The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville announce the formation of its inaugural Young Professionals (YP) Council, a dynamic new initiative designed to harness the energy, drive, and vision of the region’s young professionals. Reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to inclusive and forward-thinking leadership, the YP Council will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Nashville region.

The mission of the YP Council, “to connect, empower, and engage young professionals in the development of the Nashville region,” aligns with the Chamber’s longstanding goals of community development and business growth. With an age range of 21-49 years, the Council brings together a diverse group of young leaders from various sectors, all united in their passion for contributing to Nashville region’s vibrant future.

“We recognize the immense potential that young professionals hold for the growth and prosperity of Nashville,” said Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The YP Council is not just about creating networking opportunities; it’s about fostering a generation of leaders who are deeply invested in the region’s economic and community development.”

The Council comprises a dynamic group of individuals who have already made significant strides in their respective fields:

  • Kenya Payne, Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga
  • Sydney Ernstes, BGSF
  • Anna Myint, International Market
  • Nicole Aquila, Thrive Differently
  • Shane White, Heart Technologies
  • Reece Tucker, Barge Design Solutions
  • Dalton Potts, Southeast Financial Credit Union
  • Joseph Underwood, Tractor Supply Company
  • Thomas Kelly, Creative Soulz Printing
  • Tyler Slaughter, Camel Express Car Wash
  • Anna Grosser, Nurture the Next
  • Contrecia Tharpe, FayeVaughn Creative
  • Jack Gaughan, RE/MAX Choice Properties
  • Rosa Castano, Workplace Stress Solutions
  • Priscilla Glick, JW Marriott Nashville
  • Taylor Guardino Engle, Nashville Wine Auction
  • Nathan Freeman, S3 Recycling Solutions
  • Emmanuel J. LeGrair, R.H. Boyd

The YP Council will engage in year-round programming focused on professional development and networking, providing members with unparalleled opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and community leaders. Additionally, the Council will serve as a conduit for young professionals seeking meaningful leadership, donor, and volunteer roles within the Nashville area.

“This is a landmark moment for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Veronica Johnson, Vice President of Member Value at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The establishment of the YP Council represents our dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will continue to drive Nashville’s success.”

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to witness the positive impact the YP Council will have on the region and welcomes the region’s young professionals to support its endeavors.

About YP Nashville

YP Nashville is an initiative of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce with more than 50 young professional organization partners working to connect, empower, and engage young professionals to actively shape the future of the Nashville region. For more information, visit http://www.ypnashville.org.

About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Partnership 2030

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing nearly 1,800 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Community Health Systems, Gresham Smith and Regions. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.