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