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’re always actively seeking to diversify our team and 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 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values, 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

Emily Lara

Director, Office of the CEO

Bryan Currie

Chief Impact Officer

Alicia Yoder

Volunteer Coordinator

Joe Farris

Family and Youth Engagement Coordinator

Nadine Bidwell

E-Mentoring Coordinator

Ana Helis

Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Chalyssa Robinson

Program Specialist

Ayanna Jones

Program Associate

Leigh-Ann Treece

VP of Program Operations

Anna Roberts

Manager of School-Based

Brooke Goodson

Sports Buddies Coordinator

Gracen Niazi

Program Specialist

Cory Piper

Program Specialist

Lily Whitt

Community Engagement and Volunteer Leader

Tara Dixon

Director of Site-Based Programs

Rachel Becker

Manager of Community-Based

Anthony Fisher

E-Mentoring Coordinator

Emme Davenport

Program Specialist

Angela Sokpolie

Program Specialist

Kathryn White

Director of Community-Based Programs

Dustin Hamby

Manager of Site-Based Facilitated

Alexa Regina Melo

Program Development Coordinator

Kendra Jones

Program Specialist

Caitlin Sward

Family Intake Specialist

Not Pictured

Caleb Hill – Program Specialist

Laura Balan – Program Specialist 

Elizabeth Jordan – Mentor Corps Fellow

Doug Halleen

VP of Development

Molly Stewart

Development Coordinator

Lauren Fenn

Director of Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement

Paige Hardy Brown

Community Engagement Coordinator

Veronica Chambers

Director of Development

Hanna Leighton

Development Administrator

Alyson Woods

Director of Annual Giving

Alejandra Mauricio

Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement Manager

Sarah Mosely

Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist

Not Pictured

Teresa Alvaro – Volunteer Recruitment Specialist

David Estrin

Chief Operating Officer

Bridget Heary

Employee Development and Engagement Manager

Suzanne Boone

VP of Quality Assurance and Reporting

ALICIA YODER

Manager of Volunteer Experience and Retention

Amber Leach

VP of Employee Experience

Ruthie Thomas

Administrative Coordinator

Russell McBride

Director of System Administration

Nicole Ceccacci

VP of Finance

Doug Anaya

Accounting Manager

Amanda Jones

Senior Grants Manager

Grant Kinnett

Immediate Past Chair
Executive Committee
Retail Leasing & Sales Director Boyle Nashville, LLC.

Erica Vick Penley

Executive Committee
Partner
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Amelia Bozeman

Lecturer

Department of Management

Middle Tennessee State University

Marq Burnett

Executive Committee
Associate Editor

American City Business Journal

Brandon Corbin

Regional Technology Officer

Ascension Saint Thomas

Dana Frierson

Director of Finance – Materials Purchasing

Nissan Motor Company

Josh Wood

Partner

Holland& Knight

Jackie Baxter

Internal Relations Committee Chair
Executive Committee
VP, Operations
Nashville Electric Service

Dr. LuSheena Jones-Coofer

Executive Committee
School Psychologist

Missy Acosta

Vice President
Executive Committee
VP, Brand Strategy
Delta Dental of Tennessee

Tom Lampe

Chair
Executive Committee
Messer Construction Co.

Scott Romine

President, Advisory Solutions

Jackson National Life Insurance

Lori Williams

Retired

Middle Tennessee Electric

Sarah Mosely

Youth Board Member

BBBSA National Youth Council Member

James Hallock

SVP, Development & Strategy
CoreTrust

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

Suzanne Smith

Senior VP & Private Client Manager

Bank of America

Parker Mallchok

YLC Board Intern

Brent Gay

Treasurer
Executive Committee
Chief Financial Officer
Advance Financial

Kelly Hodges

External Relations Committee Chair
Executive Committee
Chief Development and Engagement Office
Gresham Smith & Partners

Marquita Qualls

Owner and Founder
Entropia Consulting

Cher Porties

Member at Large
United Parcel Service
President

Naomi Walker

Youth Board Member

Liz Sitgreaves

Special Counsel

Litler

Not Pictured

Shannon Myers – Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Tennessee Titans 

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

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