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
Leigh-Ann Forsythe
Vice President of Programs
Tara Dixon
Director of Big Futures
Kathryn White
Director of Community-Based Programs
Anna Roberts
Manager of Site-Based Programs
Dustin Hamby
Manager of Big Futures
Ana Helis
Manager of Community-Based Programs
Joe Farris
Family and Youth Engagement Coordinator
Cory Piper
Match Engagement Coordinator
Jane Napier
Program Coordinator
Paige Brown
Big Futures Coordinator
Jada Greer
Program Specialist
Karen Deyarmon
Program Specialist
Abigail Ogan
Program Specialist
Julia Kaufman
Program Specialist
Angela Sokpolie
Program Specialist 2
Gracen Niazi
Program Specialist 2
Caitlin Sward
Family Intake Specialist 2
Elizabeth Jordan
Level Up Lead Mentor
Not Pictured
Claire Innamarato – Program Specialist
Hayden Freiburger – Program Specialist
Hattie Watson – Program Specialist
Doug Halleen
VP of Development
Lauren Fenn
Director of Volunteer Recruitment and Community Engagement
Veronica Chambers
Director of Development
Elaine Devine
Development Manager
Sarah Moseley
Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist
Alicia Yoder
Volunteer and Alumni Engagement Senior Manager
Jillian Simon
Community Engagement Coordinator
Alex Abels
Donor Engagement Manager
Nicole Ceccacci
Chief Financial Officer
Amber Leach
VP of Employee Experience
Doug Anaya
Accounting Manager
Amanda Jones
Senior Grants Manager
Bridget Heary
Employee Development and Engagement Manager
Brent Gay
Chair
Executive Committee
Chief Financial Officer
Advance Financial
Tom Lampe
Immediate Past Chair
Executive Committee
Messer Construction Co.
Missy Acosta
Vice-Chair
Executive Committee
VP, Brand Strategy
Delta Dental of Tennessee
Lori Williams
Treasurer
Executive Committee
Retired
Middle Tennessee Electric
Dana L. Craven
Committee Chair, Program Growth
Executive Committee
Retired
Nissan Americas
Liz Sitgreaves
Committee Chair, Community Engagement
Executive Committee
Special Counsel
Litler
Josh Wood
Committee Chair, Governance
Executive Committee
Partner
Holland& Knight
Cher Porties
Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
United Parcel Service
President
Gerard Bullock
Ad Hoc
Executive Committee
Real Estate Broker
Compass RE
Grant Kinnett
Retail Leasing & Sales Director Boyle Nashville, LLC.
Rik Reitmaier
Senior VP of Information Technology
Ascend Credit Union
Dr. LuSheena Jones-Coofer
School Psychologist
Kelly Hodges
Chief Development and Engagement Office
Gresham Smith & Partners
Erica Vick Penley
Partner
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Digna Forbes
M.D., Pathologist
Meharry Medical College
Marquita Qualls
Owner and Founder
Entropia Consulting
Amelia Bozeman
Lecturer
Department of Management
Middle Tennessee State University
Antonio Carroll
Nashville Electric Service
Office of General Counsel
Chardae Sumerall
Senior Vice President
National Sales Desk
Jackson National
David Smallwood
Founding Partner
Managing Director
True Wealth Partners
Adam English
General Manager and Chief Operating Officer
Nashville Sounds
Shannon Myers
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Tennessee Titans
Dwayne Greene
Asst. Chief of Police
MNPD
Bruce Shanks
Principal
Deloitte
Tony Grande
Chief Development Officer and EVP
CoreCivic
Burley Nelson
SVP Chief Human Resources Officer
First Acceptance
Marshall Meier
Senior Vice President
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Anthony Owens
President
duGard Communications
Kyra Hardy
YLC Board Intern
Princess Rogers
YLC Board Intern
George Farag
Youth Board Member
Project Engineer
Skanska USA
Marie-Elodie Sokpolie
Youth Board Member
Student Tennessee State University
Young Jae Shin
Vanderbilt University
Sam Rayamajhi
Vanderbilt University
Alexuss Malone
Chancery Court of Metropolitan Davidson Court
Anna Minich
Development Committee Chair, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Autumn Montgomery
Tennessee Department of Health
Bernard Britton
The Cigna Group
Brett Roeber
Solotech
Casey Burrows
BDO USA
David Fletcher
Federal Public Defender
Hannah Bock
Premise Health
JD Schurer
Stampli
Katie Lynne Myers
Wiles & Taylor Business Management
Kris Farley
Cummins
Kyla Cretekos
Teach For America Nashville-Chattanooga
Lauren Dahm
Board President, HCA Healthcare
Peyton Perez
HCA Healthcare
Roselyn Cater
HCA Healthcare
Susan Steffenhagen Griffith
Town of Thompson’s Station
Sydnee (Jackson) De Brigard
Insight Global