Amplifying Youth Voice : Big Breakfast
Presented by
This event is a celebration of our community’s commitment to igniting the potential of Middle Tennessee youth. Each year, more than 1,500 of Middle Tennessee’s community leaders, executives and rising stars come together to celebrate the impact of mentorship.
Join us for a morning filled with inspiration, community, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of young people in our region.
Keynote Speaker- Ran Carthon
The Tennessee Titans hired Ran Carthon as the franchise’s 14th General Manager in January 2023. Carthon joined the Titans after spending six seasons (2017-22) with the San Francisco 49ers, including the last two as the team’s Director of Player Personnel.
Carthon brought 15 years of scouting experience from multiple teams to Tennessee. While in San Francisco, he was the 49ers Director of Pro Personnel for four seasons (2017-20) and then promoted to Director of Player Personnel for the last two seasons (2021-22). In his role as Director of Player Personnel, Carthon was responsible for evaluating the top college prospects and assisting in the construction of the pro free agent board and evaluations. He joined the 49ers when Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch took over in 2017 and played a part in the team’s success, which includes three playoff appearances, two division titles and an NFC Championship in 2019. Additionally, the 49ers had nine players account for 13 total Pro Bowl selections in the last two seasons (seven selections in 2021 and six in 2022) – evidence of the talented roster the personnel staff amassed.
In his first offseason with the Titans, Carthon re-worked the roster adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, tackle Andre Dillard, outside linebacker Arden Key, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, tight end Trevon Wesco and linebacker Luke Gifford in free agency. In his first draft, offensive lineman Peter Skoronski and quarterback Will Levis were selected in the first two rounds.
Before joining San Francisco, Carthon spent five seasons (2012-16) with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams as their Director of Pro Personnel. He entered the NFL scouting world as a pro scout with the Atlanta Falcons for four years (2008-11).
As a player, Carthon spent three seasons in the NFL (2004-06) primarily with the Indianapolis Colts, after entering the league as an undrafted college free agent. At the University of Florida, he tallied 1,353 career rushing yards over four seasons and was part of the Gators 2000 SEC Championship team.
Carthon was raised in an NFL family with his is dad, Maurice, having a distinguished playing and coaching career. His father played for the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, and he coached for New England, New York Jets, Detroit, Dallas, Cleveland, Arizona and Kansas City.
A proud husband and father, Carthon is excited to serve as the 14th General Manager for the Tennessee Titan.
Match of the Year
Brennon and Brian’s journey began 7 years ago, when Brennon’s mom brought him to BBBSMT, seeking a positive role model for her son. 9-year-old Brennon was an active boy who loved sports and dirt bikes and was looking forward to being matched with a Big Brother who loved those things as much as he did. Brian and Brennon’s first outings together were a huge success! From trampolining to swimming to basketball, this match quickly connected through their passion for sports and their friendship grew.
Brian was the steadfast source of encouragement and positive influence that Brennon’s mom was looking for. As the match matured, Brian was there to support Brennon in the various sports he participated in and in his academics. In his 8th grade year, Brennon improved his grades and achieved 75% and higher in all his classes. Brian was instrumental in helping Brennon succeed academically and continued to be a solid emotional support.
During their time together, Brian has proven more than once to be a strong partner in Brennon’s support team, from helping the family while they grieved the death of a loved one to aiding Brennon as he recovered from a life-threatening car wreck. With Brian by his side, Brennon has triumphed over his challenges, showing great resilience, strength, and determination through his long recovery.
Brian’s generosity and selflessness in helping Brennon and his family through these adversities, while juggling his own family and demanding career, is nothing short of inspirational.
Reflectingon his relationship with his Big Brother, Brennon shared, “he’s my best friend
