment.

With even President Trump tweeting about “surprise medical bills,” we need to do more to help patients 1) understand they will be billed for their care and 2) prepare those bills in a way that a non-doctor, non-coding specialist and non-mindreader might be able to understand.

Amber Sims Chief Strategy Officer of Ascension Saint Thomas The health care industry is going through a transformation driven by patients seeking high-quality, affordable care with the same ease of access that they have grown accustomed to in other aspects of their lives. Health providers can offer medical services not just in the traditional doctor’s office and hospital settings, but in more convenient ways that meet consumers where they live and work. We have responded by adding integrated care centers across the region, designed with a foundation of primary care, with access to specialists, on-site lab testing and diagnostic services, all under one roof, close to home. In addition, we are working to develop completely new models of care by drawing on insights from other industries and engaging consumers to learn how they want to manage their total health.

Rosemary Plorin President and CEO of Lovell Communications Disney World manages to store personal and financial information in a secure manner so guests can use an app and a magic armband to make purchases, check in for appointments, order meals, unlock doors, check wait times, arrange transportation and ship purchases internationally. In my personal experience, the band worked flawlessly in dozens of buildings, across hundreds of acres — even from the center of Splash Mountain. Not once did anyone have to shout my name across a crowded waiting room or blackout my personal information on a clipboard once I arrived for an appointment. Every industry can learn something from Disney.

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FINANCE

Deals for deposits There’s more growth to be had for Middle Tennessee’s ambitious bankers

BY GEERT DE LOMBAERDE

eVan Ard is in the catbird seat.

The chairman and CEO of Reliant Bancorp was able to tell analysts and investors on his team’s most recent conference call that the Brentwood-based bank holding company can continue to rev its growth engine without having to worry much about where the fuel will come from.

“The forecasted growth rates that we have — at least for the next 12 months anyway — are not constrained by the funding side,” Ard said in late January. “We actually grew [low-cost deposit accounts] at a faster pace in the fourth quarter than we grew loans. Now, it’s not as cheap as it has been, but […] I think we’ve still got an opportunity to grow deposits.”

Ard and his team entered 2019 reaping the rewards of a few strategic moves executed in the past two years. At the end of 2017, they completed their $59 million purchase of Community First. Last year, they converted loan offices in Murfreesboro and Chattanooga to full-service branches. Both pushes are giving Reliant, which now has about $1.7 billion in assets and runs offices in eight Tennessee counties, a big boost on the deposit side: The bank finished 2018 with about $215 million more in deposits than it had loans on its books and with momentum in two newish markets to grow that gap.

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Several other Middle Tennessee banks have made similar moves of late: • FB Financial, the parent of FirstBank, is preparing to close on the acquisition of 14 branches in the Chattanooga area and in East Tennessee from Atlantic Capital Bancshares.

The deal will bring the downtown-based holding company $600 million in deposits and $400 million in loans.

• The leaders of CapStar Financial Holdings also looked southeast in a quest to add lowcost deposits. The bank last fall completed its $114 million purchase of Athens Bancshares, which ran a string of branches along Interstate 75 between Chattanooga and Knoxville — and had $422 million in deposits versus

‘Nashville’s going to be a little tougher to gather deposits.’

RON ANDERSON, CAPSTAR

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FINANCE

ROOM TO MOVE

‘Our degree of optimism is no different than it was two years ago.’

AARON DORN, STUDIO BANK

The region’s larger community banks finished last year with a deposit cushion that lets them capitalize on the loan growth opportunities in Nashville’s still-strong economy.

FB Financial

DEPOSITS

SURPLUS TO LOANS

$4.17B

14%

CapStar $1.57B 14% Reliant $1.44B 18% Franklin Financial

$3.43B

29%

Source: Company Q4 filings

$335 million in loans. By the time the bank reported fourth-quarter results, the benefits were already becoming clear: Rather than having to pay up for deposits like many of its peers, CapStar can lean on its new holding for cheaper funding and goose its margins.

“Nashville’s going to be a little tougher to gather deposits,” CFO Rob Anderson told analysts and investors in late January. “We’ll look to our Athens friends for some help on that.”

• Closer to home, Franklin Financial Network last year completed its purchase of Civic Bank & Trust, which also delivered far more deposits than loans. Chairman, President and CEO Kevin Herrington and his team had struck their deal in late 2015 as a way to help fuel loan growth at Franklin Synergy Bank but were waylaid by regulators’ concerns about the lender’s processes.

At this point in the economic cycle, growing deposits is often a banker’s top priority. A BankDirector survey of nearly 200 executives and directors conducted late last year had “deposit base” at the top of the list in factors deemed highly important when thinking about buying another bank. At 71 percent, the share of respondents pointing to deposits outranked the next — branch locations in attractive markets — by 18 points

Still gunning for growth A key factor underlying all of those acquisitions and many others among community and mid-sized banks: There’s still plenty of loan growth to be had around here. Even CapStar — where CEO Claire Tucker and Anderson have consistently said that they are being more cautious where they see other banks jumping

at deals with aggressive pricing and terms — sees 2019 loan growth being around 10 percent. Nashville’s growth spurt, which saw its GDP surge 23 percent from 2014 to 2017, shows few signs of ending and will be sustained by, among other things, the arrival of hundreds of jobs at future AllianceBernstein and Amazon offices downtown.

“I don’t see why Nashville can’t do better” than other cities during the next downturn, says Aaron Dorn, founder and CEO of Studio Bank, which opened its doors in The Gulch last year. “A softer landing will help Nashville’s attractiveness. Our degree of optimism is no different than it was two years ago.”

Dorn and his team aren’t relying much on deposit pricing as Studio gets up and running.

Much like Avenue Bank more than a decade ago — Dorn was part of that lender’s launch team, too — they are looking to recruit entrepreneurs and business owners from Nashville’s creative industries with a pitch that emphasizes community and convenience as much as a good deal. Dorn says the Nashville-area market is still ripe for consolidation, adding that he has the same growth goals for Studio today as he did when he began planning its launch in 2017.

Among the region’s larger players, a few clear market-share winners have emerged in recent years. Pinnacle Financial Partners — which took top spot in Middle Tennessee’s deposit market share rankings for the first time in 2018 — and First Tennessee Bank combined to gain 6.3 percentage points of share from mid-2016 to last summer. By comparison, the Big Three of previous market leader Bank of America as well as Regions and SunTrust lost nearly five points of share in those two years.

First Tennessee’s regional operation has doubled its loan and deposit portfolios in the past four years. Buying Capital Bank’s parent company has contributed but President Carol Yochem also has recruited plenty of senior talent, including a music industry group led

by Andrew Kintz she says has “done wonders for loan production.” Moves such as those, she says, have made the bank’s growth here a model for other markets where First Tennessee isn’t top dog.

“Prices are a component of winning clients’ business,” says Yochem, who took her role five years ago, about the battle for deposits. “But what about other services?”

Those other services — the things that cement relationships and make customers so sticky that they don’t even think of leaving — are likely to soon become even more vital to lenders’ success. The Federal Reserve’s string of benchmark interest rate raises (along with the Trump administration’s corporate tax cuts) last year helped juice bank profits. Lenders were able to quickly adjust what they charge on loans while taking more time to lift their deposit rates. But the Fed is now seen as being in pause mode, which will lead lenders’ cost of funds to catch up to loan yields, crimping profit growth.

Similarly, loan growth could soon be at a premium since the next big economic cycle shift is likely to be toward slow GDP growth or a recession. That scenario won’t be good for any bank’s valuation and may push more bank boards to have more serious conversations about selling. In those talks, look for those with stronger deposit bases to continue to have an edge.

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MAKERS

Budding plant problems?

Manufacturers see sales growth, but worker shortages and political uncertainty remain open questions

BY STEPHEN ELLIOTT

anufacturers around the country expect more growth this year, according to a recent survey from local accounting firm LBMC, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t doubts to manage. Business leaders cite political uncertainty and a limited workforce as they cautiously predict a rosy future.

LBMC surveyed 350 manufacturing executives, a whopping 81 percent of whom said they expected revenues to rise in 2019. Half of those execs said organic growth in the United States would be their primary opportunity to increase sales.

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“Looking ahead, manufacturers expect raw materials, labor costs, lack of available talent and competition to be significant hurdles in 2019,” says John Mark McDougal, LBMC’s manufacturing industry leader.

According to LBMC, manufacturers’ optimism about the economy has increased by more than 12 points over the past two years.

But another study, conducted by Middle Tennessee State University and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, finds a bleaker outlook. Their Business Barometer Index, a survey of 77 business leaders around the state, dropped from 525 in October 2018 to 355 in January. That was the lowest number since before the 2016 presidential election.

“Even though perceptions of the current economy remain relatively steady, expectations for the future economy as well as for individual firms/businesses have fallen,” says MTSU marketing professor Tim Graeff. “The reason for this drop can be summed up in one word — uncertainty.”

The employers surveyed by MTSU cited uncertainty around the newly elected Congress, apprehension about potential tax increases and fears of greater governmental regulation as reasons to remain wary of future econom-

ic prospects. And while concerns about the economy have risen dramatically in just a few months, there were still more than twice as many business leaders with positive views of the economy than those with negative views.

The workforce problems cited in the LBMC survey were among new Gov. Bill Lee’s most frequent talking points on last year’s campaign trail. He said the state needed to shift from encouraging every high school student to attend a four-year college to encouraging a variety of different workforce training programs. Though he also has emphasized opioid abuse, rural development and criminal justice reform, he picked vocational education for his first legislative push shortly after taking over the job earlier this year.

His proposed program, dubbed the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education, would use lottery funds to double the number of dual-enrollment courses high school juniors and seniors can take. Additionally, it would engage regional partnerships between businesses, governmental entities, schools and nonprofit organizations to offer apprenticeship and other training opportunities.

“Expanding our vocational and technical offerings will be transformational for Tennesseans and the future of our state,” Lee said in early February. “We have the opportunity to help students discover quality career paths and gain skills that are needed right now in the workforce by emphasizing career and technical education.”

Republicans aren’t the only ones trying to build a skilled workforce in Tennessee. Katrina Robinson, a freshman Democratic senator from Memphis, introduced a bill early this year that would expand technical education opportunities to sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

“In addition to the great opportunities our students would experience comes a boost to Tennessee’s workforce,” Robinson said at the time. “With these changes, we’d have a more capable and better trained workforce that would propel our state to new levels.”

A broad emphasis on workforce development could assuage some of the fears of the manufacturing executives polled by LBMC. More than half of them said the labor shortage is their greatest barrier to growth — just as more than half expect to add to their payrolls.

Something has to give.

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INDEX

A-D

Clark Vitulli 18

John Fleming 68

Quorum Health 82

Community First 84

John Mark McDougal 86

Rachel Freeman 14

Cottingham Partners 70

John Mathieson 69

Rebecca Ryan 16

Aaron Dorn 85

Cumberland River Greenway 70

John Tirrill 70

Reed Omary 82

Acadia Healthcare 82

Czann’s 23

Katrina Robinson 86

Reliant Bank 84

Advantage 71

Darrell Freeman 18

Kevin Herrington 85

Renaissance Nashville Hotel 68

Alex Tolbert 11

David Frederiksen 83

LBMC 86

Rob Anderson 85

Alisa Chestler 78

Derek Lisle 70

Linus Hall 22

Rosemary Plorin 83

AllianceBernstein 75, 85

DeVan Ard 84

Lipman 24

Amazon 74, 83, 85

Dollar General 75

Little Harpeth Brewing 23

Amber Sims 83 Amy Harris 76 Andrew Kintz 85

E-M

S-Z

Lovell Communications 83 Lyft 75 Madison 28, 70

Sarah Thiel 79

Marathon Village 23

Sashank Purighalla 73

East Germantown 70

Mark Hollingsworth 71

Scott Mertie 88

Edgenet 74

Michael Genovese 82

Scott Kozicki 82

Elevation Search Solutions 12, 74

Michael Young 70

Scott Pohlman 18

Eventbrite 75

Michele Mayes 82

Sexual Assault Center 14

EvidenceCare 82

Middle Tennessee State University 76, 86

Stephen Scott 20

FB Financial 84

Barry Walker 23

Fifth + Broadway 68

Music City Brewers 23

Bernard Health 11

First Tennessee Bank 85

Music City Center 69

Bill Lee 86

Ford Fry 70

Music City Chief Executives 18

Black Abbey Brewing 24

Franklin Synergy Bank 85

Board of Dentistry 79

Genesco 75

Board of Medical Examiners 80

Geodis 75

Boscos 23

Germantown 28, 70

Apprenti TN 77 Ascension Saint Thomas 83 Averitt Express 75 Bailey Southwell & Co. 20 Bailey Spaulding 24 Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz 78

BOS Framework 73

Germantown Union 70

Brian Fengler 82

Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education 86

Brian Hoppes 75

Steve Proctor 74 Studio Bank 85 SunTrust 18, 85 SWH Partners 70 Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry 86

N-R

Tennessee Dental Association 79 The Gulch 26, 85 Tim Graeff 86

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 16

Tod Fetherling 76

Nashville Brewing 88

Tom Boyer 68

Brian Moyer 74, 77

Greater Nashville Technology Council 74, 77

Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. 67, 69

Bryan Huddleston 77

Hammer Mill 70

Nashville Entrepreneur Center 76

Butch Spyridon 69

Hap & Harry’s 26

Nashville Software School 77

CapStar Financial Holdings 84

Harpeth Capital 83

Nashville Yards 68, 74

Carl Meier 24

Holly Sullivan 75

Neil McCormick 23

Carol Yochem 85

Holston House 69

Neuhoff Acquisition 70

CE Zoom 79

Houzz 75

North Nashville 67, 70

Vanderbilt University Medical Center 82

Chris Carter 71

HRI Properties 69

PatientFocus 83

Western Express 75

Christel Alvarez 12, 74

Jackalope Brewing 24

Perception Health 76

Yazoo Brewing 22

Chuck Byrge 83

Jefferson Street 70

Philips 75

Zycron 18

Claire Tucker 85

Jim Irwin 71

Pinnacle Financial Partners 85

TriBridge Residential 71 UBS 75 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 78 Vanderbilt School of Medicine 82 Vanderbilt University 23, 82

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FAVORITES

MY FAVORIT E LOC A L B EE R I DIDN’ T B REW SCOTT MERTIE, KRAFT HEALTHCARE CONSULTING

EVEN BEFORE I DRANK BEER, I collected beer cans and was fascinated with the history and the brewing process. As the owner of Nashville Brewing Co., I have been typecast as a lager guy. However, I enjoy a variety of styles, including the classic British brown porter.

At the end of 1994, a brewpub opened in Nashville called Blackstone Restaurant and Brewery. This was the first of its kind in Nashville — microbreweries were fairly new at the time and the term “craft beer” had not yet been coined. When I first tried Blackstone’s St. Charles Porter, I was blown away. This is a traditional brown porter, brewed just like they were in 19th-century England, when porters were the most popular beer.

I must not be the only one who likes the St. Charles: It has won eight medals at the Great American Beer Festival and two at the World Beer Cup, making it one of the most awarded beers in the country.

Mertie is the author of Nashville Brewing. He and Nashville Brewing Co. released their first beer, brewed and bottled at Blackstone, in late 2016. nashvillebrewing.com

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2/21/19 3:26 PM

(Left to Right): Andrew Tidwell (CFO), Don Coldren (Sr. Production Manager), Fred Thomas (Lead Superintendent), John H. Eldridge III (Founder/CEO), Austin Totty (Project Manager), and Rod Darden (Field Operations)

With more than 300 residential units, and more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space currently underway within the City Heights area of Nashville alone, E3 Construction Services has became an undeniable leader in Nashville’s real estate development scene. With the current development of six residential projects, designed to include a median-income housing element, this boutique investment/development firm has become a trailblazer within the community with its creation of diverse housing options geared to include the city’s workforce.

Through the construction of its new residential and mixed-use projects, E3 is allowing for a diverse and emerging urban neighborhood that will make a long lasting impact on the landscape of the city.

E 3 c o n t r u c t i o n s E r v i c E s. c o m

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CapStarBank.com

The best relationships start with conversations.

Which is why we invite you to sit down with one of our bankers and tell us about your financial goals. Because what’s most rewarding to us is hearing your story and helping you turn your financial goals into reality.

Whether you are looking for the right loan or trusted Treasury Management expert for your business, or the best options for your daily banking needs, we can help.

Are you banking with people who care? If not, when are you free to talk?

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