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!
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
MEET THE TEAM

Emily Lara
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Programs Team

Rebecca Ackerman
Chief Impact Officer

Tay McGee
Director of Youth Equity and Engagement

Dantriel McWilliams
Sports Buddies Manager

Latisha Curry
Program Specialist

Bridget Heary
Program Specialist

Alicia Yoder
Volunteer Coordinator

Bryan Currie
Vice President of Capacity Building Initiatives

Tara Dixon
E-Mentoring Manager

Anna Roberts
Site-Based Manager

Hanna Carr
Program Specialist

Elia Despradel
Metor Corps Fellow

Jaffee Judah
Mentor Corps Fellow - Big Cousin

Alexa Regina
Program Specialist

Rebecca Dove
Vice President of Program and Service Delivery

Joe Farris
Youth Engagement Manager

Lauren Sokolosky
Manager of Community-Based Match Support and Engagement

Veronica Chambers
Program Specialist

Dustin Hamby
Program Specialist

Nadine Lay
E-Mentoring Coordinator

Annea Smith
Program Specialist, Rutherford County

Leigh-Ann Treece
Director of Program Development

Kathryn Fisher
Manager of Customer Relations, Enrollment & Matching

Rachel Becker
Match Engagement Coordinator

Jessica Corser
Family and Child Coordinator

Jos'Ua Hawkins
Mentor Coprs Fellow - Big Cousin

Jonathan Leeper
Program Specialist

Elizabeth Smith
Enrollment Specialist and Internship Coordinator
Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement

David Edwards
Chief Development Officer

Alyson Woods
Director of Annual Giving

Doug Halleen
VP of Development

Dequantez Sandifer
Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement Manager

Martrell Harris
Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement Manager

Raymond Mitchell IV
Director of Volunteer Recruitment
Operations

David Estrin
Chief Operating Officer

Sara Touchstone
Salesforce and IT Systems Manager

Suzanne Boone
Director of QA and Reporting

Dorcas Kapkiai
Staff Accountant

Amber Leach
Director of Employee Experience

Ashley Mikel
Accounting and Operations Coordinator

Amanda Jones
Grants Manager