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