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

Cory Piper

Match Engagement Coordinator

Karen Deyarmon

Program Specialist

Elizabeth Jordan

Level Up Lead Mentor

Tara Dixon

Director of Big Futures

Dustin Hamby

Manager of Big Futures

Jane Napier

Program Coordinator

Angela Sokpolie

Program Specialist 2

Kathryn White

Director of Community-Based Programs

Ana Helis

Manager of Community-Based Programs

Paige Brown

Big Futures Coordinator

Gracen Niazi

Program Specialist 2

Joe Farris

Family and Youth Engagement Coordinator

Jada Greer

Program Specialist

Caitlin Sward

Family Intake Specialist 2

Not Pictured

Claire Innamarato – Program Specialist

Hayden Freiburger – Program Specialist

Julia Kaufman – Program Specialist

Abigail Ogan – 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

Sarah Moseley

Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist

Lauren Fenn

Director of Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement

Alicia Yoder

Volunteer and Alumni Engagement Senior Manager

Veronica Chambers

Director of Development

Jillian Simon

Community Engagement Coordinator

Alyson Woods

Director of Annual Giving

Elaine Devine

Development Manager

Alex Abels

Donor Engagement Manager

Not Pictured

 

Nicole Ceccacci

Chief Financial Officer

Bridget Heary

Employee Development and Engagement Manager

Amber Leach

VP of Employee Experience

Doug Anaya

Accounting Manager

Amanda Jones

Senior Grants Manager

Brent Gay

Chair
Executive Committee
Chief Financial Officer
Advance Financial

Dana L. Craven

Committee Chair, Program Growth
Executive Committee
Retired

Nissan Americas

Gerard Bullock

Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
Real Estate Broker
Compass RE

Kelly Hodges

Chief Development and Engagement Office
Gresham Smith & Partners

Amelia Bozeman

Lecturer

Department of Management

Middle Tennessee State University

Adam English

General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
Nashville Sounds

Tony Grande

Chief Development Officer and EVP
CoreCivic

Kyra Hardy

YLC Board Intern

Young Jae Shin

Vanderbilt University

Tom Lampe

Immediate Past Chair
Executive Committee
Messer Construction Co.

Liz Sitgreaves

Committee Chair, Community Engagement
Executive Committee
Special Counsel

Litler

Grant Kinnett

Retail Leasing & Sales Director Boyle Nashville, LLC.

Erica Vick Penley

Partner
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Antonio Carroll

Nashville Electric Service
Office of General Counsel

Shannon Myers

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Tennessee Titans

Burley Nelson

SVP Chief Human Resources Officer
First Acceptance

Princess Rogers

YLC Board Intern

Sam Rayamajhi

Vanderbilt University

Missy Acosta

Vice-Chair
Executive Committee
VP, Brand Strategy
Delta Dental of Tennessee

Josh Wood

Committee Chair, Governance
Executive Committee
Partner

Holland& Knight

Rik Reitmaier

Senior VP of Information Technology

Ascend Credit Union

Digna Forbes

M.D., Pathologist

Meharry Medical College

Chardae Sumerall

Senior Vice President
National Sales Desk
Jackson National

Dwayne Greene

Asst. Chief of Police
MNPD

Marshall Meier

Senior Vice President
Bank of America Merrill Lynch

George Farag

Youth Board Member
Project Engineer
Skanska USA

Lori Williams

Treasurer
Executive Committee
Retired

Middle Tennessee Electric

Cher Porties

Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
United Parcel Service
President

Dr. LuSheena Jones-Coofer

School Psychologist

Marquita Qualls

Owner and Founder
Entropia Consulting

David Smallwood

Founding Partner
Managing Director
True Wealth Partners

Bruce Shanks

Principal
Deloitte

Anthony Owens

President
duGard Communications

Marie-Elodie Sokpolie

Youth Board Member
Student Tennessee State University