WHO WE ARE
WE ARE AN AGENCY THAT CELEBRATES DIFFERENCES
We show each other dignity through our partnerships, decisions, and language.
We intentionally engage, represent, and partner with our diverse communities.
We demonstrate our values by learning together with staff, board, volunteers, youth, families, and investors to think and act with sensitivity and intentionality.
Driven by the voice of our stakeholders, our agency develops responsive and respectful programming and builds strategic and thoughtful alliances.
Our team consists of people of all backgrounds and walks of life to ensure an equitable environment where everyone feels represented and included in our work. We are always seeking to bring more voices to the table. Each of our team members brings unique perspectives and skills, and we are committed to building a culture where voices are heard, differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to do meaningful work. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we’re inspired by our talented, passionate colleagues who motivate us to do and be our best each and every day. We are bigger and better together!
Employee Value Proposition
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, every day presents an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of the youth, families, and mentors we support. Here, we offer more than just a job; we provide a purpose-driven career that allows you to leave a lasting impact on your community.
At our agency, we prioritize the well-being and professional growth of our team members. We understand that by investing in you, we empower you to give your best to the young people, volunteers, and families we serve. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a 403b match and competitive salaries, supporting your financial stability and security.
But it doesn’t stop there. We’re committed to your professional development journey. From professionally written resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and headshots to ongoing training, networking opportunities, mentoring, and coaching, we provide the resources and support you need to thrive in your role and advance in your career.
Moreover, we recognize the importance of supporting you both personally and professionally. Our robust Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Committee, trauma-informed practices, commitment to an inclusive work environment, and flexible hybrid work environment are designed to meet your individual needs and promote a healthy work-life balance.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we foster a culture focused on meaningful and supportive relationships, both internally and externally. We see you as more than just an employee- we know and respect you as a person. Here, you’ll find a place where you can do your best work, grow in your confidence and abilities, and genuinely make a difference in the lives we touch. Together, we can inspire change and build a better tomorrow for future generations.
Leadership Behaviors
Agency leaders inspire others to believe in the mission and help realize the vision. Effective leadership creates employee engagement, passion, and productivity, increasing community impact and reach.
- I provide direct, honest, and respectful communication that balances empathy and accountability.
- I objectively evaluate performance, addressing issues promptly and directly.
- I provide challenging assignments and support others to achieve more than they think is possible.
- I coach and develop others for success through discussions and resource sharing that enhance performance, behavior, and growth.
- I recognize the strengths in others and intentionally seek out their feedback, ideas, and expertise.
- I foster an environment of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving by asking for input and ideas, encouraging curiosity, and challenging others to think outside the box.
MEET THE TEAM
ABOUT OUR CEO
Melissa Hudson-Gant began serving as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee in June 2018, bringing to the organization more than 20 years of nonprofit management and leadership experience. Most recently, Melissa served as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Chapter Development for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Serving as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, she was responsible for developing and leading regional chapters and diversifying the organization’s revenue base. During her tenure, she launched a national run/walk fundraising program and created a robust portfolio including major and annual giving and grant programs, quadrupling revenue in four years. She also cultivated partnerships to increase the organization’s impact leading to an organizational expansion nationwide.
Prior to PBTF, Melissa served as Regional Development Director and Director of Major Gifts for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and Director of the “Team in Training” and “Light The Night” campaigns with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Tennessee Chapter. As a native of the area and an MTSU graduate, Melissa is honored to lead such a well-respected organization helping our young people realize their potential.
Melissa Hudson-Gant
Chief Executive Officer
Alicia Yoder
Volunteer Coordinator
Leigh-Ann Forsythe
Vice President of Programs
Anna Roberts
Manager of Site-Based Programs
Nadine Bidwell
E-Mentoring Coordinator
Brooke Goodson
Big Futures Coordinator
Gracen Niazi
Program Specialist
Jillian Simon
Program Specialist
Caitlin Sward
Family Intake Specialist
Tara Dixon
Director of Big Futures
Rachel Becker
Manager of Community-Based Programs
Ana Helis
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Cory Piper
Program Specialist
Jada Greer
Program Specialist
Elizabeth Jordan
Mentor Corps Fellow
Kathryn White
Director of Community-Based Programs
Dustin Hamby
Manager of Big Futures
Kendra Jones
Program Specialist
Angela Sokpolie
Program Specialist
Jane Napier
Program Specialist
Joe Farris
Family and Youth Engagement Coordinator
Chalyssa Robinson
Program Specialist
Laura Balan
Program Specialist
Jacqueline Komos
Program Specialist
Not Pictured
Jane Napier – Program Specialist
Jacqueline Komos – Program Specialist
Jillian Simon – Program Specialist
Jada Greer – Program Specialist
Doug Halleen
VP of Development
Alejandra Mauricio
Volunteer Recruitment Manager
Lauren Fenn
Director of Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement
Paige Hardy Brown
Community Engagement Coordinator
Veronica Chambers
Director of Development
Sarah Moseley
Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist
Alyson Woods
Director of Annual Giving
Anthony Fisher
Director of Advancement
Not Pictured
Elaine Devine – Development Manager
David Estrin
Chief Operating Officer
Amber Leach
VP of Employee Experience
Russell McBride
Solutions Architect
Bridget Heary
Employee Development and Engagement Manager
Nicole Ceccacci
Chief Financial Officer
Ruthie Thomas
Administrative Coordinator
Doug Anaya
Accounting Manager
Amanda Jones
Senior Grants Manager
Alicia Yoder
Senior Manager of Risk, Quality, and Volunteer Experience
Grant Kinnett
Immediate Past Chair
Executive Committee
Retail Leasing & Sales Director
Boyle Nashville, LLC.
Erica Vick Penley
Governance
Executive Committee
Partner
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Amelia Bozeman
Lecturer
Department of Management
Middle Tennessee State University
Marq Burnett
Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
Associate Editor
American City Business Journal
Brandon Corbin
Regional Technology Officer
Ascension Saint Thomas
Liz Sitgreaves
Special Counsel
Litler
Doug Jensen
Chief Operating Officer
First Acceptance
George Farag
Youth Board Member
Project Engineer
Skanska USA
James Hallock
SVP, Development & Strategy
CoreTrust
Dr. LuSheena Jones-Coofer
Secretary
Executive Committee
School Psychologist
Missy Acosta
Vice-Chair
Executive Committee
VP, Brand Strategy
Delta Dental of Tennessee
Tom Lampe
Chair
Executive Committee
Messer Construction Co.
Scott Romine
Suzanne Smith
Senior VP & Private Client Manager
Bank of America
Gerard Bullock
Real Estate Broker
Compass RE
Sarah Mosely
Youth Board Member
BBBSA National Youth Council Member
Winston Justice
CEO
SageSpring Private Wealth
Edward Rucker
Metropolitan Police Dept.
Community Coordinator
Rik Reitmaier
Senior VP of Information Technology
Ascend Credit Union
Digna Forbes
M.D., Pathologist
Meharry Medical College
Lori Williams
Retired
Middle Tennessee Electric
Josh Wood
Partner
Holland& Knight
Antonio Carroll
Nashville Electric Service
Office of General Counsel
Parker Mallchok Vesterman
YLC Board Intern
Brent Gay
Treasurer
Executive Committee
Chief Financial Officer
Advance Financial
Kelly Hodges
External Relations
Executive Committee
Chief Development and Engagement Office
Gresham Smith & Partners
Marquita Qualls
Owner and Founder
Entropia Consulting
Cher Porties
Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
United Parcel Service
President
Dana Frierson
Internal Relations
Executive Committee
Director of Finance – Materials Purchasing
Nissan Motor Company
Adam English
General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
Nashville Sounds
Shannon Myers
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Tennessee Titans
Not Pictured
Tony Grande – Chief Development Officer and EVP, CoreCivic
Kelly Hodges
Chief Development and Engagement Officer
Alicia Yoder
Volunteer Coordinator
Tom Lampe
Nashville Region Vice President – Messer
Nadine Bidwell
E-Mentoring Coordinator
Anders Hall
Vice Chancellor, Investments – Vanderbilt
David Bailey
Principal – Hastings Architecture
Missy Acosta
VP – Brand Strategy
Curt Sullivan
President – TransCor
Brent Gay
CFO – Advance Financial
James Hallock
Chief Transformation Officer – CoreTrust
Not Pictured
Chad Greer – Senior Wealth Advisor – Northwestern Mutual
Steve Cook – Executive Managing Director – LFM Capital
Jeremy Hopwood – President, CEO – 5iron Cyber
Ken Rideout – Regional President – CBIZ Employee Benefits