Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Nashville for 2024. The metropolitan government of the Nashville area, specifically Nashville/Davidson County, is so successful that it serves as a model for regions around the country. With both urban and residential areas, the Music City enjoys steady population growth, and many industries thrive there. Growing sectors include healthcare, education, manufacturing, financial services, business services, hospitality, and of course, music and entertainment.
In the healthcare sector, we extend our honors to Barbara Eckert, the Vice President of National Accounts of health benefits provider Cigna. With a 35-year career in strategic business relationship management, Eckertis is a dynamic leader experienced in employee benefits, healthcare delivery models, and cost management strategies.
We also celebrate the accomplishments of financial executive Terri Bolden Ward, the Vice President and Head of Office for Goldman Sachs. After leading her own advisory firm, Ward brought her talents to Goldman Sachs to lead retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, alternative assets, and private placements.
Lastly, we recognize honoree Sarah Pettigrew, the Managing Director of JLL. As a leader in professional services, Pettigrew came to her role after spending 10 years in tenant representation, bringing a unique perspective to real estate and investment management.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Nashville for 2024.
1. Jane McCurley
Chief Nurse Executive, Methodist Healthcare System
Jane McCurley was appointed Chief Nursing Officer for Methodist Hospital in 2017. Since 1963, Methodist Healthcare has continuously evolved to meet the growing needs of the greater San Antonio community. Throughout her tenure as CNO, McCurley has been responsible for effective nursing strategy deployment and the design and delivery of quality patient care. She has worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams for service line growth and was operationally responsible for several major expansion projects. She has also modeled strong leadership skills and has persuasively aligned nursing practices with the mission of the organization.
Prior to joining the executive leadership team, McCurley spent nearly 15 years serving as CNO for Las Colinas Medical Center in Irving, Texas; North Hills Hospital in North Richland, Texas; and St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas. Her most recent position was assistant chief nurse executive and vice president for HCA. In these previous roles, she was instrumental in decreasing RN turnover by creating a frontline leadership role for improved recruitment and retention of nursing staff. She also led the expansion of an intern onboarding process and a Clinical Nurse Leader Master’s Scholarship Program.
Under her leadership, McCurley has worked to consistently improve employee and physician engagement and is accredited for the hospital receiving highly-rated patient satisfaction scores. She implemented the Daisy Awards and the BEE (Being Exceptional Everyday) awards for honorees who personify Methodist Healthcare’s remarkable patient experiences. In 2019, she proudly introduced the Pickle Challenge to employees, transforming the organizational culture and promoting positivity. One of her many proud achievements is the recognition Methodist Hospital Orthopedics received as a PRISM award winner by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. McCurley earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, advanced practice nursing from Texas Christian University, and an MBA in business from Texas Woman's University.
2. Allison Maffei
Senior VP, Operations & Service Delivery, Allied Universal
Allison Maffei is the Senior Vice President of Operations and Service Delivery of Allied Universal. She first joined the company in 2018 as senior vice president and general counsel of Deposita. Allied Universal, a leading security and facility services company, provides proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow clients to focus on their core business.
Maffei is a commercial leader and experienced general counsel with a diverse background and a proven track record of developing people, disrupting staid processes, collaborating across functions, mitigating risk, and finding creative, commercially focused solutions to complex problems. Her efforts consistently drive results and revenue for the underlying business, irrespective of the industry.
Previously, Maffei was a vice president of managed services, risk360 at G4S. Before that, she was a CEO at Wear It Out Loud Women Children's Apparel Line. Earlier in her career, she worked with Richelo, Morrissey, Storss & Wright, P.C. as an associate attorney. She earned a JD from Georgia State University College of Law and an undergraduate degree in English language and literature and psychology from William & Mary.
3. Maribel Paree
Regional VP, Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Maribel Paree, Regional Vice President of Region 6 for Lowe’s, holds a vital role in driving profitable sales growth and providing strategic guidance to the store and field teams in the region. With a commendable tenure of three years in this position, Paree has been recognized for her exceptional performance by receiving the Officers of Excellence Award for the South Division in 2022.
With an extensive background in store management and operations spanning 23 years in the retail industry, Paree has garnered valuable experience. Prior to her current role, she served as the divisional pro sales director for the North Division. Throughout her career, Paree has held various leadership positions in operations, including manager and district manager. Her impressive track record and involvement in both professional and charitable organizations exemplify her as a highly accomplished and well-rounded leader in the industry.
Paree’s journey with Lowe's began in 2001 as a customer service department manager, showcasing her dedication and commitment to the company. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Paree is an active member of the N.E.W. organization and holds a position on the Executive Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity for Greater Nashville. She has previously volunteered for many years with Habitat for Humanity in Laredo, Texas, demonstrating her passion for giving back to the community.
4. Jan Neal
Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting
Jan Neal is a Managing Director at Deloitte with over 20 years of experience. She currently leads the US firms' independence policy development and standard-setting activities. Deloitte invests in outstanding people of diverse talents and backgrounds and empowers them to achieve more than they could elsewhere. Their work combines advice with action and integrity. They believe that when their clients and society are stronger, so are they.
Neal has served both external and internal clients assessing risk and controls relating to information technology, operations, and financial reporting. In this capacity, she has helped these clients assess risk, design and implement controls, evaluate process efficiencies, as well as design and test control effectiveness. For Deloitte, she performed a firm-wide evaluation of internal controls and processes while adhering to Sarbanes-Oxley section 404 guidelines and managed various projects to resolve the Segregation of Duties conflicts identified by the SAP GRC Risk Analysis and Remediation module. She worked with various levels of external client leadership and leadership across the firm.
Neal has been involved with all aspects of independence monitoring, including scope of service reviews and vendor business relationship monitoring. She worked with LCSPs and their engagement teams to understand their processes, reviewed their work papers for compliance with Firm Independence policies and SEC and PCAOB Regulations and Rules, and made recommendations to further enhance their documentation. Based on the results of the client work paper reviews, Jan also worked with Independence leadership to improve firm policies and guidance. More recently, Neal was responsible for all independence submissions to internal and external regulators, firmwide independence training, and communications. Neal graduated from Tennessee Technological University with an MBA in Management Information Systems and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
5. Amy Casseri
Senior VP, Physician Relations, Women & Children Services & Imaging, HCA
Amy Loring Casseri is a seasoned healthcare executive with a career spanning over three decades. In 2014, she embarked on her journey with HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest healthcare system. Since then, Amy has navigated through various leadership roles within HCA, eventually ascending to the position of Senior Vice President in 2020. In this pivotal role, she develops vital partnerships with healthcare providers across the spectrum, from physicians, and hospitals to EMS agencies. Amy's strategic focus extends to critical areas such as women’s and children’s health, as well as joint ventures, driving forward a standardized scalable approach that amplifies services, boost volumes, and enhances market share for HCA. Her leadership is characterized by a steadfast commitment to standardization and scale, ensuring HCA's sustained growth and success.
Prior to her tenure at HCA, Amy served as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Children’s Hospital in Colorado (CHCO), where she played an influential role not only within CHCO but also in the wider provider system in expanding the footprint. Her career also includes senior leadership positions at well-respected institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, as well as Great West and The Harvard Group. With expertise spanning strategy, business development, community, and government relations, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her leadership role.
Beyond her professional achievements, Amy is deeply engaged in community service, actively participating in various non-profit and for-profit organizations, including serving on the national board of trust for the March of Dimes. Her leadership has earned her recognition for her contributions to both the healthcare industry and the community at large.
Amy spends time with her husband, Keith, and their two children in their Nashville, Tennessee home. She enjoys traveling to their home in Costa Rica and reading. With a Jurisprudence Doctorate and a law license in Tennessee, Amy can break down complex problems with her legal insight with her deep understanding of healthcare, making her a respected and influential leader in her field.
6. Kimberley Holleman
Partner, Ernst & Young
Kimberley Holleman is a Partner at Ernst & Young. EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people, and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform, and operate.
Holleman possesses extensive skills in accounting, SOX compliance, and internal controls. Her expertise also includes financial reporting and auditing, developed over a career spanning 29 years. Holleman graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a Master of Science in Accounting.
Holleman is an active member of several prominent organizations, including the American Heart Association's Circle of Red, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and CABLE's Women on Corporate Boards, where she serves as a Corporate Board Academy Worksteam Leader. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as an advisory board member for the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Accounting and is a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs.
7. Alice Williams
VP, US Service Excellence, Schneider Electric USA
Coach as leader, Alice has had the huge privilege of leading multi-functional, complex technical teams across a variety of industries and 19 different countries over the past 15 years. Alice began her career in the British Army serving in both engineering and intelligence capacities in operations across the globe, it was here she gained her passion for leadership as a lifelong practice. Transitioning to civilian industry has allowed her to discover how skills transfer and build new skills in commercial, strategy, software, compliance, and operations in Schneider Electric – a truly global company driving sustainability through electrification and digitization.
Alice currently leads Service Excellence for Schneider Electric USA, based out of Nashville Tennessee where she lives with her husband Martyn. Her commitment to serving others as a leader means she has invested in formal training as a business and personal growth and the aspect she loves most about her work is the opportunity to support others in unlocking their potential and building future leaders
Williams graduated from Loughborough University with an MEng in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering.
8. Michelle Lewis
Managing Director, PwC
Michelle Lewis is a Managing Director in PwC’s Nashville office. At PwC, their purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. They’re a network of firms in 151 countries with over 360,000 people who are committed to delivering quality assurance, advisory, and tax services.
Lewis has nearly 15 years of experience, primarily providing tax services to closely held companies of all sizes and their owners. She works with high-net-worth families, individuals, family offices, owners of private companies, and corporate executives across a broad range of industries. She has tax planning and compliance experience serving individuals, trusts, flow-through entities, and foundations. Lewis assists her clients with a variety of tax matters, including, but not limited to, individual income tax planning, trust, estate, and gift planning, as well as charitable and general tax planning.
Lewis graduated from Bryant University with an undergraduate degree in business administration, accounting, and computer information systems.
9. Hena Shakir
VP, JPMorgan Chase
Hena Shakir is a Vice President in the Middle Market banking group of J.P. Morgan Chase, covering Southern Nevada. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America, with operations worldwide. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management.
Shakir has developed expertise working with businesses in manufacturing, distribution, media and advertising, and food and beverages. Shakir has executed complex financial solutions, including the design and implementation of international banking structures, asset-based lending solutions, acquisition financing, working capital, and term financing, and efficient treasury management platforms for private, public, and private equity-backed companies.
Shakir attended Depaul University in Chicago, graduating magna cum laude, with degrees in accountancy and finance. She is a Certified Public Accountant in Missouri. Shakir participates on the board of directors for Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. She is also an active member of the local chapters of Volunteer Leadership Group and Women on the Move within J.P. Morgan Chase.
10. Emily Taylor
Executive VP & Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar General
Emily Taylor is Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Dollar General. Dollar General is a Tennessee-based online and in-store retailer that offers products, including food and beverage, personal care, electronics, and apparel for individuals. Taylor leads the company’s merchandising, marketing, global sourcing, digital, merchandise operations, customer insights, channel innovation, and in-store experience efforts for Dollar General and its more than 18,000 stores.
Taylor joined DG in 1998 and has held roles in numerous areas within the organization, including merchandising, merchandise planning, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations. In 2014, Taylor was named senior vice president of non-consumable merchandising, where she helped create and launch the company’s non-consumable initiative. In 2019, she led the development and launch of the company’s most recent concept store, Top Shelf, as senior vice president of channel innovation.
Taylor is an active member of Women in Retail Leadership, Shoptalk, Network of Pricing Champions, Professional Pricing Society, and the Retail Industry Professionals Group. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina Asheville and a Master of Business Administration from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
11. Amber Sims
Executive VP, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Ascension
Amber Sims serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. Ascension is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit and Catholic health systems, with a mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Sims has executive responsibility for leading the development and advancement of Ascension’s strategy, as well as positioning for growth across the organization. This includes growth engine drivers, such as service lines, business development, marketing, digital experience, and positioning access channels across the portfolio for growth. She also leads Ascension’s market and enterprise-level strategy community, as well as enterprise portfolio management.
Sims joined Ascension in 2000. Since September 2020, she has served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. Previously, Sims was vice president and chief strategy officer for the Ascension Saint Thomas market in Tennessee. She served as VP of Saint Thomas Health Alliance from 2013 to 2015. Prior to 2015, she led the Tennessee market’s physician enterprise and held numerous leadership positions across the acute and ambulatory portfolio.
Sims earned a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business, Nashville, Tennessee.
12. Rosslyn Cooper
Senior VP I, Global Strategic Business Architect, ERP - Project Horizon, WSP Global Inc.
In her role as Global Business Architect, Rosslyn Cooper is responsible for leading the design committee for WSP’s Horizon program in addition to facilitating cross-functional reviews of strategic initiatives, implementing process improvements, and helping to integrate program strategies across multi-discipline initiatives. Cooper works closely with WSP’s Project Delivery, Shared Services, Business Process Optimization, and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver new business capabilities. WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms.
Having contributed to multi-region deployments of a fully integrated Oracle Cloud ERP platform over the past few years, Cooper has made a significant contribution to the design and deployment of WSP’s Global Business Platform, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of the business needs and strategic objectives. Cooper is helping to improve operational excellence through simplification and standardization of business processes. She has strong project management skills and extensive experience in the financial and commercial management of projects. She is solution-focused and experienced in Lean Six Sigma principles. She is passionate about bringing efficiency and consistency to the forefront of the ERP journey for both projects and clients.
She brings to her role a wealth of knowledge and experience in the project performance management space, having held operations, project management, and project accounting leadership roles across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand business over her past 16 years with WSP. Cooper first joined WSP in Australia in 2008 and has enjoyed a varied and exciting career during this time, including a move to Nashville, TN in 2016. She was awarded WSP USA's Business Support "Extra Mile" Award in 2019.
13. Alicia Trent
Head of GTM AI, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Alicia Trent is the Head of GTM AI at Amazon Web Services. Since 2006, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any workload.
Trent is an energetic and entrepreneurial global product line leader, bringing a unique blend of proven leadership, engineering, business development, and product management experience to the table. With strong capabilities, she excels in identifying, developing, and implementing complex interdisciplinary solutions to meet both business and customer outcomes effectively. She excels in businesses that prioritize technical innovation and have a global impact. With a keen interest in worldwide initiatives, she has a proven ability to develop solution strategies aimed at maximizing business performance.
Before joining Amazon Web Services (AWS), Trent was an executive business leader at Baker Hughes. Before that, she was a director of product management | and gas processing at GE Oil and Gas. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Georgia Institute of Technology as a research assistant. Trent has an MS in Mechanical Engineering and a BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
14. Sarah Pettigrew
Managing Director, JLL
With years of real estate experience, Sarah Pettigrew is the Managing Director of JLL, a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. She joined JLL Nashville in 2020 as a part of the Office Agency Leasing team.
Prior to 2020, Pettigrew spent 10 years focusing on tenant representation. Pettigrew’s experience brings a unique perspective to her clients, offering insight and strategy on how to maximize occupancy through tenant retention and leasing. Before working at JLL, Pettigrew served as strategic real estate advisor to all types of clients, ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to local firms. On average, she and her team closed approximately 1.5 million square feet of transactions per year. Pettigrew and her team currently have an agency leasing portfolio of 3.3 million square feet, representing Landlords in multiple submarkets and building classes.
Pettigrew started her career in 2007 as an affiliate broker at Fridrich and Clark Realty, LLC. From there, she went on to Cresa, before eventually rising to first vice president-advisory and transaction services at CBRE, her most recent position prior to joining JLL. Pettigrew graduated from The University of Mississippi University with an MS in arts and an undergraduate degree.
15. Dani Hodgkinson
Head of Learning & Channel Innovation, Construction Industries Service Division, Caterpillar Inc.
Dani Hodgkinson is the Head of Learning and Channel Innovation for the Construction Industries Service Division of Caterpillar Inc.
As a seasoned leader in the realms of customer success and enablement, Hodgkinson’s passion lies in empowering customers, partners, dealers, and employees to unlock their full potential, drive revenue growth, and reduce churn through immersive training and enablement. Her expertise spans building and leading global teams, crafting strategic blueprints for organizational growth, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Central to Hodgkinson’s zeal is the advocacy of immersive technologies and the tangible benefits of transitioning from traditional two-dimensional computing to real spatial computing. She is dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of cutting-edge technologies in enhancing user experiences and revolutionizing business operations.
16. Marcia Wright
Senior Director, Therapeutic Area & National Account Medical Leads, Medical O&A Team Lead, Pfizer
Marcia Wright is the Senior Director of Therapeutic Area and National Account Medical Leads and Medical O&A Team Lead at Pfizer. At Pfizer, they apply science and their global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. They strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of healthcare products, including innovative medicines and vaccines.
Wright has many years of industry, outcomes, and clinical experience. She consistently is a high performer, especially in the areas of teamwork, business strategy, operations, and customer partnerships. Wright’s extensive experience includes strategic planning and leadership positions working with employers, health plans, physicians, Alliance pharmaceutical companies, and health and business advocacy groups. She has demonstrated the ability to lead, drive change, and deliver results through her excellent organizational skills, problem-solving, and ability to work effectively in this changing and dynamic environment.
Previously, Wright was a pharmacist in charge at Clarkson Hospital for The Nebraska Medical Center. Earlier in her career, she worked with BryanLGH Medical Center as a decentral operations manager. Wright earned a PharmD in Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy.
17. Anitha Mullangi
Market Chief Medical Officer, CenterWell, Humana
Anitha Mullangi joined CenterWell as a board-certified family physician and as Chief Medical Officer for the Nashville, TN, market. Humana is a Kentucky-based managed healthcare company that provides health insurance services, including medical and supplemental benefit plans for individuals and families.
Mullangi earned her medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in India. She completed her family medicine residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, New York. She holds a Master's in Healthcare Management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and is a certified physician executive.
Before joining CenterWell in 2023, Mullangi founded and served as CEO of Alma Health. She also held the position of chief medical officer with multiple California-based primary care health systems, including St. John's Community Health, QueensCare Health Center, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, and Community Health Systems. Her devotion to serving vulnerable seniors, solving the challenges faced by older adults, and caring for people regardless of age or circumstances align with CenterWell’s patient-centered values.
18. Valerie Hardman
VP, Executive Relationship Management, UKG
Valerie Hardman is the Vice President of Executive Relationships at UKG, one of the world’s leading HCM cloud companies. As strong believers in the power of culture and belonging as the secret to success, UKG champions great workplaces and builds lifelong partnerships with 80,000 organizations around the globe and across every industry to show what’s possible when businesses invest in their people.
In her role as Vice President of Executive Relationships, Valerie is responsible for working with teams building and fostering relationships with executive customers across a portfolio of $600M. During her more than 15 years of prioritizing the People experience at work, Valerie has held various roles in Human Resources and Relationship Management and served more than six years as co-founder of Live in Love, a nonprofit organization with the purpose of providing support to children of alcoholics in order to break the intergenerational cycle of alcoholism. As a proud wife and mother of two young children, Valerie is passionate about the topic of life-work integration and currently aims to positively impact the work experience for current and future generations by serving on various committees and speaking on topics such as burnout, belonging, growth mindset, and women at work.
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management and is a certified SHRM member and currently serves as an Executive Sponsor for F.I.R.E. Up, UKG's Employee Resource Group for Women.
19. Christine Stewart
Senior Director, Communications, Medtronic
Christine Stewart is the Senior Director of Communications at Medtronic. Medtronic PLC is an Irish medical device company. The company's operational and executive headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and its legal headquarters are in Ireland due to its acquisition of Irish-based Covidien in 2015.
Over her nearly 20-year career in the medical technology industry, Stewart has had the privilege of leading teams, building capabilities, and delivering results in communications, marketing, and sales. Through intense customer focus and purpose-driven leadership, she has led change, cultivated brands, and inspired others to win. Before joining Medtronic, earlier in her career she worked with Stryker as a marketing leader.
Stewart graduated from Hillsdale College with an undergraduate degree in English and journalism.
20. Caren Williams
Senior VP, Portfolio Management Director, Financial Planning, Morgan Stanley
As a Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, and Financial Planning Specialist, Caren Williams creates plans and portfolios for clients that consider the entirety of their financial needs. She works with clients and their legal and tax advisors to develop, implement, and monitor individualized wealth plans via holistic planning and problem-solving. Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services.
Williams has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), she understands and plans for the myriad of financial risks that might otherwise prevent her clients from reaching their goals. With the advanced knowledge of a Certified Portfolio Manager (CPM), she applies a deep understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation, and portfolio management concepts to her clients’ investment portfolios. Williams has also served as an ambassador for the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers, speaking to incoming classes on portfolio best practices.
A native of Memphis, Williams is a graduate of the University of Memphis, with a BBA in Finance and Economics. She is an active member and ambassador for the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and has served on the Women in Business Steering Committee. She is also active in the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), supporting women’s business initiatives and networking. She currently serves on the board of directors of Portfolio Management Institute, and she formerly served as president and board member of High Hopes Inc. in Franklin, TN, and board member of The Word Wagon in Brentwood, TN.
21. Allyson Sullivan
Executive Director, Facilities Business Operations, Vanderbilt University
Allyson Sullivan was appointed as the Executive Director of Business Operations in 2017 following a nationwide search. Ally is responsible for the oversight of the fiscal, administrative, and business that serves the institution-wide Facilities department. Business Operations is additionally a shared services unit that offers an enhanced focus on streamlined, effective client interfaces while providing exceptional customer experiences and engagements.
Since assuming the position, Ally has improved the facilities department in many ways. Firstly, creating a Facilities Employee Engagement team to oversee onboarding, employee relations, and staff engagement and events, as well as creating a Systems team to implement new technology and programs such as eBuilder, a capital project management system, AiM & ReADY, work order systems, and Vanderbilt’s first Geographic Information Services (GIS) department. Also, she established internal and external communications departments specifically for Facilities and implemented programs such as eBuilder and Lean.
Ally earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics with a financial emphasis from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate of the Vanderbilt Leadership Academy class of 2015 – 2016. She won the Vanderbilt Women’s Center Mentorship and overall Vanderbilt Mentorship Excellence Awards in 2021.
22. Laura Kane
Senior Manager, HR Business Partner, TE Connectivity
Laura Kane is the Senior Manager and HR Business Partner of TE Connectivity, a global industrial technology manufacturing leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Their broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, enable advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home.
Kane is a results-oriented senior HR professional with experience in bringing talent management solutions, strong HR business partnerships, and enterprise training to life from the corporate headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies. She started her career in 2015 as a research and teaching graduate assistant at West Virginia University. From there, she went on to West Pharmaceutical Services, before eventually rising to senior human resources business partner at Holcim Building Envelope, her most recent position before joining TE Connectivity.
Kane graduated from WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics with an MSc in industrial labor relations and human resources and from West Virginia University with an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology.
23. Gennie McClendon
Senior Director, Merchandise Buying, Cracker Barrel
Gennie McClendon is the Senior Director of Merchandise Buying at Cracker Barrel. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., trading as Cracker Barrel, is an American chain of restaurant and gift stores with a Southern country theme.
She started at Cracker Barrel in 2005 as the director of merchandise buying. She was responsible for growing and managing Cracker Barrel’s women’s apparel business and oversees the women's accessories, jewelry, and children's apparel and accessories departments. She was promoted in August 2023.
McClendon earned a JD in law from Western New England University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in society and justice from the University of Washington.
24. Marisa Bejarano
Senior Director, Chief of Staff & Communications for the CFO, Juniper Networks
Marisa Bejarano is a Nashville-based strategic operations and communications executive, currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the CFO of Juniper Networks. She leads internal and external communications, the project management office, and the employee experience for 600+ global employees in the finance organization. Marisa serves as a strategic and trusted advisor to not only the CFO but several other C-Suite executives at Juniper.
Marisa is admired for her compassionate leadership and knack for building deep and meaningful connections across the business and industry due to her genuine curiosity and warmth. The executives she supports admire her for her ability to provide candid feedback and coaching, and her ability to “connect dots” across the organization – drawing on her deep knowledge in technology, finance, investor relations, and project and people management. Additionally, team members of the finance organization admire her for the emphasis she places on creating a great place to work where everyone feels valued, supported, and a sense of belonging – evidenced by some of the highest employee engagement scores in the industry.
Outside of Juniper, Marisa is on the Board of Directors for Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program, an organization whose purpose is to provide college preparatory education in parallel with corporate work experience to underprivileged students. Marisa has served as the Juniper Networks executive sponsor for their involvement with Cristo Rey, and as a supervisor or buddy to numerous students in the past 7 years.
Prior to joining Juniper, Marisa held various communication and investor relations-related roles with Cisco Systems, Symantec, and McAfee. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University.
25. Ashlie Singletary
Executive Director, Health Systems, US Medical Affairs, Merck
Ashlie Singletary is the Executive Director of Health Systems for US Medical Affairs of Merck. Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, uses the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives worldwide. For over 130 years, they have brought hope to humanity by developing essential medicines and vaccines.
Singletary has over 20 years of experience with an extensive background within the pharmaceutical industry, health plans, and pharmacy benefit management. She started her career in 2001 as a clinical pharmacist at BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi. From there, she went on to Schaller Anderson, before eventually rising to principal consultant at PAREXEL International, her most recent position prior to joining Merck.
As a medical affairs professional, Singletary has a vast knowledge of the healthcare landscape coupled with widespread therapeutic knowledge. Her expertise includes knowledge of healthcare economics, quality improvement, and overall medical affairs strategy and execution. She received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee’s College of Pharmacy and completed a postdoctoral residency in managed care pharmacy at BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi.
26. Heather Bulman
Senior Director of Quality, Community Health Systems
Heather Bulman began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Director of Quality of Community Health Systems, one of the nation's leading healthcare providers. Developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 40 distinct markets across 15 states, CHS is committed to helping people get well and live healthier.
Bulman started her career as a registered nurse at the Medical Center Health System. From there, she went on to Northwest Healthcare, before eventually rising to market chief quality officer at Northwest Healthcare Tucson, her most recent position prior to joining Community Health Systems.
Bulman graduated from Western Governors University with an MBA in Healthcare Management and from UT Arlington with an undergraduate degree in nursing.
27. Angela Williams
Executive Director, Stride, Inc.
Angela Williams is the Executive Director of Government & External Affairs at Stride Inc. She provides leadership on the Government Affairs team across the U.S. for strategic outreach to lawmakers, coalitions, and legislative organizations. Prior to joining Stride the Honorable Angela Williams served a Colorado State Senator Senate District 33 and she is a former candidate for U.S. Senate. She proudly served as Chairperson of the Business Labor & Technology Committee. Vice Chair, Local Government Committee, and member of the Legislative Council Committee. Prior to beginning her first term as State Senator she represented House District 7 in the Colorado House of Representatives. Sen. Williams is the first African American female to serve as the House Majority Caucus Chair and Chair of the State Audit Committee. As one of the few women of color who served in the Colorado legislature, she promoted and sponsored legislation that advanced equality for women, children, and communities of color.
Williams is recognized as a community leader who has served on several community boards including the Denver Metro Leadership Foundation Board, the Board of Directors of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, and currently serves as a National Commissioner for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Social Action Committee. Williams has served as Chair of her local Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Denver Alumnae Chapter, Social Action and Internal Audit Committee. In her career she has founded three non-profit organizations; Chamber Connect Leadership Development Program, The Colorado Black Legislative Caucus, and The Colorado Power of Black Women Summit. She recently was recognized by Delta Sigma Theta, Denver Alumnus Chapter for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Frankie Muse Service Award that she will forever treasure.
Williams graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She also graduated from St. Gregory’s College with an Associate Degree in Sociology. Sen. Williams holds a certificate of completion from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a graduate of the Council of State Governments the Henry Toll Fellowship program and the State Government Affairs Council Professional Certificate Program. She currently resides in Nashville, TN.
28. Jane Hutson
Senior Director, Sales & Marketing, Brookdale
Jane Hutson has a diverse and extensive work experience in sales and leadership roles. Hutsonmost recently served as the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Brookdale since June 2020. Brookdale is a Tennessee-based healthcare firm that provides services, such as assisted living, memory care, nursing, and retirement care for patients.
Prior to that, she worked as the director of business development at Lipscomb University Spark Idea Centers from January 2018 to June 2020. Before joining Lipscomb University, Hutson held the position of general manager and digital sales manager at YP from January 2013 to June 2016. Hutson also served as the vice president of sales at Sprint from February 2010 to January 2013. Earlier in her career, she worked as an area general manager at Cricket Communications from 2007 to 2010 and had various roles at Sprint, including senior director from 2000 to 2006 and director from 1996 to 2000.
Hutson attended Western Kentucky University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. She later pursued studies in business administration, management, and operations at Belmont University.
29. Traci Nordberg
Senior VP, People Services, LifePoint Health
Veteran human resources leader Traci Nordberg is the Senior Vice President of People Services for Lifepoint Health, a leading healthcare provider that serves patients, clinicians, communities, and partner organizations across the healthcare continuum. In this role, Nordberg leads the organization’s people strategy and oversees all aspects of the People Services function, which serves more than 50,000 employees from coast to coast. Her areas of responsibility and oversight include talent acquisition and management, organizational and people development, total rewards, and employee experience.
Nordberg comes to Lifepoint from Mass General Brigham in Boston, where she served as senior vice president of human resources and enterprise business excellence. Prior to this, she was the chief human resources officer for Vanderbilt Health for nearly a decade and served as vice president and chief human resources officer at Dartmouth University earlier in her career.
Nordberg earned her JD from Suffolk University Law School in Boston and a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. She also holds a certificate in human resources management from Indiana University’s Purdue University, Division of Continuing Education.
30. Donna Dutton
VP, Customer Experience, SERVPRO
Donna Dutton is the Vice President of Customer Experience at Servpro Industries, LLC. She first joined the company in 1995 as an Executive Assistant to the President. In 2000, Donna became the Division Manager of a small call center team and created a 24/7/365 National Customer Care Center. Servpro is an industry leader in fire and water damage cleanup, restoration, and construction. As an industry-leading franchisor, Servpro was inducted into the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame and named #1 in our Category Club for being the top franchise opportunity for 20 years. Servpro was also named a top 10 overall franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine and has been the no. 1 franchise in the cleaning and restoration industry for 21 years in a row. The Servpro brand has over 2,200 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. She was also recognized as Servpro 2022 Woman of the Year and Member of the Servpro DEI.
As Vice President of Customer Experience, Donna leverages her experience and dedication to continuously improve processes and ultimately customer satisfaction. Her focus is on the expansive growth of the Customer Care and Quality Assurance Teams and functions to Help Entrepreneurs Succeed as stewards of Moments of Truth and provide data insights while ensuring continuous improvement to the franchise community and their customers.
Donna has dedicated her career to Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed, differentiating the company in the marketplace by being first to market with technology to meet the desires of clients. She provides guidance and encouragement to her team and others across the organization, recognizing and seizing opportunities for her own growth, ensuring she leads by example, and providing innovative thought leadership.
Donna Dutton’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, determination, and leadership. With passion and perseverance, she has grown herself and a team of individuals who bring tremendous value to the organization and have also grown in their positions and careers. She strives to build leaders.
31. Ashley Bentley
Chief Learning Officer, Global Head of Learning & Development, GE Healthcare
Ashley Bentley is the Chief Learning Officer and Global Head of Learning and Development of GE Healthcare, a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator, dedicated to providing integrated solutions, services, and data analytics to make hospitals more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier.
Before joining GE Healthcare, Bentley was a president and principal consultant at Bentley Solutions. Before that, she was a vice president of commercial training at Baxter International Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Equidyne as a territory sales manager for device sales. Bentley graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with an undergraduate degree in biology and psychology.
Bentley has been an active member of the Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network (LTEN) since November 2016, serving on the board of directors for over seven years. Initially, she held the position of director at large from 2016 to 2017, before being elected by the board to serve as VP from 2017 to the present. Additionally, she contributed to fostering diversity and leadership development as the co-president of the Baxter Building Women Leaders (BWL) Employee Resource Group at Baxter International Inc. from October 2016 to November 2018.
32. Terri Bolden Ward
VP & Head of Office, Goldman Sachs
Terri Bolden Ward is the Vice President and Head of Office of Goldman Sachs. Ward assists clients with retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, alternative assets, and private placements in the Nashville office of Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management, within the Consumer and Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs.
Before joining what is now Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management in 2015, Ward established her own advisory firm based on principles of fiduciary, unbiased advice in every aspect of a client’s financial life. Earlier in her career, she worked with Strategic Financial Partners as a certified financial planner.
Ward earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with certificates in finance and economics at Georgia Tech. She holds a Certified Financial Planner designation. Ward and her husband have two children and reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing tennis, reading, and attending her children’s various performances and events.
33. Antoinette Hargrove Duke
Executive Director, Academic Career Pathways, Partnerships & Continuing Education, Tennessee State University
Antoinette Hargrove Duke is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a strong commitment to education, community service, and positively impacting society. For nearly five years, she has been an integral part of Tennessee State University (TSU), where she currently serves as the Executive Director of Academic Career Pathways and Partnerships and Continuing Education. Antoinette fosters academic excellence and builds meaningful connections between the university and various industries. Before serving in her current position, Antoinette served as the Director of the Career Development Center at TSU, displaying her expertise in guiding students toward fulfilling and successful career paths.
Beyond her academic endeavors, Antoinette is a visionary and the Founder of "But God" Ministry Nette Working For You, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that addresses food insecurity and other crucial needs within the Davidson and Rutherford Counties communities. Her passion for serving others and giving back to the community shines through her work in this impactful organization. With an impressive 26 years of experience in human resources, Antoinette brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her professional endeavors. She holds two Master's degrees, two Bachelor's degrees, and two professional certifications, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. In 2023, Antoinette received her Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration (Ed.D) at Tennessee State University, further solidifying her commitment to academia.
An advocate for volunteering and community involvement, Antoinette has held numerous leadership roles throughout her career. She served as the Director of Education for Define Me by Merit and a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Davidson County. Additionally, she served as the Vice President of the Davidson County Foster Care Association and was a member of the Big Brother/Big Sister organization. Antoinette is also a past trainer for Darkness to Light (Stewards of Children), playing a crucial role in raising awareness about sexual child abuse prevention.
Antoinette has contributed to the literary world as a talented author with her book "The Sisters Have Their Say" and served as the editor of "Sister Wisdom," published by Thomas Nelson Christian Publishing Company. Through her writing, she shares valuable insights and inspires others with her wisdom. Antoinette is highly experienced in event planning, conducting workshops and seminars, and facilitating major events. She also takes pride in sponsoring annual women's conferences and seminars, empowering and uplifting women in her community.
Aside from her professional accomplishments, Antoinette is a devoted mother to her daughter, Jamyla Antoinette Duke, who undoubtedly shares in her mother's passion for making a difference in the world. Dr. Antoinette Hargrove Duke is a remarkable individual who excels in academia, community service, and leadership. Her dedication to education, volunteerism, and serving the community has impacted those she encounters. With her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and commitment to empowering others, she continues to be a source of inspiration and change in her community and beyond.
34. Barbara Eckert
VP, National Accounts, Cigna
Barbara Eckert is the Vice President of National Accounts of Cigna. Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. They guide their customers through the healthcare system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.
Eckert is a dynamic leader with consistent success in a 35-year career in strategic business relationship management. Has a robust background in employee benefits, health improvement, healthcare delivery models, cost management strategies, and contract negotiations. She demonstrated the ability to lead and influence others, excellent organizational and planning skills for both the long and short term, strong persuasion and effective communication skills, and the ability to develop strong working relationships, both internally and externally. Attesting to her knowledge and accomplishments, she earned her Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification in 2008.
Before joining Cigna, Eckert was an account executive consultant at Anthem national accounts at Anthem Inc. Before that, she was a strategic account executive at Optum Health. Earlier in her career, she worked with First Health as a regional vice president of account management.
35. Morgan Clingan
Managing Director, Indirect Tax Technology (iTaxTech), KPMG US
Morgan Clingan is a Managing Director with the State and Local Tax practice, specifically with the KPMG Indirect Tax Technology practice. KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services.
Clingan's experience with the KPMG Indirect Tax Technology practice encompasses various responsibilities. This includes configuring tax engines for clients' specific needs, creating TransEditor logic, and custom rules, as well as modifying nexus, mapping product codes, and importing exemption certificates. Additionally, she troubleshoots technical or integration-related issues, such as tax engine results errors, connectivity issues, technical problems, and XML input analysis. She also documents client tax policy, implementation procedures, and processes. Furthermore, she implements tax engine and connection software, configures tax policies for US, Canada, and EU, and develops customized tools and reports for tax engine data analytics.
Clingan has an MAcc with a Tax concentration and a BSBA in Accounting degree from the University of Tennessee. She is a CPA and a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.
36. Kara Walsh
Managing Director, Strategic Programs, BGSF
Kara Walsh has a strong background in strategic programs, communications, and event management. She currently works as the Managing Director of Strategic Programs at BGSF, where she drives sales initiatives and enhances organizational growth. BGSF is a diversified consulting and staffing company that offers workforce solutions across a range of industries. Its services and jobs include property management, consulting, managed services, IT, finance & accounting. As a seasoned professional with a 15-year journey spanning corporate and non-profit realms, Kara brings expertise in strategy, partner relations, program management, communications, and sales enablement. In her role overseeing BGSF's PropTech (Property Technology) practice, Kara drives the company towards growth, ensuring seamless solutions tailored to Commercial and Multifamily Real Estate clients.
Prior to this, Walsh served as a media, event, and experience strategist at The Kind Company in 2022. From 2018 to 2022, Walsh worked at Asurion, first as director of communications, leading internal strategic communications and events for multiple business units, and later as senior manager of global product development communications, establishing communication strategies and driving change management campaigns. Before Asurion, she held roles at Auburn Pharmaceutical as a corporate communications manager and marketing coordinator, where she developed communication strategies, built corporate social responsibility programs, and managed internal and external communications. Walsh also has experience in documentary filmmaking for Bike Love Documentary.
Walsh began her career as an MSW intern at the Jewish Federation of Portland and later worked as a program coordinator at Raphael House of Portland, managing program operations and participant experiences. In 2008, she served as an international group leader for World Learning, coordinating a theater arts program in Spain. Walsh holds a Master's in Social Work with a focus on Organizational Leadership from Portland State University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Public Policy in Global Context from Whittier College. Walsh also studied Spanish Language and Literature at the Universitat de Barcelona.
37. Teresa Sebastian
President & CEO, The Dominion Asset Group
Teresa Sebastian brings cross-industry experience in energy, restaurants, manufacturing, banking, and data technology, as well as cross-functional experience in finance, securities and capital markets transactions, mergers and acquisitions, internal audit, and governance. She is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dominion Asset Group, an angel investment and venture capital firm. Sebastian has been a director of AES since January 2021, serves as a member of the Compensation Committee, Innovation, and Technology Committee, and is Chair of the Governance Committee of the Board.
Previously, Sebastian was the senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary and led the Internal Audit function at Darden Restaurants, Inc., from October 2010 to March 2015. Before her time at Darden Restaurants, she served as a VP at Veyance Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of engineered rubber products, and an SVP at Information Resources, Inc., a provider of information, analytics, and insights, and held leadership roles in senior management at DTE Energy Company and CMS Energy Corporation. Sebastian also held positions in financial analysis at Michigan Consolidated Gas Co., Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America. She is currently involved in academia as an adjunct professor for accounting and enterprise risk management at Vanderbilt Law School and an adjunct professor for governance, compliance, and enterprise risk management at the University of Michigan Law School.
Sebastian graduated with a BGS in Sociology from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the University of North Florida, a JD from Michigan State University College of Law, and an LLM from Wayne State University. Sebastian is National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship Certified.
38. Deborah James
VP, Payment Integrity Analytics, EXL
Deborah James is the Vice President of Payment Integrity Analytics at EXL. She first joined the company in 2019 as the AVP of data integration for EXL Healthcare. At EXL, their collaboration is built on ongoing listening and learning to adapt their methodologies.
Previously, James was a senior manager at SCIO Health Analytics. Before that, she was an associate director at OptumInsight. Earlier in her career, she worked with AIM Healthcare as a data mining coordination of benefits analyst.
In her previous roles, James excelled in establishing and maintaining active communication with payers at both operational and executive levels. She played a crucial role in aiding payers in preparing TPL reclamation project scopes and reported payer successes and strategies for improvement regarding denials. Additionally, she conducted onsite implementation and progress meetings with payers as needed, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring successful project outcomes.
39. Sarah Belleau
Director, Partner Growth, Frequence
Sarah Belleau boasts a distinguished career as an executive, showcasing extensive expertise in AdTech, SaaS, and Digital Marketing spanning over 19 years. Her professional journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed organizations, such as Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Disney, Scripps, and Gray Television.
In her current capacity as director of partner growth at Frequence, Belleau spearheads the development of innovative frameworks aimed at driving revenue and empowering sales teams nationwide. Renowned for her pioneering efforts in digital certification programs and her adept leadership in fostering partner growth, Belleau is a key figure in the industry. Frequence’s workflow software makes it easy for media companies to stay competitive in the digital advertising space. We empower experts in sales and ad design with an all-in-one platform that drives campaign performance.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Belleau generously lends her expertise as an Advisor and Board Member at the University of Tennessee, contributing to the refinement of the Digital Marketing Program curriculum and shaping the future of talent in the field.
40. Ylonda Banister
Executive Director, Recruiting, State of Tennessee
Ylonda Banister is the Executive Director of Recruiting for the State of Tennessee. State government is the largest employer in Tennessee, with approximately 43,500 employees in the three branches of government. The State of Tennessee has approximately 1,300 different job classifications in areas, such as administrative, health services, historic preservation, legal, agriculture, counseling, and medical.
Banister has 19 years of experience. Before joining the State of Tennessee, she was a senior talent acquisition manager at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) US Army. Before that, she was a program manager at the Army Reserve Careers Division. Earlier in her career, she was a recruiter with the Army Recruiting Battalion.
A highly respected executive director, committed to leadership development and excellence, Banister is celebrated for her role in guiding organizations through periods of transitions and restructuring. She consistently brings order to chaotic scenarios ensuring the organizational needs are met. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trident University and earned her certification of Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute. Banister is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management and its local affiliation. Her leadership archetypes are Philomath and The Architect with her CliftonStrengths Theme being Relationship Builder.
41. Madhumita Murphy
Senior Director, Eli Lilly & Co.
Madhumita Murphy is the Senior Director of Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. They've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today their medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe.
Murphy has 23 years of experience. Before joining Eli Lilly and Company, she was a pediatric intensivist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Before that, she was a pediatric intensivist at Florida Pediatric Associates. Earlier in her career, she worked with Pediatric Intensivist as a pediatrician.
Murphy graduated from Brown University with an MD, an undergraduate degree in community health, and from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management with an MBA.
42. Katy Harvey
VP, Sales, ProviderTrust
Katy Harvey is the Vice President of Sales for ProviderTrust. In this role, she oversees the sales strategy and execution for their innovative solutions that monitor, verify, and report on the credentials and compliance status of healthcare providers. With over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, Harvey is a passionate and driven leader who helps organizations grow revenue.
Before joining ProviderTrust, Harvey was the senior director of sales at HealthStream, where she led the sales team for the clinical staff development portfolio, delivering customized learning and development solutions to healthcare professionals. She is not only strategic in finding healthcare tech solutions but also in coaching and leading SaaS sales teams to achieve their professional goals. She is motivational, authentic, honest, and caring. Harvey holds people accountable and works to ensure her team feels empowered to succeed.
Harvey has a BA in journalism from Michigan State University, where she completed internships with Michigan State Athletics and Sports Illustrated on Campus and was honored for Excellence in Journalism. She has an MSA in Sports Administration from Belmont University, where she completed internships with Vanderbilt ISP Sports and Tennessee Titans Entertainment.
43. Knight Stivender
Partner, MP&F Strategic Communications
Knight Stivender is co-owner of Nashville-based agency MP&F, the largest locally owned full-service advertising, marketing, and communications firm in Tennessee and one of the largest in the Southeast.
A true changemaker in digital marketing and public relations, Knight was a first mover in the early days of digital and has long been a proponent of marrying the power of journalism with the reach of digital avenues. She has more than 25 years of experience moving the needle for companies of all sizes, helping leaders acquire customers, engage audiences, and inspire stakeholders across multiple media channels.
Prior to becoming a partner at MP&F in 2022, she spent several years as the agency’s first director of integrated marketing and data analytics. In that role, she consulted on accounts with a need for data-based marketing counsel, including digital advertising, email marketing, experiential marketing, and SEO/content strategy.
Before joining the agency world, Knight held various leadership roles at The Tennessean, Nashville’s daily newspaper, from 1999 to 2014. She was named Gannett Innovator of the Year in 2012 for her work to integrate content, communities, and live events to help build a new generation of news consumers. She also played a leadership role on the news team deemed a Pulitzer Prize finalist for coverage of the historic Nashville flood of 2010.
She is also a founder of Girls to the Moon, a social enterprise company that helps girls build curiosity and creativity, strengthen their relationships, and grow their confidence to become leaders in their communities. The company served more than 1,000 girls and their caregivers from 2014-2018 and was recognized nationally by Southern Living.
Knight is active in the community and previously served as a board member of the Nashville chapter of the American Marketing Association and Chick History Humanities organization. She sits on the board of directors for Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center – and serves as the chair of the development committee. She is also on the board of directors for Renewal House, which helps women overcome issues with substance abuse disorder while providing them with housing and a safe place to raise their children.
In 2024, Knight was named a Top Woman in PR by PRNEWS for her work evolving MP&F and prioritizing digital strategies in the communications spectrum. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knight was the recipient of the school’s prestigious Alumna of the Year award in 2016. She and her husband, Matt, live in Franklin, and her 22-year-old daughter, Lily, is a young professional living in Atlanta.
44. Joy Powell
CEO, Springbuk
Joy Powell is the CEO of Springbuk, a health intelligence software company empowering actionable insights to improve a population’s well-being while containing claim costs. She brings over 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning various aspects of the healthcare industry, including population health, care coordination, and analytics. Springbuk is the health data analytics solution that equips with the insights and expertise needed to sharpen benefits strategy, advance employee health, and contain costs.
With over 25 years of executive leadership experience, Powell brings expertise spanning diverse industries, from Fortune 50 public companies to scaling VC/PE-backed start-ups. Leveraging her vast global network, she excels in raising funding and driving revenue growth.
Before joining Springbuk, Powell served in president and chief operating officer roles at both Healthways and CareSync. She also held key global leadership positions with Sitel and FedEx Express, providing her with a unique combination of healthcare industry and employer perspectives. Powell graduated from The University of Memphis with an undergraduate degree in business administration and accounting.
45. Meghan Moseley
VP, Human Resources, Corporate Ethics Officer, inTEST Corp.
Meghan Moseley joined inTEST in February 2022 as Vice President of Human Resources. inTEST Corporation designs and manufactures engineered solutions for ATE and other electronic tests, as well as industrial process applications. Their products are used by semiconductor manufacturers to perform development, qualifying, and final testing of integrated circuits (ICs) and wafers, and for other electronic tests across a range of industries, including the automotive, defense/aerospace, energy, industrial, and telecommunications markets.
Prior to joining inTEST, Moseley served as a global human resources partner for the Electrification Information Systems Business at ABB Ltd., where she spent seven years in various roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to ABB, she held various human resources management roles for companies like Georgia Pacific, Sara Lee Foods, and Armstrong World Industries.
Moseley earned her Master of Jurisprudence in Employment and Labor Law from Tulane University Law School. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Communication.
46. Tracy DeTomasi
CEO, Callisto
Tracy DeTomasi serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Callisto. Callisto is a national nonprofit organization that leverages cutting-edge technology to empower survivors of sexual violence. Callisto’s encrypted platform enables campus survivors to securely document their assault, discover if their perpetrator has harmed others, and explore their options, whether or not they report. This not only helps survivors process their experience but also increases the likelihood that serial perpetrators will be held accountable.
Tracy is an educator, speaker, and nationally recognized expert on domestic & sexual violence and diversity, equity, & inclusion. She has held leadership positions for over 20 years across the nonprofit sector where she developed and implemented trauma-informed programming and curricula. Tracy has been instrumental in changing domestic violence laws and helped implement the lethality assessment protocol in Nashville. She has also developed a program to get men involved in ending violence against women. Previously, Tracy was the Co-Founder of Good People Collective, the Interim Executive Director at NO MORE, and the VP of Domestic Violence Services at the YWCA.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tracy has extensive experience working in the field of gender-based violence, giving her a deep understanding of the ecosystem of survivors, offenders, and allies. She has consulted with organizations to develop tech-based tools, such as an app that educates users about violence against women, a smartphone device for sexual violence prevention safety, and virtual reality training to address Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Sexual Harassment.
Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan. She is frequently quoted in the media and has been featured on local and national news networks, including CNN, NPR & Univision. Her previous awards include Center for Nonprofit Management 30 in their 30’s Honoree, Athena Young Professional Nominee, and the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne” 101st ABN Division (AASLT) Coin. Tracy has also served as a board member at the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as a member of the Domestic Abuse Death Review Team, and as a clinical committee member for the Nashville Sexual Assault Center.
47. Sarah Waters
Chief Advocacy Officer, Tennessee Credit Union League
Sarah is the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Tennessee Credit Union League. She has been with the Tennessee Credit Union League (TCUL) for over four years. She oversees the advocacy strategy for the League at both the state and federal level as well as the regulatory strategy.
Before joining the League, Sarah served as Senior Grassroots Manager for NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business). She managed grassroots and advocacy efforts for four states - Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Louisiana. She also directed a team of grassroots managers and oversaw grassroots advocacy on behalf of small businesses in over 15 states. NFIB won the Campaigns & Elections Reed Award for Best Lobby Day for NFIB's 75th Anniversary Fly-In event in Washington during her time there. Before that, Sarah served as Political Programs Manager for CUNA, where she assisted with CULAC fundraising and events and election efforts. She brought with her energy and enthusiasm that she has continued to use while leading governmental affairs activities to improve the operational environment for credit unions in Tennessee consistently.
Sarah graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a fan of all things Tar Heel. She lives in Franklin, TN, with her husband, Justin, and three boys - Langston (12), Griffin (9), and Jude (6). She loves sports, traveling, and hanging out with her boys.
48. Alison Clougherty
Executive Director, Programs & Development, Blind Early Services TN
Alison Clougherty holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in Education Policy from George Mason University, and a second master’s degree in Education as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) from the University of Kentucky. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Programs and Services for a 501c3 nonprofit in Nashville, TN, Blind Early Services TN, or BEST.
Alison was working as a marketing director in the experiential marketing space in 2017 when her first child was born, a son named Finn. Within weeks of his birth, it was discovered that Finn had bilateral retinal detachments making him completely blind. After a period of grief, acceptance, and adjustment to this unexpected diagnosis for her child, she then began to embrace her son’s disability and forged ahead not only as his mother but as his advocate. Learning that her state did not have vision-specific providers working in early intervention, she used her knowledge and background in education policy to fight for and secure the services her family had a right to, and most importantly, needed in order to best support their son.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Alison’s work travel was halted and she began to realize that although her advocacy had been successful for her own son, there were likely hundreds of other families across her state who did not know their rights or did not have the emotional bandwidth to advocate for their own children with a visual impairment. At this time, she decided to go back to school to learn braille and learn how to help other families like her own. She attended the University of Kentucky’s master’s education program in visual disabilities and became a certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Simultaneously she met another mom in Nashville who had experienced a very similar journey in advocating for her son. Together these two moms on a mission decided to fill the void in Tennessee’s early intervention system to bring specialized and seamless services and support to families like their own.
Founded in 2020 by Alison Clougherty and Stacy Cornwall, Blind Early Services TN now serves more than 200 families across the state. Through their three programs, BEST Start (direct early intervention services by certified vision professionals provided in the home or community), BEST Together (support, connections, and resources for client families), and BEST Advocate (training and resources to support families through the transition from early intervention to school-based services) they are proudly providing a comprehensive system of support for families like their own across Tennessee.
49. Meredith Garrett
Founder CEO, Stellara, A Mirror House & Treehouse Experience under the Stars
Meredith Garrett is the Founder and CEO of Stay Minty, a vacation rental company that specializes in unique stays both in and around the Nashville area. From more than fifty customized rentals targeted toward millennial, large-group, and celebration travel, to cabins and glamping domes in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Stay Minty is truly re-inventing the vacation rental experience by inspiring togetherness and the celebration of life. Garrett is also co-founder of Premier Cabins, LLC, a luxury development and construction company focused on unique vacation rental cabins and accommodations in the Smoky Mountains.
Garrett’s current focus is developing unique accommodations in nature settings that inspire people to unplug, reset, and enjoy the great outdoors. Stellar, a mirror house and treehouse experience under the stars, will launch in Spring 2024. Stellara is inspired by astronomy and astrology providing guests with unique touches of both during their stay, such as; high-tech computerized telescopes and astrology reports immersing guests with the current universal happenings during their stay.
Prior to entering the vacation rental space, Garrett was the founder and CEO of Signorelli, a full-service apparel branding and manufacturing company specializing in women, girls, and juniors' graphic tees, fashion tops, and activewear sold to the nation’s top retailers. She has extensive experience in the merchandising and licensing space designing and manufacturing over a dozen of the world’s top brands, such as Disney, Sony, Marvel, Bravado, Paramount, Authentic Brands, Mattel, NFL, and MLB. Garrett was the first manufacturer to design, distribute, and launch an NFL and collegiate juniors fashion collection into mall specialty stores with the launch at Forever 21. She pioneered the launch of licensed music merchandise into the junior’s fashion space spearheading collections for Forever 21, Nordstrom, Tillys, and many mall specialty stores.
50. Ladawna Parham
Executive Director, ACBL Educational Foundation
Ladawna Parham is the Executive Director of the American Contract Bridge League Educational Foundation. At the ACBLEF she is working to build longevity of the mind sport, a safe space for youth to engage in socialization and cognitive development, and collaboration among like-minded entities, players, and researchers across North America and global partners. Parham received her undergraduate degree in communications from Middle Tennessee State University and earned a Master of Education in Nonprofit Management from Belmont University. She began her career as a deadline, spot news, and features print journalist in middle and east Tennessee, for which she received numerous accolades including the Society of Professional Journalists Award of Mention for Deadline/Spot News Coverage. She left the journalism field to pursue her passion for supporting nonprofit and community efforts to aid those in crisis.
Parham served as the Director of Development and Marketing for the Knoxville Legal Aid Society/Legal Aid of East Tennessee and later as the Marketing and Development Specialist for the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. She then served for nine years as the director of the Coalition for Healthy Aging, a program of the former Center for Community Health Solutions at Vanderbilt. Her work in staff and volunteer leadership during her tenure at CHA garnered the organization numerous awards and recognitions.
Most recently, Parham served as the CEO of Nourish Food Bank where over the past 10 years she grew the organization from a three-room building serving a small geographic center to a multi-site, multi-million-dollar organization with a fleet of vehicles, extensive partnership model, and delivery program to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic and rapidly growing community. During her tenure, Nourish has won or been named finalist for numerous awards through the Center for Nonprofit Management’s Salute to Excellence event, the largest nonprofit recognition ceremony in the country. Parham is also a Realtor with Advantage Realty of Middle Tennessee.
Parham is a graduate of Leadership Rutherford, a Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Diplomat, Nominating Chair and Past President of the Junior League of Murfreesboro, a member of Rutherford CABLE, co-founder of Spread the Positive’s Women Nourishing our Community Series to honor local women making a difference, and has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Smyrna. She was the inaugural 2021 Recipient of the Phi Sigma Pi Alumni Tripod Award for Excellence in Leadership, the 2020 Recipient of the MTSU Alumni Association Award of Distinction for Community Service, and a 2020 ATHENA Awards nominee. Parham was recognized as one of the Top 10 Women in Business through Murfreesboro Magazine & Nashville Lifestyle’s Women in Business Awards and as one of VIP’s Leading Ladies for her work to empower women and inspire her community.