This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
Click here to join our e-newsletter subscriber list.
Tell us about yourself?
I have led Tech Impact for nearly 17 years. We have grown from a small nonprofit providing tech support to other nonprofits to an organization of nearly 150 associates. I love my job. I love that I wake up every day with the mission to help others; there is nothing more fulfilling to me. And I love Nashville. I love music, so Nashville offers so much in the way of music. And the growth in Nashville has been extraordinary; it is exciting to watch and to be a part of the community.
Tell us about your business/industry.
Tech Impact is a nonprofit organization that was founded over 20 years ago. Our mission is to leverage technology for social impact. We have a variety of IT service offerings for nonprofit organizations, operate a data lab for AI in nonprofits and government, and provide workforce development programs.
In Nashville, we are preparing to launch ITWorks this spring. This is an award-winning program that prepares young people without college degrees for careers in technology. The pathway program trains for entry-level positions in infrastructure and continues post-graduation with ongoing support and training programs in networking and cybersecurity.
What should we know about you?
That we are housed with our partners at the Nashville Tech Council.
How did you get to your current position? I was initially a volunteer with the organization before the position was opened. I was contacted through a search firm.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
The chamber is THE place to connect. Business is all about making connections and learning. The chamber does an outstanding job at both. We are proud to be members.
What is your leadership style? How does that motivate yourself and your team?
My leadership style is really to recruit and retain the best talent I can and then let them work their magic. I consider myself the person that helps them remove roadblocks and get them the investments they need to be successful. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team of leaders and an associate base that are passionate about our work and extremely talented. They make me look much smarter than I actually am.
What local non-profit has a mission that resonates with you?
Of course, I would have to say that Tech Impact’s mission resonates the most with me. However, there are many great organizations that are doing work here. Goodwill has really put together some great job training programs. I really believe in economic empowerment; it helps to solve so many other social issues.
What role does intra-industry collaboration play in your industry?
Collaboration with corporations is a key part of our success. We are currently partnering with Nashville Tech Council, another nonprofit, to host our programs. They have been a great partner and help to further connect us to the community. Our programs rely on volunteers for mentoring our program participants, providing professional skills development, internships, and most importantly career opportunities. It really takes the community working together to lift up the individuals we serve. We look forward to many collaborations in the community to keep Nashville growing and thriving.
What was the first concert you ever attended? What is the best live show you’ve seen in Nashville?
Oh, I am a big fan of Daniel Donato. A local guy who, like many, got his start on Broadway. He is really taking off and creating a national following. I am a big fan of jam bands, so to see him take country and meld it with psychedelic music is a really interesting combination. I just had the opportunity to see him a couple of nights at Brooklyn Bowl. And, of course I love whoever is playing at the Ryman.
