SEPTEMBER 2026
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CONTENTS September 2026 | Vol. XXXIII, No. 9
features 15
37
41
50
52
The Sweet Hereafter
54
Nature Writes the Part
Model Behavior 2026
Celebrating the women stylishly shaping our community
Power With Purpose
Meet four Nashville leaders using their influence to strengthen their community
71
One family’s loss helps others find purpose and possibility on the Appalachian Trail
Seasons Change
Styling chic looks for chilly temperatures
57
In Their Footsteps
Exploring the history of slavery at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage provides a new perspective on “Old Hickory”
Model Behavior honoree Ciona Rouse on location at the Fairlane Hotel Nashville, photographed by Tausha Dickinson. For more on Model Behavior, turn to page 15.
French Elegance
The l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party honors Jean-Claude Rouzaud and Frédéric Rouzaud
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Wine Is Made to Be Shared
67
Fanciful Footwear
68
250 for the Country, 33 for A Tennessee Waltz
ON THE COVER
72
Singing to the Rafters
74
A Living Odyssey
77
Eternal Legacy
Nashville Wine Auction guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud and Nicolas Glumineau take the long view
parties
Preserving the Past
Heritage Ball patrons celebrate Williamson County’s history and future The Broadway Brunch Patrons Party sees record-breaking attendance before the big day Spirits of Summer transports revelers to ancient Greece Broadway Brunch raises a toast to Nashville Rep cofounder Martha Ingram
departments
The 47th annual l’Eté du Vin smashes fundraising records 06
In Our Words
10
Step Inside
12
Worth the Drive
80
Nretrospect
The Bright Soles Bash helps Jonathan’s Path support teens in foster care
The Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz celebrates history, donors and education
54
Honoring the leaders and advocates who step up, solve problems and strengthen Nashville ELM Nashville L’Auberge Provençale Inn
Meharry Medical College turns 150
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IN OUR WORDS
Editorial
founding editor
Herbert Fox Jr. editor-in-chief
Janet Kurtz
contributing editor
Lindsey Lanquist associate editor
Madeleine Bradford social correspondent
Gloria Houghland contributors
Julianne Akers, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Carrington Fox, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, D. Patrick Rodgers
Art
art director
Christie Passarello senior photographer
Eric England
staff photographer
Angelina Castillo
contributing photographers/videographers
Carrying Civic Responsibility
Honoring the leaders and advocates who step up, solve problems and strengthen Nashville
Tausha Dickinson, Kristin Drum, Michael Scott Evans, Peyton Hoge, Iris Leonardo, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Alan Poizner graphic designers
Sandi Harrison, Tracey Starck
Advertising
advertising solutions consultants
Teresa Birdsong, Kathleen Chandler, Kailey Idziak, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Allie Robbins, Niki Tyree sales operations manager
Chelon Hasty THROUGHOUT THE DECADES, Nashville has grown and changed because of civic-minded leaders and advocates who use their influence, resources and leadership to strengthen our community. These volunteers, directors and board members bring the vision needed to get things done and the tenacity to find solutions to the simplest and most complicated challenges. Some work quietly behind the scenes while others take center stage, but all share a desire to create meaningful change for the better. For over 20 years, Nfocus has highlighted members of the community who give their time and talent selflessly to serve Nashville’s nonprofit community. In this issue, we shine the spotlight on a fresh cohort of Model Behavior leaders working to make a difference in our city. We also honor the Nashville Post’s Most Powerful Women, who use their talents to serve the community and mentor the next generation. As always, we help readers continue to look stylish with our fall fashion feature. And Carrington Fox takes us along on the new In Their Footsteps: Slavery at the Hermitage tour at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. I catch up with esteemed winemakers Frédéric Rouzaud, of Maison Louis Roederer, and Nicolas Glumineau, of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez. I also share the story of a new nonprofit — One More Day on the Appalachian Trail — which sponsors those in recovery so they can experience the transformative power of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Our event coverage expands with the suite of gatherings surrounding the Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Eté du Vin. We also take you inside the Bright Soles Bash, A Tennessee Waltz Patrons Party, Heritage Ball Patrons Party and many more. Whitney Clay offers a first look at the new event venue ELM Nashville. And Margaret Littman travels to L’Auberge Provençale Inn, a French-inspired retreat in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the passing of one of Nashville’s great patrons, Martha Ingram. Martha’s vision helped determine the kind of city Nashville has become. She was a force who stepped in when institutions needed her, and she understood that a great city needs great arts. She thought for the long term, investing not only in institutions, but in the Nashville she believed was possible. She was the very embodiment of Model Behavior, and her influence will be felt throughout this city for generations. BY JANET KURTZ Janet moved to Nashville 28 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler.
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advertising solutions associates
Audry Houle
Marketing
events director
Robin Fomusa event manager
Tristan Maryanski
Circulation
circulation manager
Gary Minnis
Business president
Mike Smith
chief financial officer
Todd Patton
chief operating officer
Elizabeth Jones
chief revenue officer
Olivia Moye Britton IT director
John Schaeffer digital director
Caroline Prater
Owner
FW Publishing, LLC
Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Friday, September 18, 2026. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com. Firstclass subscriptions are available for $100 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 615 MAIN ST., Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37206 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call OLIVIA MOYE BRITTON at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2026 FW Publishing, LLC.
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STEP INSIDE
Built to Last
A 19th-century church experiences a renaissance as an event space IN THE LIGHT-FILLED “loft suite” inside downtown’s new ELM Nashville event space, dark-stained wood ceiling beams with just a hint of char remain as a symbol of endurance. In 1925, a fire destroyed the tower in the former Elm Street Methodist Church, believed to have been built in 1860. Fortunately, much of the structure was saved, including the original wood beams — which current owners Genie Lee and Andrew Tuttle discovered when they decided to vault the ceilings. The business partners, who are passionate about historic preservation, were looking for a property to buy and reimagine as an event space. “We just wanted to open a venue,” says Genie. “That was the plan. We really had no idea we were going to come across this historic gem.” The two were excited to restore a piece of Nashville history, especially one surrounded by towering buildings in the city’s growing skyline. Located at 614 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Elm Street Methodist Church has had many claims to fame. It was the only Italianatestyle church in Nashville. It was supposedly the second-largest Methodist church in Music City, with over 1,200 members in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (including Thomas Ryman, founder of the Ryman Auditorium). And it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Over the years, the building has seen many incarnations, including housing a distillery and an architectural firm.
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“The motivation was … to actually preserve some old piece of Nashville and give it new life for celebrations,” Genie explains. The partners hired Pfeffer Torode architects to help them realize their vision. They spent a little more than a year renovating the former church, in collaboration with GBX Group, salvaging what they could. “When we took it over, it had been vacant for three years,” says Andrew. “There were plants growing out of the carpet.” The space needed a major overhaul. They ripped up carpet and knocked down walls. The idea was to preserve as much as possible, like the nearly floor-to-ceiling arched windows in the main ballroom, née sanctuary, which previously held stained glass. Now, they showcase awe-inspiring city views. “We saved as much as we could,” says Genie, “It wasn’t a lot, because this building, it’s been through several things. But every choice we’ve made is pretty simple and elegant.” The coffered ceilings soar 25 feet. A creamy white-quartz bar sits atop white-oak floors. And a stage, with a rear projection screen, offers a top-of-the-line presentation space. The mezzanine overlooking the entire room can seat 225 or accommodate 350 for cocktails.
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BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE COPPER COLLECTIVE
PRACTICAL MAGIC With ELM’s soaring ceilings, arched doorways and painstakingly preserved exposed brick touches, it’s easy to imagine holding a fairy-tale wedding or throwing a perfect party here. But the team hasn’t overlooked the practical details. There are now 10 individual restrooms, an elevator and a private gated parking lot — a rare perk in Nashville these days. “Having a parking lot downtown is such an important thing,” says Andrew. “It is so unique and such an important part of our business to offer that.”
DINNER PARTY The private dining room and gallery — with its columns and black-and-white tile floor — is located just below the main ballroom. It’s ideal for rehearsal dinners or meetings, thanks to its audiovisual capabilities, easy access to the catering kitchen and ample restrooms. It can accommodate 80 seated guests or 225 standing. And if desired, you can draw the linen curtains for privacy. All the spaces at ELM are carefully considered. “When you come in here, it’s designed enough,” says Andrew. “And it feels elevated without being over-designed.”
CLEAN AND SIMPLE ELM Nashville provides a clean slate and countless possibilities. There are no floral wallpapers or large crystal chandeliers dictating a design style. While the loft can function beautifully as a bridal suite, it’s also perfect for a poker night. Whether you need to host a corporate event or a rock concert, ELM’s rooms can flex to accommodate you. There’s even a green room band members can use to relax between sets — or corporate vice presidents can gather in to discuss strategies. Put simply, you can make the space your own.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE BASICS What: L’Auberge Provençale Inn Where: White Post, Va. Distance from Nashville: 602 miles Why it stands out: Eschewing the alwaysbuzzing activity of many resorts, L’Auberge offers a quiet, romantic retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
Worth the Drive: L’Auberge Provençale Inn Explore a taste of France in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
THE IDEA OF L’Auberge Provençale Inn is to make you feel like you’re in Provence, France, rather than White Post, Va. That shift happens not just in the landscape, food and décor, but also in the resort’s pace. From the time you drive into the gravel parking lot next to the historic stone inn, you’ll notice things slow down. The staff is helpful and attentive — and also willing to let you be, whether you’re reading on the front porch or in the sitting room, wandering through the gardens, or lingering over a glass of wine at dinner. The American idea of rushing through a checklist of activities is as foreign here as choosing fast food over a baguette (although there is plenty to do). Built in 1753, the inn has lived as a sheep farm, witnessed the U.S. Civil War and more. It’s
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now part of a Shenandoah Valley travel experience designed to give visitors a romantic getaway similar to what they’d find in Provence — without the jet lag. When the owners purchased the property in the 1990s and converted it to a hotel, they wanted to keep much of its time-honored essence. The former basement kitchen is now a wine cellar, and many historic artifacts and architectural elements are on display. The inn features La Table Provençale restaurant that draws diners from Washington, D.C., about 75 miles away. The innkeepers also own Villa La Campagnette, a sister property about three miles away. Guests at Villa La Campagnette come to L’Auberge Provençale for meals, and L’Auberge guests can use the Villa La Campagnette swimming pool.
WHAT’S NEARBY Winchester, Va., 10 miles away, is home to the Patsy Cline Historic House and the cemetery where Cline is buried (under her legal name, Virginia H. Dick). Because Nashville no longer has a Cline museum, this is an opportunity to learn more about the country-Western legend. Old Town Winchester is a National Historic District for pedestrians, with restaurants and shops, including the terrific independent bookstore, Bookish. Nearby, you’ll find caves and battlefields to explore, and Shenandoah National Park is about 20 miles away.
WHAT TO DO The pleasures of the Shenandoah Valley are at your disposal. Take a trip down Skyline Drive. There are 37 wineries and vineyards in the area, and staff at L’Auberge Provençale will help you narrow down the list and organize a tour. If you want to stay closer to home, there’s a quiet pool for guests at Villa La Campagnette (complete with a house dog and a house cat). Into kitsch? Dinosaur Land is just down the street. Devote time to sitting and admiring sunrises and sunsets on the property, surrounded by the riotous color of the flower gardens. Read a book on one of the garden benches, or take a dip in the quiet pool.
WORTH THE DRIVE
WHERE TO EAT Breakfast is included with a guest room stay, and even if you’re not a breakfast regular, it’s worth indulging. Each night, you’ll get a menu to choose from, with options such as omelets and frittatas made with seasonal herbs and vegetables. The ambiance here is French, so each meal comes with croissants and other breads. Choose to eat breakfast in the sunny dining room or have it delivered to your guest room. Formal dinner at La Table Provençale is a treat. The French-American menu includes à la carte and tasting menus, plus an impressive wine list. And weekend hotel guests are asked to dine there at least once. Sitting on the patio on a temperate night is particularly lovely. On Monday and Tuesday nights, when the restaurant is closed, there’s an option for in-room dining. Winchester, Va., is just 15 minutes away, and boasts plenty of dining options, including some in Old Town. Chinatown is an unassuming but particularly delicious (and busy) Chinese restaurant.
HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP The 11 rooms in the main inn and the three additional rooms at nearby Villa La Campagnette are decorated with period paint colors, antique furnishings and modern amenities. Some rooms have soaking tubs. Others have fireplaces with Duraflame logs. They’re designed for privacy and offer easy access into the flower gardens and walking paths on the property. Due to the historic construction of the buildings, none of the rooms are entirely accessible. Some have a small set of steps, and some require walking (and pulling luggage) on a narrow gravel path to get to the door. Though you can hear road noise while walking the grounds of the inn, it’s not disruptive once you’re in the guest rooms. BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF L’AUBERGE PROVENÇALE INN
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F E AT U R E
MODEL BEHVIO 2 02 6
A strong community doesn’t happen by chance. It is shaped by people who choose to participate — those who lend their time, expertise, resources and voices to the organizations and causes that make Nashville a better place to live. This year’s Model Behavior honorees understand that civic responsibility extends far beyond professional success. They serve on boards, raise critical funds, champion causes, open doors and bring others to the table. Their efforts touch nearly every corner of our community. Each woman serves differently, but they share a belief that meaningful change demands more than good intentions. It requires showing up, taking responsibility and doing the work. We’re proud to celebrate 10 women whose leadership demonstrates that influence is most powerful when used in service to others — and that remains our definition of Model Behavior. Editor: Janet Kurtz Associate Editor: Madeleine Bradford Art Director: Christie Passarello Photographer: Tausha Dickinson Photographer Assistant: Anthony Romano Videographer: Angelina Castillo Stylist: Bruce Pittman Inc. Stylist Assistants: Linnea Tweedy | Javanna Wood Hair and Makeup: Jessica Vaughn | Nashville Luxury Bridal, Cristina Tiza | Nashville Luxury Bridal Location: Fairlane Hotel Nashville
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CLOSED Represented the Buyer $1,800,000
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F E AT U R E
J
JULIA BAKER The Women’s Fund
Dress: Oscar de la Renta mixed botanical dress (Gus Mayer) Sweater: Oscar de la Renta mixed floral cardigan (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Rose flower charm earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Necklace: The Rosie pendant (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Carved quartz and ruby ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
ulia Baker has spent her life building more than successful businesses. She has built opportunities for others. Whether leading one of Nashville’s premier land planning and design firms or directing philanthropic investments that strengthen the lives of women and girls, Julia believes leadership is measured by the positive impact it leaves behind. That philosophy makes her an exceptional advocate for The Women’s Fund. As principal partner of BFT Land Design, Julia oversees strategic planning, financial stewardship and long-term growth. Those same leadership skills have become invaluable in her volunteer service. After attending The Women’s Fund’s annual Power of the Purse luncheon for several years, Julia accepted an invitation to join the organization’s board of directors. Today, she serves as development chair on the executive committee, is a member of the granting committee and recently co-chaired the organization’s most successful Power of the Purse fundraiser to date. The Women’s Fund is dedicated to creating lasting change for women and girls across Middle Tennessee through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships. Its work supports organizations focused on women’s health, economic sustainability, safety and opportunities for girls to thrive. For Julia, that mission is deeply personal. As the mother of two daughters, a mother-in-law to two remarkable women and “Gabby” to nine granddaughters, she’s passionate about helping create brighter futures for the next generation. Serving on the granting committee has become one of the most rewarding parts of her volunteer work. Reviewing applications from nonprofits across Middle Tennessee has introduced her to organizations quietly transforming lives every day, while reminding her that thoughtful philanthropy creates lasting change. Raised to believe that hard work, integrity and helping others are responsibilities, Julia earned her college degree while raising four children before building a successful career. Those values continue to guide her leadership today. “Julia has been an incredible leader for The Women’s Fund,” says senior manager Janyl Igadna. “She brings care, thoughtfulness and passion to everything she does, while inspiring others to strengthen our mission and expand our impact.” Through her generosity, vision and commitment to service, Julia is giving more women and girls the opportunity to build healthy, secure and successful lives. BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
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F E AT U R E
“C
RENEE BATES The Chestnut Group
Dress: La Double J San Carlo dress (Kirna Zabête) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: The Lilias earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Bracelet: Millgrain buckle bracelet (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
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ameras are great for recording an overall view, but they distort.” That thoughtful snapshot of creative wisdom comes from artist Renee Bates, a member of The Chestnut Group, who puts brush to canvas to capture the beauty of nature while supporting conservation organizations that preserve Middle Tennessee’s environment. Founded in 2001, The Chestnut Group gathers artists to create works outdoors, in the French tradition of painting en plein air. The nonprofit showcases those works through nonjuried exhibitions, whose sales support efforts to protect land and historic places. Over 25 years, The Chestnut Group has directed approximately $500,000 to conservationfocused organizations, such as The Land Trust for Tennessee, Friends of Radnor Lake, Friends of Warner Parks, Friends of Shelby Park and Greenways for Nashville. Raised in East Nashville and married to another Nashvillian, Renee calls herself a “unicorn.” She’s referring to her lifelong hometown status, but that rarity could equally apply to the unique skillset she’s brought to the Chestnuts for more than a decade, as a board member for six years and president for two. With a résumé that includes bookkeeping and interior design, along with working for Greenways and her family business, Bates Nursery & Garden Center, Renee combines a head for entrepreneurship, a heart for community and an eye for art and landscape. “The Chestnut Group has benefited in countless ways from the way Renee has so, so generously shared her time, knowledge and skills with our group,” says fellow artist Ellen Parker Bibb. “Her positivity has attracted members and sponsors alike, and her determination has been an inspiration to me and many others.” While Renee has helped grow the organization through fundraising, marketing and other leadership roles, The Chestnut Group has supported her growth as an artist. Working alongside fellow creatives and participating in the annual workshop series, Paint Your Heart Out, has built her confidence and skill, further fueling her involvement in the group. “I want to see our partner art shows get even stronger — raise more funds for these nonprofit organizations who share like-minded goals in conservation and preservation,” Renee says. “The grassroots community creates impact united by art, volunteerism, preservation and conservation, demonstrating that local action can lead to lasting change. It’s a win all around.” BY CARRINGTON FOX
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105 Leake Ave #77 Belle Meade Tower 2 BR, 2 BA, 1293 SqFt $365,000
3000 Hillsboro Pike #109 Versailles 1 BR, 1 BA, 1081 SqFt $285,000
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD 4905 Dakota Ave $1,859,000
Murray Clayton
3737 West End Ave #105 - $860,000
4215 Harding Pike #903 - $500,000
M: 615-812-1831 murrayclaytonrealtor@gmail.com
905 Glenmary Ct $420,000
Discover more of my listings — get in touch today!
DEDICATED. TRUSTWORTHY. KNOWLEDGABLE 19
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4215 Harding Pike #604 - $400,000
D I S CO V E R MORE O N A NNABYGR OVEPA R K. CO M
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JENNIFER BIEFEL Nashville PBS
Dress: Akris Punto polka dot dress (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Citrine Fois Bois earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Rings: The Dani ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry), wide band diamond ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
hile Jennifer Biefel has never worked professionally in education or community service, these pillars have always steered her volunteer efforts. Serving as board chair of Nashville PBS, she recognizes how effective storytelling can broaden people’s viewpoints and help them understand one another — even when they come from different backgrounds. “I am incredibly curious, which is why I love the content of PBS so much,” she says. “There is always something new to learn or a new perspective to understand.” Jennifer’s core values — empathy, gratitude and a drive toward positive change — were first instilled by her mother, who worked as a teacher. She has since raised her own children with these principles, which also drew her to Nashville PBS. Nashville PBS both informs and entertains. This striking balance compelled Jennifer to join the board in 2019 after Ken Burns filmed his Country Music documentary. The project was a natural intersection for the station and Jennifer’s marketing role at Opry Entertainment Group. She credits her former leader, Laura Hollingsworth, for introducing her to the Nashville PBS team and encouraging her to get involved when she was so new to the city. Since that fateful moment, Jennifer has worn many hats. She chaired the programming committee for several years before joining the strategic planning committee in 2023, where she helped the station develop its first 3-year plan — necessary to navigate the rapidly changing media consumption and federal funding landscapes. Now, as board chair, Jennifer looks forward to deepening her involvement, finding new ways to reach supporters and focusing on longevity. “She continues to exhibit the behavior we hold in high esteem at our station, which is to be positive, kind, collaborative and focused on excellence,” says Becky Magura, Nashville PBS president and CEO. “We are so excited to have Jen at the helm this year, and we strive to emulate her behavior inside our station and within the community.” A simple truth drives Jennifer’s commitment: Nashville PBS shapes lives. Its programming helps manage emergencies, and its community-minded spirit provides learning resources for the educators shaping the minds of the next generation. Day in and day out, Jennifer helps protect universal access to public media — and information not driven solely by commercial interests or profit. “Nashville PBS plays such an important role in our community by helping people learn, stay informed and connect with one another,” says Jennifer. “I’m proud to be a small part of supporting its future.” BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
nfocusmagazine.com | S E P T E M B E R 2026
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LADONNA BOYD The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund
Top: LAPOINTE satin cape tee (Gus Mayer) Pants: LAPOINTE satin relaxed pants (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Model’s own Bracelets: Diamond eternity bangle (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry), open heart bracelet (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry), model’s own Watch: Model’s own Ring: Model’s own
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or LaDonna Boyd, leadership is a family affair — one that dates back generations. Her great-great-grandfather, the Rev. Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, founded the National Baptist Publishing Company — now known as the R.H. Boyd Company — in 1896. Committed to education, faith, literacy and economic empowerment, the organization celebrates African-American perspectives that have historically been disenfranchised. “R.H. Boyd is one of the foundational businesses in Nashville,” says LaDonna. “It is rich in heritage and culture, and it has preserved the story of Nashville and the faith community.” LaDonna, a fifth-generation leader, is now publisher and CEO of the business she grew up in. She’s also the first female president in R.H. Boyd’s 130-year history. “Family conversations frequently centered around the business, our mission and our responsibility to serve others,” she says. “As I grew older, I realized I wasn’t simply leading a company. I was stepping into purpose.” LaDonna creates immersive experiences to give others opportunities. She founded the Legacy Ball in 2022, a highly attended black-tie gathering in support of the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund. The fund is a living memorial for R.H. Boyd’s founder, providing scholarships and grants that help develop the next generation of leaders, educators and philanthropists. Initiatives like the Legacy Ball remind LaDonna that preserving history requires an active community — and each year, she honors the outstanding organizations and individuals who shape our city. This year, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, the Nashville Public Library’s Civil Rights Room, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and author Alice Randall all received awards. “There are not many institutional and familial stories like mine,” LaDonna says. “I am hopeful that my work helps make Nashville a more inclusive and elegant place to gather.” Outside R.H. Boyd, LaDonna brings her strategic and operational expertise to Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, where she chairs the holding company. She has previously served on the boards of the National Museum of African American Music and Nashville Ballet and acted as commissioner of the Historic Zoning Commission for Metro Nashville. When not leading a company, planning events or serving on a board, LaDonna dives into passions like storytelling, design, history, luxury and fragrance, which she believes inform her leadership style — one driven by creativity and legacy. “The most enduring legacies are like great fragrances,” she says. “They linger long after we’ve left the room.” BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
109109 Westhampton Westhampton Place Place
110110 Lynnwood Lynnwood Blvd Blvd
8454 8454 Lewis Lewis Road Road
710710 Bresslyn Bresslyn Road Road
4 BR, 4 BR, 4/24/2 BA,BA, 6129 6129 SqFt SqFt 1.061.06 Acres Acres - $8,000,000 - $8,000,000
5 BR, 5 BR, 5/25/2 BA,BA, 6197 6197 SqFt SqFt 2.342.34 Acres Acres - $6,250,000 - $6,250,000
6 BR, 6 BR, 4/14/1 BA,BA, 7204 7204 SqFt SqFt 21.36 21.36 Acres Acres - $4,999,999 - $4,999,999
5 BR, 5 BR, 5/15/1 BA,BA, 5904 5904 SqFt SqFt .94 .94 Acre Acre - $4,500,000 - $4,500,000
4301 4301 Esteswood Esteswood Drive Drive
205205 Carden Carden Avenue Avenue
5212 5212 Williamsburg Williamsburg Road Road
2709 2709 Tyne Tyne Blvd Blvd
5 BR, 5 BR, 4/24/2 BA,BA, 7193 7193 SqFt SqFt 1 Acres 1 Acres - $3,999,000 - $3,999,000
4 BR, 4 BR, 3/13/1 BA,BA, 3159 3159 SqFt SqFt .28 .28 Acres Acres - $2,900,000 - $2,900,000
6 BR, 6 BR, 4/14/1 BA,BA, 4820 4820 SqFt SqFt 1.011.01 Acres Acres - $2,399,000 - $2,399,000
4 BR, 4 BR, 3 BA, 3 BA, 2371 2371 SqFt SqFt 1.211.21 Acres Acres - $1,750,000 - $1,750,000
102102 Bellebrook Bellebrook Circle Circle
3000 3000 Poston Poston AveAve #405 #405
170170 Kenner Kenner Avenue Avenue
4215 4215 Harding Harding Pike Pike #503 #503
4 BR, 4 BR, 3/23/2 BA,BA, 4291 4291 SqFt SqFt .20 .20 Acres Acres - $1,625,000 - $1,625,000
3 BR, 3 BR, 2/12/1 BA,BA, 1757 1757 SqFt SqFt Poston Poston At The At The Park Park - $1,450,000 - $1,450,000
3 BR, 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 BA, 1575 1575 SqFt SqFt .18 .18 Acres Acres - $850,000 - $850,000
2 BR, 2 BR, 2 BA, 2 BA, 1316 1316 SqFt SqFt Windsor Windsor Tower Tower - $475,000 - $475,000
47 Hemlock 47 Hemlock Lane Lane
1.2 1.2 Acres Acres - Long - Long Branch Branch Lake Lake 245’245’ of frontage of frontage - $110,000 - $110,000
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1224 1224 Otter Otter Creek Creek Rd Rd sold sold $4,400,000 $4,400,000 2223 2223 Hemingway Hemingway Dr Dr sold sold $3,699,000 $3,699,000 121121 Blackburn Blackburn AveAve sold sold $2,200,000 $2,200,000 104104 Brookfield Brookfield AveAve sold sold $1,560,000 $1,560,000 1810 1810 Beech Beech AveAve sold sold $960,000 $960,000 3737 3737 West West EndEnd AveAve #105 #105 sold sold $860,000 $860,000 301301 Westview Westview AveAve sold sold $6,000,000 $6,000,000 105105 Bellevue Bellevue Dr Dr S S sold sold $4,000,000 $4,000,000 201201 Sunnyside Sunnyside Dr Dr sold sold $3,200,000 $3,200,000
GRACE GRACE CLAYTON CLAYTON C: C: 615-305-1426 615-305-1426 O: O: 615-327-4800 615-327-4800 S E P T E M B E R 2 02 6 | nfocusmagazine.com
201201 Haverford Haverford AveAve 3808 3808 Cross Cross Creek Creek Rd Rd 1961 1961 Edenbridge Edenbridge WayWay 55 Revere 55 Revere Park Park 1810 1810 Beech Beech AveAve 5106 5106 Hillsboro Hillsboro Pike Pike 105105 Cherokee Cherokee Rd Rd 913913 Whiteheath Whiteheath Ct Ct 4425 4425 Westlawn Westlawn Dr Dr
MARIE MARIE YOUNG YOUNG C: C: 770-500-7933 770-500-7933 O: O: 615-327-4800 615-327-4800
sold sold $2,900,000 $2,900,000 sold sold $1,599,999 $1,599,999 sold sold $1,450,000 $1,450,000 sold sold $1,350,000 $1,350,000 sold sold $960,000 $960,000 sold sold $1,261,000 $1,261,000 sold sold $835,000 $835,000 sold sold $927,500 $927,500 sold sold $324,900 $324,900
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CHRISTIANE BUGGS PENCIL
Dress: Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman floral dress (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Faceted abalone earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Bracelet: Tourmaline and diamond cuff (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
ccess to resources and exposure to the world beyond our front door can truly make all the difference,” says Christiane Buggs, president and CEO of nonprofit PENCIL, which last year directed $3 million in school and classroom supplies to students in Metro Nashville Public Schools. A former chair of the MNPS board, Christiane has seen the impact of PENCIL for almost as long as she can remember. As a child, she accompanied her aunt, a second-grade teacher, on adventures to PENCIL to pick up free school supplies for her classroom. When Christiane attended Cumberland Elementary and Jones Paideia, PENCIL Partners brought school supplies, hosted class parties and donated computers at her schools. Those experiences took place long before Christiane earned a physics degree from Tennessee State University, worked for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, Calif., taught middle school math, and eventually became an MNPS parent, with a son at Jones. “And I am proud to see PENCIL still making a difference in his school and every other MNPS school,” says the happy alumna of Martin Luther King Jr. School. For 44 years, PENCIL has been tying the business community to public schools to direct resources like time, capital and equipment into classrooms. Throughout her career, Christiane has channeled her own time and talent into improving educational opportunities and outcomes. She didn’t expect or intend to follow in the vocational footsteps of her family — including her politician grandfather, Harold M. Love Sr., and her mathematician-educator grandmother, Mary Y. Love — but she’s forged a path to serve students in her own way. “I became a teacher to make sure students felt more comfortable developing math skills,” Christiane says. “I joined the school board to influence policy. My tenure at both made me realize that ‘community’ is one lever we do not pull on enough to be sure every child is prepared to become a happy, healthy neighbor.” As PENCIL prepares to renovate and relocate to the former Robert E. Lillard Elementary School in North Nashville, Christiane looks forward to increasing the nonprofit’s capacity, with triple the warehouse space, a standalone free teacher supply store with twice the square footage, a designated volunteer center and a teacher workroom. “PENCIL believes that talent is evenly distributed among our city’s children, but unfortunately, access and opportunity are not,” Christiane says. “Public education is everybody’s business. A thriving public education system that provides better opportunity and access to the children who need it most will lift up all of our children and enable everyone in our community to prosper.” BY CARRINGTON FOX
nfocusmagazine.com | S E P T E M B E R 2026
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CAROLINE COOK The Next Door Recovery
Sweater: Oscar de la Renta button-side sweater (Gus Mayer) Skirt: Oscar de la Renta palm print skirt (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Diamond baguette tableau earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Necklace: Diamond link necklace (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
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aroline Cook has a contagious enthusiasm that lights up every room she enters, making her the kind of volunteer every nonprofit dreams of having. Whether she’s selling real estate, encouraging women in recovery or speaking about her own journey of healing, Caroline approaches every opportunity with her own brand of lively energy, tender compassion and unwavering faith. For the past five years, Caroline has devoted herself to The Next Door Recovery, where she serves on the board of directors and is in her second year as development committee chair. She also chaired the organization’s Annual Benefit Luncheon and helped guide its rebranding efforts. Yet one of her favorite roles happens far from the boardroom. Alongside her mother, she teaches Sketch and Pray, an art class that offers women in recovery a chance to create, connect and find hope. Caroline’s passion is deeply personal. Having overcome an eating disorder, she understands the challenges of addiction and the possibility of lasting recovery. She chronicled her experience in her book, Hungry, and now travels throughout the region sharing her message of healing and freedom. She believes every woman deserves the chance to reclaim her life. “The women at The Next Door Recovery are fighting for their lives and for their families,” she says. “They want a better future. They just need help getting there.” That mission fuels her dedication to the organization, which served more than 1,200 women last year. The Next Door Recovery is one of the few programs in the Southeast that prioritizes treatment for pregnant women and mothers, providing comprehensive care regardless of a woman’s ability to pay. For Caroline, the impact extends well beyond each client, reaching children, families and future generations. A wife of 28 years, mother of four, entrepreneur, author and speaker, Caroline admits she often takes on more than most people would attempt. But her greatest strength is her ability to inspire others to join her in serving those who need hope the most. As Susan Weathersby, director of development for The Next Door Recovery, puts it, “Caroline inspires those around her to serve with greater compassion and purpose, and Nashville is better because of the way she lives her life every day.” BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
AVAILABLE
SOLD
SOLD - OFF MARKET
704A Crescent Drive Green Hills - $2,479,000
3616 Hoods Hill Rd Green Hills
5045 Lakeview Drive Oak Hill
SOLD - MULTIPLE OFFERS Diamond Elite Life Member
914 Buford Drive Oak Hill *Rep buyer
SOLD - OFF MARKET
MULTIPLE OFFERS 915 Drew Place Belle Meade *Rep buyer
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TO USE OUR 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND NETWORKING SKILLS TO STAY IN FRONT OF THE COMPETITION FOR YOU. The Bearden Brand is experienced and IN THE KNOW. We are ready to help!
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SOLD
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3626 West End Ave #201 West End
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114 Bellevue Drive South Belle Meade
SHELLY BEARDEN 615.478.2444 ROB BEARDEN 615.574.9808 Caroline Cook, Kitsie Hayles Maddie Wolff Office: 615.327.4800
4324 Signal Hill Belle Meade *Rep buyer
Collecting Rent Isn’t Management. Strategy Is. Let’s maximize potential for your Nashville portfolio
Nashville Portfolio Management by
Therese Winnington
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • INTERIOR DESIGN Triple Threat-Top Individual Leasing Agent 3 Years in a Row Diamond Elite 3 Years in a Row GNAR Managing 300+ Nashville homes for private investors
T.2Lewis LLC 8 SReal E P T EEstate M B E R 2& 02Design, 6 | nfocusmagazine.com
twinnington@yahoo.com • theresewinnington.com 615.545.8700 • 209 Neelys Bend Rd. • Madison, TN 37115
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CARRIE KITKO Nashville Wine Auction
Dress: ERDEM floral textured satin dress (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: The Tulip earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Bracelet: Diamond star cuff (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
s a pediatric oncologist, Dr. Carrie Kitko has dedicated her career to helping children and families navigate one of life’s most difficult journeys. Through the Nashville Wine Auction, she discovered another way to make a meaningful difference — one that brings together her passion for cancer research with a love of food, wine and community. Carrie and her husband, Matthew Leavitt, attended their first Nashville Wine Auction event in 2016, shortly after moving to Nashville. Friends who knew of their appreciation for food and wine encouraged them to attend a Private Vintner Dinner. And they found more than an exceptional meal. They met a welcoming community committed to improving the lives of those affected by cancer. Recruited to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2015 as medical director of the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant program, Carrie immediately recognized the alignment between her professional mission and the Nashville Wine Auction’s philanthropic work. She became increasingly involved, serving on committees before joining the board, where she recently completed a 7-year term that included service as board chair. Earlier this year, she and Matthew co-chaired the organization’s Pairings event. Carrie’s greatest contribution has been shining a spotlight on the challenges facing early-career pediatric oncology researchers. While the Nashville Wine Auction has long supported the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, she recognized an opportunity to educate fellow board members about the funding gap confronting junior faculty members and the reality that pediatric cancer research receives only a small fraction of national cancer funding. Thanks in part to those conversations, the organization now supports pediatric oncology research projects through its annual beneficiary grants. That impact reflects what Carrie believes makes the Nashville Wine Auction so important. For nearly five decades, the organization has united the wine community to raise millions of dollars for local cancer research, patient care and caregiver support. Because cancer touches nearly every family in some way, its mission resonates across the community. Carrie’s organizational skills, enthusiasm for wine and relationships with West Coast vintners have also helped strengthen connections between wineries and the Nashville Wine Auction. Yet she says the organization’s greatest reward has been the friendships she’s formed with fellow volunteers who share a commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Carrie hopes the Nashville Wine Auction continues to grow its community of supporters, allowing it to invest even more in the local organizations and groundbreaking research working to improve outcomes for cancer patients across Middle Tennessee. BY JANET KURTZ
nfocusmagazine.com | S E P T E M B E R 2026
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TRISH MUNRO Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Dress: Akris Punto Diamond Dice dress (Gus Mayer) Shawl: Randi and Will pearl shawl (Gus Mayer) Earrings: Diamond cobblestone earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Model’s own
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rish Munro believes a thriving city needs more than economic growth. It needs the arts. Much like the late Martha Ingram, who envisioned a Kennedy Center-like large-scale performing arts facility for Nashville in 1972, Trish has championed that noble cause. After living and working in some of America’s great cultural centers in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and Charlotte, N.C., Trish returned to her home state with a deep appreciation for the role the performing arts play in building vibrant communities. Today, she channels that passion into her leadership at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, where she has served as a board member for the past five years. For Trish, supporting TPAC is about more than bringing Broadway productions to Nashville. It’s about ensuring the arts remain accessible, inspiring and relevant for generations to come. TPAC’s mission to champion excellence in the performing arts and arts education, while fostering an inclusive place where people of all backgrounds can enjoy meaningful experiences, aligns perfectly with Trish’s own belief that the arts enrich lives and strengthen communities. Her involvement extends well beyond board service. Trish has been a generous supporter of the organization, serves on the steering committee for TPAC’s new performing arts center, and remains actively involved with the design committee, helping shape what she hopes will become one of the country’s premier performing arts destinations. Raised in Murfreesboro, Trish graduated from the University of Tennessee before pursuing graduate studies at Middle Tennessee State University. Her career with American Airlines led her across the country, where decades of travel and living in diverse cities gave her an easy ability to connect with people. She jokes that she has “never met a stranger,” a quality that’s made her an enthusiastic ambassador for TPAC, continually encouraging others to become involved and support its mission. Serving TPAC has broadened her perspective and taught her patience while introducing her to a remarkable community of artists, volunteers and civic leaders who share a passion for the performing arts. Inspired by the scripture, “To whom much is given, much is required,” Trish believes giving back is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through her leadership and generosity, she’s ensuring Nashville’s artistic future is every bit as dynamic as its musical heritage. BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND
COMING SOON!
245 ENSWORTH PLACE
Acreage, Privacy & Newer Construction - In Town Built in 2023 - 2.13 Acres Quiet Cul-de-Sac Setting
CLOSED!
Amanda Tolbert M: 615.519.1663 O: 615.327.4800 Amanda.M.Tolbert@gmail.com
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300 Sunnyside Drive, $5,000,000 Represented the Buyers
Boring isn’t great for stories, unless it’s a story about your money. See what boring banking can do for you at pnc.com/brilliantlyboring
Brilliantly Boring since 1865 is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ©2026 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.
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ALICE HUDSON PELL TennGreen Land Conservancy
Dress: ERDEM floral appliqué dress (Gus Mayer) Earrings: Model’s own Bracelet: Hinged circle cuff (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry) Ring: Diamond three band ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
lice Hudson Pell has always fostered a deep connection with her natural surroundings — one she believes is vital. She understands the physical, mental and communal benefits of roaming parks, open spaces and wild lands. “We are a part of our ecosystem, and it is part of us,” she says. “So much healing happens outside.” This passion brought her to TennGreen Land Conservancy in 2014, where she now serves as executive director. TennGreen is the state’s oldest accredited statewide land conservancy, protecting private land and public parks from demolition and development since 1998. Alice’s involvement is key to the organization’s mission — ensuring that conservation’s impact is eternal. “Conservation of Tennessee’s natural treasures is forever, and forever is a wild idea — one that requires a new way of thinking,” she says. “Working at TennGreen allows me to balance the dayto-day work of leading an organization while helping ensure that the places we protect today will still be conserved hundreds of years from now.” Alice thrives when solving problems without obvious solutions and helping each person realize the role they play in preserving Tennessee’s green spaces. This drives her to expand outreach programs, dream up creative fundraisers and help people connect more deeply with their work. In the same vein, Alice created TennGreen’s Hike-a-Thon following the COVID-19 pandemic. The fundraiser invites patrons to hike around the globe and compete in friendly outdoor challenges — experiencing the benefits of conservation, rather than just supporting it. In its record-breaking sixth year, the Hike-a-Thon attracted 1,398 participants, raised over $300,000 and logged 17,836 miles across 41 states and 13 countries. “One of the things I’m most proud of is helping people see that conservation isn’t something reserved for scientists or outdoor experts,” says Alice. “My goal has always been to create opportunities for people to connect with the land in ways that are meaningful to them.” Outside the office, Alice stays involved in other nonprofits. She currently serves on the Metro Parks board, the Nashville Parks Foundation board and the Cumberland Trail Conservancy advisory board. She also welcomes foster cats and kittens into her home through Pawster. Through her work at TennGreen and beyond, Alice aims to preserve our green spaces into tomorrow. “We may not know where and how humanity will be 500 years from today,” she says. “But our protected lands and the promises that we make today will still need to be upheld.” BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
nfocusmagazine.com | S E P T E M B E R 2026
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CIONA ROUSE OZ Arts Nashville
Dress: Lafayette 148 iris Cady gown (Gus Mayer) Shoes: Model’s own Earrings: Nickho Rey flat block earrings (Gus Mayer)
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iona Rouse can hardly believe OZ Arts Nashville has been around only half the time since she moved here from Atlanta. “It all feels like marrow to my long life in Nashville,” says the poet and educator who has called Nashville home for 25 years. Ciona dove into the Ozgener family’s innovative performing arts center upon its 2013 debut, as an audience member, artist and advocate. She’s witnessed the Brave New Art of OZ’s creative calendar. She’s mentored creative writing fellows in OZ’s Art Wire collaboration with The Porch. She’s performed her own work. And she’s championed OZ Arts fundraisers, such as Conversations at OZ and Beyond Bourbon. “OZ Arts Nashville elevates me as an artist with its consistent offerings of dynamic art and constant support of my poetic voice,” she says. “It’s always a ‘yes’ — and also a gift to then serve as a mentor for its interns or writing program, a voice for its work in fundraisers or messaging, or an emcee for programs like its pandemic work that brought a sense of togetherness while we were apart.” Leave it to a poet to describe OZ’s ambitious program as “otherworldly and absolutely colloquial,” both expanding imaginations globally and focusing locally to support creativity. “Whether the performers come to OZ from South Africa or from South of Broadway, the shows are always dynamic, pushing us beyond our ideas of what’s possible,” she says. And Ciona wants more audiences to know the power and potential of those performances. “The poetic artist soul in me probably delights just a little in being able to pass on the word as if I’m whispering about a secret speakeasy or a holy space that might change your life,” she says about a program that inspires 6,000 students annually through teaching artists and school performances. “The other half of me that wants the city to be known for the type of artistic bravery OZ commits to … [wants] to tell the whole world about what we get to witness.” While OZ continues to elevate and celebrate Ciona’s artistic voice, she, in turn, continues to advocate for OZ’s programming — spreading the word about the Ozgener family’s legacy and creative director Mark Murphy’s innovation, with the eloquence and passion of a poet. “This organization continues to remind everyone that art lies within everyone, pulsing just below the surface of our skin — even if only for those hours you’re seated in the OZ Arts space,” Ciona says. “That’s the Nashville I know and fell in love with 25 years ago — spilling open and willing to be transformed by someone’s creative vision.” BY CARRINGTON FOX
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Donald Berschback Luxury Homes, Built & Sold in Nashville Office: 615.327.4800
|
dfberschback@gmail.com 36
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Mobile : 615.878.0669
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POWER WITH PURPOSE Meet four Nashville leaders using their influence to strengthen their community
REAL POWER often comes from the quietest places. Each year at Nfocus, we reveal our Model Behavior honorees — women in the community who work diligently to lift up the city of Nashville. In the same spirit of community, our sister publication Nashville Post spotlights women in the community who exemplify leadership and set the standard for future generations. Nfocus and Nashville Post honor each year’s Most Powerful Women at an annual luncheon and panel discussion, where the women share the stories of growth and success that have helped them achieve their goals and live their dreams — this year, on Aug. 27 at City Winery. Below, we highlight 2026’s Most Powerful Women: Lindsey Cox, Natalie Dickson, Kim James and Ryan Wood. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
nfocusmagazine.com | S E P T E M B E R 2026
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Lindsey Cox
Natalie Dickson
CEO, LaunchTN
President and CEO, Tennessee Oncology
LAUNCHTN CEO Lindsey Cox has a big job overseeing innovation and startup growth across the state, but she never neglects an opportunity to make a difference in the Nashville community. Lindsey previously spent five years serving as president of the Salemtown Neighbors association, succeeding now-mayor Freddie O’Connell in the position, which she lightheartedly calls “the Lord’s work.” She’s now a member of the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association, where she excitedly plans East Nashville’s Tomato Arts Fest each year. “I’m a big believer in neighbors banding together to get the outcome they want and elevate the voice of the community,” Lindsey says, noting that you can find this shared sense of purpose anywhere — even in a simple walk around the neighborhood. “I love connecting with our neighbors — learning more about who they are, what they do, what they care about and what they’re excited for,” Lindsey says. These casual conversations ultimately drive her work. “Being able to build relationships outside of work — but then being able to add value, or influence, or whatever it may be — is great.” Lindsey also works with the annual South by Southwest festival, serving on its pitch advisory board, reviewing applications and giving feedback on startups that could be a great fit for the event. And she’s an active Belcourt Theatre member. “I love that we have an option in this community for more independent film and engagement,” she says.
HELPING PEOPLE through difficult times is everyday work for Natalie Dickson, the president and CEO of Tennessee Oncology. From a very young age (inspired by television doctor Marcus Welby, M.D.), Natalie knew she wanted to help others. And while she found it challenging to shift her focus to executive tasks, her philanthropic efforts keep her connected to her cause. Since taking the helm at Tennessee Oncology in 2024 — and opening its flagship location in Midtown in 2025 — Natalie has bolstered the hospital’s charity care and social work offerings, hiring additional staff to help patients navigate financial and medical needs. Her nonprofit work has focused on cancer care, patient advocacy and professional education, including at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Community Oncology Alliance, and the Network of Collaborative Oncology Development and Advancement. Even as an executive, Natalie continues to work as an oncologist and hematologist one day per week, something she says keeps her connected to the needs of patients. And her nonprofit work further contributes to that patient-centered mindset. “Volunteer work helps keep me grounded and puts things in perspective,” she says. “It reminds me to be grateful and to stay focused on the people and communities affected by the decisions I make.” Natalie understands that oncology work is not only about surviving cancer, but what happens on the other side of that, too. That’s why she’s also expanded services to survivors at Tennessee Oncology. “I have learned that service starts with listening, because what people truly need is not always what I assume,” she says.
BY JULIANNE AKERS
BY HANNAH HERNER
F E AT U R E
Kim James
Ryan Wood
Executive director, Rotary Club of Nashville
Executive managing director, Colliers Nashville
NONPROFIT VETERAN Kim James brings over 18 years of experience in leadership, community engagement, program management, donor relations and communications to the Rotary Club of Nashville, where she’s served as executive director since April. Founded in 1914, the organization provides service and networking opportunities for more than 500 business and civic leaders. “Any time I speak with anyone at Rotary, it’s because I am amazed at the fact that they have chosen to give their time, talents and treasure to a place of service, and that every week, they come in fellowship with each other and try to find ways to make Nashville better,” says Kim. Before her current role, Kim served as CEO of the Young Leaders Council, where she helped program participants, graduates and alumni identify their passions — a drive that guides her work to this day. Rotary’s weekly Monday meetings bring the mission home for Kim, who fervently admires members’ philanthropic dedication and work ethic. “I see those same people show up to build a Habitat house, or those same people show up to a committee call and give a thousand percent toward an initiative they are responsible for,” she says. “You just have to be inspired by them.” When supporting partners, increasing equity and creating opportunities, Kim leads with empathy. “I come into any conversation, whether it’s with the CEO of Caterpillar or the head of the maintenance staff, from a place of kindness and genuine care and concern,” she says. The most rewarding part of her work? Researching what’s happening in the community and nonprofit space to create a more connected Nashville. “My hope for Rotary is that we continue to grow, that we continue to become more and more diverse, that we become a place where people understand they can go to lean in,” says Kim.
RYAN WOOD spent 17 years in financial services before becoming the executive managing director for Colliers in Nashville. That switch from finance to real estate might seem unexpected from the outside looking in. But really, Ryan’s role is about leading and growing a team to reach company goals — skills she’s honed over the course of her career. And leading the Nashville market feels appropriate for Ryan, who grew up in town and graduated from Harpeth Hall. Outside of her career, Ryan likes to stay rooted in Nashville’s nonprofit community. She serves on the board for both Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and OZ Arts Nashville. She chairs the Harpeth Hall alumnae Annual Fund committee, having already co-chaired the school’s 2025 reunion and served on its National Advisory Council. This year, she also co-chaired the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic With the Library, and she’s co-chairing Fall for Cheekwood and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Salute to Excellence Awards in October. Ryan says she often thinks about the quote, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” And that’s little surprise, when you look at her lengthy philanthropic résumé. “If you’re fortunate enough to live in a great city like Nashville, I think there’s some sense of responsibility in giving back,” she says. “But also, it’s fun.” Ryan loves working with the many community groups that make Nashville special. And these days, she’s looking for ways to include her children in her work. “I am trying to align my philanthropic engagements more along with my kids now,” she explains. “Things like the library, Fall for Cheekwood — that is very much a family-focused event.” BY NICOLLE PRAINO
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
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F E AT U R E
IN THEI FOOTSTEPS
Exploring the history of slavery at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage provides a new perspective on “Old Hickory” ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE has seen many changes since July 1804, when Rachel and Andrew Jackson moved to the 425-acre rural retreat that would eventually grow into their 1,000-acre plantation. “Old Hickory” became the seventh President of the U.S., the Civil War divided the nation, and the Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people to be free, to name a few milestones the property has witnessed. But some things stay the same, including the fact that 90-degree temperatures make summer in Middle Tennessee uncomfortable — bordering on dangerous. So when the Hermitage relaunched the In Their Footsteps: Slavery at the Hermitage tour this summer, constant stifling humidity drew a powerful sensory throughline from 1845, when Jackson held more than 150 enslaved people upon his death, to 2026, when visitors can explore the life and landscape of families enslaved by the former president.
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Standing in the thick, still air of a two-centuries-old log structure known as Alfred’s Cabin, summer visitors might find themselves momentarily uncomfortable, but they can leave whenever they choose. Few people who lived at the Hermitage before 1865 could come and go as they pleased. Not “Old Hannah,” whom Jackson purchased in 1794, along with her 18-month-old daughter, Betty. Not Betty’s son Alfred, born in 1812. Not Aaron and Hannah, whose unofficial union or “plantation marriage” yielded 10 children. Not Dunwoody, Titus, Molly, Jim or the other 300 men, women and children enslaved at the Hermitage over eight decades before the passing of the 13th Amendment. Footsteps narrates the overlooked stories of these inhabitants of the landmark property through the unembellished candor of archival records and tangible archaeological evidence. For example, a ledger entry comparing the cost in dollars of the human laborer Betty to the purchase price of a piano speaks volumes. Meanwhile, Jackson’s blunt written instructions about treatment of livestock and laborers make all too clear how enslaved humans ranked on the farm. After emancipation in 1865, Alfred remained at the Hermitage, renting 24 acres from the Jacksons to raise food and produce cotton and butter for sale. In the 1880s, he moved into the cabin that now bears his name, sharing quarters with his wife, Gracey, and children, Sara and Augustus. Alfred helped oversee the Hermitage historic site until his death in 1901, when he was buried in the garden near President Jackson’s tomb.
The cabin remains as it would have been in Alfred’s life. On a summer day, that means small, dark and sweltering. The conditions are enough to prompt a visitor on the Footsteps tour to ask: Why did free Alfred remain at the site of his antebellum confinement? And that question might prompt a thoughtful guide to remind 21st-century visitors that alternative opportunities in Reconstruction were not obvious or easy for formerly enslaved people. After strolling on gravel and mulched paths — past cabins, an icehouse and springs that served the farm — Footsteps arrives at the enslaved cemetery, a once-overgrown field that has been weeded and fenced to protect a pattern of burial sites. In 2024, using noninvasive underground testing, Hermitage historians — along with researchers from Tennessee State Division of Archaeology, TRC Environmental Corp. and Vanderbilt University — confirmed 28 graves, among what could be as many as 50 burials in the surrounding soil. On our Footsteps tour, in the quiet shade of the cemetery, near waving fields of crops and the babbling water of Sinking Creek, tour leader Cody Youngblood invited young visitors to read aloud from the list of people thought to be buried nearby: “Old” Hannah, Ned, “Old” Sampson, “Big” Sampson, “Old” Nancy, Dunwoody, Pleasant, Rachel, Gilbert, Titus, Molly, Jim, Jack, George, Joe, Adam, Anaca, Elick, Milly, Unnamed Infant, Hannah, Betty, Creasy’s Unnamed Child, Grace’s Unnamed Child, Sarah’s Unnamed Child, and Polidore. And so the tour concluded, with the simplest of memorable ceremonies: children honoring people no longer overlooked, on a property never to be remembered the same. BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELIZABETH WISEMAN, HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS AND COURTESY OF ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE
F E AT U R E
THE SWEET HEEFTE One family’s loss helps others find purpose and possibility on the Appalachian Trail
IN 2018, Nate Loftus set out to hike the Appalachian Trail with his cousin. This was the journey that would bring into clear view the direction he wanted his life to take. For years, Nate had struggled with substance use disorder after a back injury and an opioid prescription changed the trajectory of his life. But Nate had gone through treatment and fought for his recovery. Somewhere among the mountains, shelters, strangers and miles of the Appalachian Trail, he
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found something else he needed: community, purpose and a sense of belonging. On the trail, Nate fell in with an unusually large group of hikers who became his “tramily,” the affectionate term for the makeshift families that form among strangers walking the more than 2,000-mile route. They called themselves the Rochers (pronounced Rokers), a name born after Nate mangled the pronunciation of Ferrero Rocher candy. It was the kind of joke that suited him.
“NATE WAS so much fun,” his cousin Mike Freeman remembers. “He was wild and rambunctious,” with a magnetic personality and a willingness to help almost anyone. More importantly, on the trail, he was happy. Nate hiked 786 miles of the Appalachian Trail before going back to work. His family wanted desperately for the happiness to last. In 2019, Nate relapsed. And this time, it took his life. Not long after his death, his family heard from Jeff, the driver of Nate’s tour bus, who wanted to return his belongings. Jeff maneuvered the enormous bus down the family’s small residential street and unloaded Nate’s large gear box. But it was the smallest item he returned that carried the most meaning. It was a Ferrero Rocher. Jeff explained that when he changed the sheets on the bus, he would find the candy in Nate’s bunk. He didn’t know why it was there, only that it seemed important to Nate, so he always left it alone. It wasn’t until Jeff read Nate’s obituary and learned about the Rokers that he understood. “He felt like it was something that was keeping Nate going and keeping him in sobriety, and helping him stay on the path,” his mother Babs Freeman-Loftus says. “Nate just dreamed of getting back out on the trail.” Two months after Nate died, his family traveled to Erwin, Tenn., to the Beauty Spot, one of the trail’s most beloved views. His tramily came from all over the country to remember Nate and spread some of his ashes. They shared stories of the life lost and the spirit that inspired them. And during the following months, his family couldn’t stop thinking about the trail. It had given Nate something, and his family began wondering whether they could do the same for someone else. What Nate found on the trail eventually inspired his parents, Babs and Tom Loftus, to create One More Day on the Appalachian Trail, a nonprofit that helps people facing substance use disorder and other life challenges experience the same sense of possibility Nate found there. Since 2022, the organization has sponsored 11 hikers, helping with gear, transportation and expenses along the way. Four received sponsorships during the first year. Adam Dube, nicknamed “Cinnabun,” was one of them. “I think [the scholarship] meant hope,” he explains. “I was recently sober after 15 years, and didn’t know who I was or where to go from where I was. I was kind of lost, and the scholarship gave me the chance to wander, slow down and reflect on what I wanted out of life.” Adam finished the Appalachian Trail — and kept walking. He went on to complete the Florida Trail and half the Continental Divide Trail. Today, he is working, has a relationship and remains connected to the outdoors.
F E AT U R E
ALTHOUGH BABS and Tom initially envisioned the program for people in recovery from substance use disorder, the applications revealed a broader need. They heard from people facing all kinds of life-altering challenges, including a young woman who had left a strict religious community after years of abuse and wanted to discover who she was outside it. For many, hiking has become a release and an escape. “There are ways to escape from the rat race to get out into nature to find solitude, to find peace, to find other people who are likeminded who are out there for the same reasons you are,” says Tom. “It’s a 2,200-mile community ... that’s 10 feet wide.” Babs and Tom are careful not to suggest the trail can replace treatment. “We do not claim to know anything about addiction recovery,” Babs says. Traditional treatment and 12-step programs save lives, she adds, but for Nate, the outdoors offered something extra. Before his death, Nate had begun imagining a future that would keep him connected to the place where he had found so much happiness. He, his cousin and one of his closest trail friends dreamed of becoming guides on the Appalachian Trail, helping people who might not believe they could navigate it alone. “He said, ‘Mom, it’d be so cool if I could help people like me,’” Babs remembers. Nate imagined accompanying hikers for a section or perhaps the entire trail, helping set up tents, plan routes and find places to stay along the way. That plan never came to fruition. But through One More Day on the Appalachian Trail, Babs and Tom have found another way to carry it forward, one hiker at a time. As One More Day looks toward its next group of hikers, 2027 scholarship applications are open Sept. 15 through Nov. 30. “In a way, I feel like this organization is doing that,” Babs says. “Nate’s able to guide people outdoors now.” Editor’s note: Mike Freeman, Nate’s cousin, is one of the owners of FW Publishing, which publishes the Nashville Scene, the Nashville Post, Nfocus and the Williamson Scene. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ONE MORE DAY ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
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NATURE WRITES THE PART Nashville Wine Auction guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud and Nicolas Glumineau take the long view
THERE’S A MOMENT each year when Nicolas Glumineau makes a decision he knows he can never take back. As general manager and winemaker of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez, Nicolas oversees dozens of individual vineyard plots in Bordeaux, each producing wines that eventually become part of a larger composition. During blending, he and his team taste, consider and ultimately decide which cuvées belong together. For a winemaker whose wines have
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earned perfect scores from critics, it might seem like the moment when ratings loom largest. Nicolas insists they don’t. “Until we get the scores, we don’t care about them,” he says with a laugh. Instead, he thinks about the vineyard and what nature has given him. He compares the process to a conductor interpreting Mozart’s “Requiem.” The music has already been written. The conductor can’t change the notes, but what he does with them matters. “Nature writes the part, and we play it,” Nicolas says.
F E AT U R E
THAT COMBINATION OF inheritance and interpretation — respecting what came before while accepting responsibility for what comes next — was a recurring theme when Nicolas and Frédéric Rouzaud, president and CEO of Maison Louis Roederer, arrived in Nashville as the guests of honor for the 47th annual l’Eté du Vin. The Nashville Wine Auction’s three-day celebration, themed “The Art of Wine: Expressions of the Roederer Collection,” brought some of France’s most celebrated wines to Nashville. But for the two men charged with creating and stewarding them, wine is about much more than what ends up in a glass — it’s about time. Frédéric represents the seventh generation of his family to lead Maison Louis Roederer, which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year — coincidentally the same year the United States turns 250. That longevity gives the family an unusual perspective in an era when many luxury brands have become part of enormous corporate portfolios. For Frédéric, remaining family-owned allows Roederer to think in decades rather than quarters. Creating an exceptional wine requires patience, investment and an almost obsessive attention to detail. The pinot noir vines used for Cristal, he notes, are about 40 years old on average. Some wines spend years resting in Roederer’s cellars before they’re released. “You need a family behind you to understand this contribution,” he says. The 250th anniversary is particularly meaningful, because Frédéric sees the Roederer family as more than the people who share his name. Generations of employees have devoted their careers to the Champagne house, sometimes following parents and grandparents who worked alongside his own family. “It’s really a family spirit,” he says. For Nicolas, thinking generationally has become considerably more complicated. The devastating wildfires France experienced this summer offered a stark reminder of a changing climate. Nicolas spoke of the speed and severity with which conditions have changed, particularly during the past decade. For winemakers, those changes present questions they can’t answer in a single growing season. “Is the decision we take today the right one for the next decades?” he says. “Who knows? There are questions I have no answer to.” The uncertainty doesn’t diminish his enthusiasm for the work. If anything, it deepens it. “It’s stressful and challenging, but at the same time, it’s very fascinating,” Nicolas says. “We create the future of our vineyards.”
THAT FUTURE GREW a little larger right before Frédéric arrived in Nashville. The Roederer Collection had just acquired a Burgundy estate, adding another storied French wine region to a portfolio that already extends well beyond Champagne. Yet for all the discussion of terroir, vintages, vineyards and centuries of tradition, both men kept returning to something considerably less technical — people. Nicolas has visited Nashville several times, and he’s watched relationships formed over a bottle of wine become friendships that continue long after the last glass has been poured. Many people he met here have ended up visiting him in France. “Thanks to wine, we create a friendship and a relationship that is very strong,” he says. “We fly around to promote wine, but to meet people who share the same idea of what friendship can be.” Frédéric describes his family’s mission in similar terms. Making great wine matters, of course. But so does what happens when someone opens the bottle. “The vision is really to make not only wine, but wine that brings extra pleasure, extra emotion,” he says. “It’s all about sharing.”
That philosophy made Nashville an especially fitting destination for a visit. For 47 years, l’Eté du Vin has brought winemakers, collectors and supporters together around the table, using the pleasure and fellowship of wine to support organizations fighting cancer. This year, the Nashville Wine Auction raised a record $2.65 million during its annual three-day celebration. For Frédéric, that purpose transforms an already joyful experience into something more meaningful. “Wine is all about culture,” he says. “It’s all about life. It’s all about sharing. It’s all about joy.” Those who work in that world, he believes, also have a responsibility “to give back to society what we inherited.” It is another expression of the long view. The wine has been made — now comes the sharing. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
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PA R T I E S
French Elence
The l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party honors Jean-Claude Rouzaud and Frédéric Rouzaud
Rick and Vicki Horne
Event chair Denise Cummins, Marty Rash
small procession of black cars wound through downtown Nashville, passing party buses and groups of bachelorettes on its way to the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Guests arrived to chilled glasses of Louis Roederer’s 2018 brut, gathering on the hotel’s fifth floor, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed sweeping views of the Cumberland River and downtown skyline. The Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party raises funds for the organization while recognizing individuals who embody wisdom, courage, optimism, commitment and integrity. Event chair Denise Cummins and l’Eté du Vin co-chairs Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter welcomed guests and visited with friends throughout the evening. Guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud, president and CEO of Maison Louis Roederer, and Nicolas Glumineau, general manager and winemaker of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez, worked through the room, meeting guests and making new friends. Guests moved into the ballroom for dinner, where floral arrangements and elegant table settings evoked a French garden party. Four Seasons executive chef Derek Simcik and his team prepared a menu that complemented wines from Maison Louis Roederer. A first course of milk-poached halibut with beurre blanc paired beautifully with Domaine Berthelemot’s 2022 grand cru Corton-Charlemagne and Domaine Anderson’s 2021 Walraven Vineyard chardonnay. Pan-roasted pheasant followed, with Domaine Parent’s 2019 grand cru Les Renardes Corton and Merry Edwards Coopersmith’s 2018 pinot noir. Smoked-pressed Tennessee pork cheeks played well with Château Pichon’s 2020 Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Diamond Creek’s 2022 Volcanic Hill cabernet sauvignon. The evening concluded with caramelized puff pastry and a 2011 Ramos Pinto vintage port. Midway through the evening, guests raised glasses of Louis Roederer 2016’s Cristal brut to honor Frédéric and his father, JeanClaude, the 2026 recipients of the Norman M. Lipman Award. Frédéric accepted on behalf of himself and his father, who could not attend, and reflected on their family’s long history of winemaking and partnership with the Nashville Wine Auction. His gracious remarks charmed the room. And, as is often the case at l’Eté du Vin, guests lingered over conversation and one final glass of wine before bringing the evening to a close. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
David Morgan and Janice Elliott Morgan
Jay Jones and Rob Turner
Co-chairs Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter
Frédéric Rouzaud, Robert Lipman, Nicolas Glumineau
Rahel Klapheke Sloan and Jim Sloan
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Wine Is Mde to Be Shred The 47th annual l’Eté du Vin smashes fundraising records
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uests of the Nashville Wine Auction’s 47th annual l’Eté du Vin arrived at the JW Marriott — and as the escalator began its ascent, so did anticipation for the evening’s festivities. What began as a backyard fundraiser has grown into a major force in the fight against cancer. In its first year, the event raised $5,000, and supporters opened and drank the bottles they purchased that night. Since then, the Nashville Wine Auction has raised more than $45 million to fund cancer research and support those experiencing the disease. Co-chairs Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter visited with guests as revelers carefully examined the expansive silent, super silent and live auction lots on display. Guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud, of Maison Louis Roederer, and Nicolas Glumineau, of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez, moved through the crowd, graciously answering questions from admirers of their wines. The reception featured selections from Frédéric and Nicolas’ labels, including Champagnes, red Bordeauxs and more. And many guests tried their luck in the Lucky Meets Luxury raffle, which included prizes, like a five-night Mykonos escape. As usual, revelers made their way to their tables carrying wine bags loaded with favorite bottles to share. Throughout the evening, Frédéric and Nicolas drew a steady stream of guests, who offered the vintners tastes of wines pulled from their home cellars. The winemakers’ glasses were never empty. Then it was time for the main event. It would be a stretch to say a hush fell over the room — the energy and magnetism of a wine auction create a constant din — but when auctioneers Fitz Hatton and Charles Antin took the stage, guests knew it was time to get down to bid-ness. And bid they did. Eager supporters snapped up spectacular lots, including one titled “The Last of the Legendary Three-Liters from Cristal.” The lot, featuring the last jeroboam bottle of 2002 Cristal, proved exactly as advertised, commanding $105,000. And by the end of the evening, the auction had raised a record-breaking $2.6 million to fund the fight against cancer. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Loren Chumley and Scott Peterson
Rob Turner, Jim Shoenhard, Nicolas Glumineau, Jay Jones
Marc and DeAnn Watkins
Co-chairs Jay Erter and Noelle Daugherty, Charles Antin
Christof Pignet, Frédéric Rouzaud, Jennifer Sternberg
Bill and Sharon Piper
Denise Cummins, Marty Rash
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PA R T I E S
Anna Valenta-Jones, Lisa Maki
Stephen and Marci Houff
Amy Atkinson, Matt Leavitt and Carrie Kitko, Rahel Klapheke Sloan
Wendy and Jason Pharris
Vicki Horne, Janice Elliott Morgan
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Memorie White, Heathie Bagwell
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Mark Whaley, Nancy and Mark Peacock
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Brielle and Alec Rice, Russell and Amber Johnson
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PA R T I E S
Juleesia Santiago-Karim and Adnan Karim
Levi Sharpe, Tammy Sutton, Maureen Folkerts
Jessica and Warren Wells, Miriam and Jeremy Faison
Fnciful Footwer
The Bright Soles Bash helps Jonathan’s Path support teens in foster care
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n its third year, Jonathan’s Path’s Bright Soles Bash masterfully paired fashion and philanthropy to support local youth. Guests donned all-black cocktail attire and bright, eye-catching shoes to represent the hope the organization provides to teenagers aging out of the foster care system. Jonathan’s Path, founded in 2022, ensures teens receive the care they need on their journeys into early adulthood. Roughly 80% of teens aging out of foster care face homelessness, incarceration, addiction and trafficking. But Jonathan’s Path offers hope through its progressive housing model, which helps teens stay housed (with live-in caregivers), find work, manage paying rent and bills, and eventually secure apartments of their own. The Bright Soles Bash helps make this impact possible. Avid supporters filled the Loveless Events barn for this year’s sold-out soirée, all while admiring peers’ fanciful footwear. Program director — and one of our Nfocus 2026 Fresh Faces of Philanthropy — Juleesia Santiago-Karim joined board chair and organization cofounder Jase DuRard to welcome guests and acknowledge the program’s participants. “You are our why,” Juleesia said. “You are our reason, and we love you.” Caseworkers Kiara Davis and Dale Clifford both received the Steadfast Advocate Award for their unwavering dedication to youth in foster care. And Tennessee Rep. Jeremy Faison received the Paving the Path Award for his help in securing a historic $500,000 state investment to support Jonathan’s Path’s progressive housing model and launch Tennessee’s first readiness-based Path Home. Auctioneer Tom Riles hosted the annual Shoe Showdown — a chance for hand-picked finalists to show off their red-fringe boots, pink platform heels and other eye-catching party shoes. But the most impactful moment came when program alumnus Robert “RJ” Johnson took the stage to perform his first-ever speech, “Raise Your Hand Higher.” RJ candidly shared his experience growing up in the foster care system, overcoming adversity and how Jonathan’s Path became a family to him. Roaring applause filled the room when RJ shared that he is the first person in his family not to live on government assistance — a poignant reminder of how Jonathan’s Path impacts local youth.
Tanner Smith, Erika Martinez, Stefanie Iwami, Luc Prothero
Jase and Carrie DuRard
Nia Ervin, Dale Clifford
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Courtney Sutton, Julianne and Steele Cantey
Ronnie McCoy, Courtney Robinson
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PA R T I E S
Ashley Weigel Henry, Liz Sillay, Melissa Stooksbury
Anle and Ming Wang, Chengshan Wang
Mary Carol Friddell, Joseph and Ann Gilbert, Morel Enoch
Wes and Elizabeth Scott, Mary Katherine and Michael Curcio
Tre and Dawn Hargett, Ginger Terry, Carlton Pope
250 for the Country, 33 for Tennessee Wltz The Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz celebrates history, donors and education
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Charlie Clark and co-chair Spencer Bowers, co-chair Rusty Terry, Toby Crowfoot
Thomas Barrett, Belinda Barry
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he regulars — and a willing group of elected officials — flocked to The Hermitage Hotel for the annual Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz. The gala, in its 33rd year, raises funds for the Tennessee State Museum’s student educational programs — and is the only social event held in the historic Capitol. The Hermitage Hotel’s marble floors and staircases brought a sophisticated gleam to the patrons party, co-chaired by Rusty Terry and Spencer Bowers. Between conversations, guests grabbed a peek into the hotel’s legendary men’s room — its shiny green marble making it a highly sought-after location for elegant photo shoots. As always, guests at this affair were prepared with quips. Kirsten Wiggins dubbed her friend Sen. Dawn White “the most fun senator in the state of Tennessee.” And board member Michael Curcio explained that his wife Mary Katherine spelled her name with a K, not a C. “She’s not Russian,” he added. The evening was full of fun fashions. Ashley Howell, the Tennessee State Museum’s executive director, wore a hot pink frock. Anne Cain sported brocade evening pants and a knockem-dead necklace. And Belinda Barry shone in her personally designed rhinestone glasses and jeweled hydrangea necklace in pale iris — an appropriate nod to Tennessee lore. Rusty and Spencer brought a new addition to the event — putting a dance floor on the hotel’s veranda — and DJ Charles Hood kept the crowd on its feet with disco selections. The Hermitage Hotel’s executive chef Richard Hutton curated and prepared a peerless dinner, notable for a delicate avocado and asparagus Caesar salad to start, followed by melt-away beef short rib with potato pavé. In a perennial touch of elegance, waitstaff glided among tables delivering the plated dinner. Divine. BY BETH ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS
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r e d t h n u e st s u ars n i jo
Once in a Blue Moon a conservation celebration
October 24, 2026
cocktails 5:30 pm dinner 7:00 pm “hootenanny” 8:30 pm music & bonfire ‘til 10:30 pm entertainment by
Breakfield the land trust for tennessee’s
Glen Leven Farm
4000 franklin pike, nashville, tn 37204
Chairs
natalie & george clements tess & Barton davies tickets at landtrusttn.org/bluemoon made possible by
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PA R T I E S
Preservin the Pst
Heritage Ball patrons celebrate Williamson County’s history and future Larry and Leiyan Keele
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Co-chairs Tyler and Meg Borders
Jennifer and Jamey Parker, Kelsy Parker
Vivian and David Garrett
Sondra Morris, Bari Beasley
Jamie Parsons, Adam Stoner, Meghan McKenzie
Thomas and Laura Homonnay
upporters of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County gathered in Thompson’s Station at Jackie and Barry Alexander’s stunning home for the Heritage Ball Patrons Party. Now in its 53rd year, the Heritage Ball supports the foundation’s preservation and conservation work throughout Williamson County. Upon arrival, guests toured the Alexanders’ historic home before making their way to the pristine event space. Amos Gott, event planner for both the patrons party and Heritage Ball, ensured every detail was in place as guests mingled and admired the exquisite luxury sports cars on display. Co-chairs Meg and Tyler Borders greeted guests and shared their love of Williamson County. Later, Tyler reflected on the care required to protect the character of the community. “Places like this don’t happen by accident,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work from a lot of people.” After visiting the bountiful buffet, guests settled in for remarks. Bari Beasley, Heritage Foundation president and CEO, welcomed the crowd with a note about the organization’s mission: “We are in the business of honoring the people and the places that matter in this community — preservation, education and advocacy.” She highlighted the foundation’s extensive community outreach programs, along with the public festivals and events it has produced for decades. These beloved traditions have created memories for generations, while bringing greater awareness to the importance of preservation and conservation. Next Gen Late Party co-chair Cole Horner also spoke passionately about the Heritage Foundation’s work. “Historic preservation is not just saving buildings or looking back at the past,” he said. “It’s a mindset. It’s the spirit that we carry with us.” Before concluding the evening, Bari announced that community advocate Sondra Morris had made a major, transformative gift, including an endowment that helps ensure the future of the Heritage Ball and its ability to raise money for the foundation’s work. “This endowment will help offset event costs,” Bari shared. “So we can continue to have this iconic event that raises funds for historic preservation.” BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS
Jackie and Barry Alexander
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PA R T I E S
Sinin to the fters
The Broadway Brunch Patrons Party sees recordbreaking attendance before the big day
Vivek Deora and Maneet Chauhan, Dee Patel
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onors and ardent theater supporters gathered at Fletcher Foster’s West Nashville home for the Broadway Brunch Patrons Party, a prelude to the 11th annual Broadway Brunch. The key fundraiser supports the Nashville Repertory Theatre’s mission to entertain and inspire by creating theater that explores the diversity of the human experience and supporting local actors. Proceeds from Broadway Brunch also fund the Rep’s community outreach programs, including camps, classes and training sessions — many of which give young people opportunities to connect with the performing arts. Revelers gathered outside — on a covered terrace overlooking the pool — as co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh mingled and shared details about the upcoming brunch. Servers passed trays of hors d’oeuvres, and Cater615 provided a delicious buffet. Event planner Bruce Pittman and his team ensured the evening ran smoothly. Board chair Mark Peacock joined Angela and Anne Elizabeth to thank guests for their continued support of the Rep. He also acknowledged the death of Martha Ingram and reflected on her profound impact on the arts in Nashville — something Angela and Anne Elizabeth both echoed. “What a blessing it is to be together tonight and remember the amazing gift that Mrs. Ingram was to our community — and the Rep, especially,” Angela said. “I believe if she is looking down on us all right now, she would be very happy with this amazing turnout.” The co-chairs also offered special thanks to the event’s underwriters, Connie and Nick Diediker, Mary Gingrass and the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, and Nancy and Mark Peacock. As the evening drew to a close, guests lingered over a final cocktail, raising their glasses in a round of toasts to the upcoming Broadway Brunch.
Sydney Cuneo, Gabriel Wright, Christy Passmore
Jeanette Barker, Melanie McBurney
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Anne Elizabeth McIntosh
Fletcher Foster, Rebecca Rouland
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Marci Houff, Pamela Bollinger, Arnita Ozgener, Donna Joyner
Brandon Hoag, Kinsey Hoag, Susan Hoag, Amos Glass
Sarah Reisner, Kristen Winston, Barry and Emily Stowe
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PA R T I E S
Morgan Karr and Gabriel Starner, Devin Mueller
Ross Bader, co-chair Jasmine Greer, Christa Greer
Livin Odyssey
Spirits of Summer transports revelers to ancient Greece
Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Vicki Horne, Anne Elizabeth McIntosh
s The Odyssey swept summer’s biggest silver screens, an odyssey of a different kind made its way to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on a blazing August night. Guests clad in regal gowns, flowing togas and gold-leaf tiaras ascended the building’s grand front staircase on their way to Spirits of Summer, an innovative cocktail party supporting the Nashville Symphony. Such attire made this year’s theme, Mythos and Melodies, abundantly clear. The evening transported revelers to ancient Greece for cocktails, conversation and performances from skilled symphony musicians. Co-chairs Jasmine Greer, Valentina Guidi and Alex Payton warmly welcomed guests to the sophisticated reception, complete with a harpist, a Greek wine-tasting station and a stoic living statue resembling Nike, painted gold and adorned with majestic wings. Guests ventured into the Laura Turner Concert Hall for an even greater delight — a cocktail competition. Skilled mixologists from Modern Love, Soho House, Love’s Alibi and Demure Cocktail Lounge stepped up to the challenge, serving craft cocktails inspired by classical arrangements — and Greek gods and goddesses. The evening had a captivating rhythm: A mixologist shared the inspiration behind their custom cocktail on video. Servers swiftly distributed glasses of the drink. And once everyone had a libation in hand, Nashville Symphony performers brought the room to a hush with an accompanying piece of music. Talking or leaving the room during performances was highly discouraged — and respect for the art form was paramount. This house rule kept the audience’s attention rapt and the Nashville Symphony’s musicianship on full display. While all signature cocktails ignited the senses, Soho House’s Josh Lindsey won for his Hades-inspired creation, “The Wealthy One” — an homage to the Greek belief that everything of value comes from the ground. And the Nashville Symphony’s suspenseful, brooding performance of Philip Glass’ “String Quartet No. 2” completed the perfect pairing.
Amy Killett, Matthew Merker, Courtney Orr
Co-chairs Alex Payton, Valentina Guidi
Susan Hart, Paul Kennelly
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Justin Wilhelm, Ross Bader, Caroline Kudelko, Kim Patterson
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Carolyn and Mark Cantrell
A DELIGHTFULLY KOOKY
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PA R T I E S
Joel and Felicia Abramson
Teresa Driver, Mary Catherine Hughes, Laurie Hughes
Vicki Horne, Amos Glass
Eternl Lecy
Broadway Brunch raises a toast to Nashville Rep cofounder Martha Ingram
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Freddie O’Connell
Co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Anne Elizabeth McIntosh
Vickie Mertz, Marci Houff, Shari and Red Martin, Tracy Wade
n its 11th year, the Nashville Repertory Theatre’s Broadway Brunch welcomed a sold-out crowd in honor of the company’s 41st year — and those who’ve shaped Nashville’s arts community. The Rep — Nashville’s leading nonprofit theater — spotlights the local talent that makes Music City complete. Broadway Brunch is the heartbeat of the company’s fundraising year, offering a vital opportunity to support the arts and experience the magic of live theater. Co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh worked with Bruce Pittman Inc. to create an elevated experience and fill Category 10 to the brim. The lively cocktail hour offered a prime opportunity to catch up with friends, model brightly colored cocktail attire and browse enticing auction items — including a regal portrait to be used as a prop during the Rep’s upcoming production of Frozen. While getting this crowd seated is no easy task, the unmissable Broadway Brunch performances always bring the crowd to a hush. “Opening Up” from Waitress started the morning off right, highlighting the energy and vocal precision of the Rep’s performers. Guests also received a sneak peek of Frozen, including a performance of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” by the production’s young Elsas and Annas. Then, powerhouse singer Rachel Potter took the stage as everyone’s favorite ice queen and brought the house down during her performance of “Let It Go.” This year’s brunch wouldn’t have been complete without honoring the late Martha Ingram, who cofounded the Rep alongside Mac Pirkle in 1985. Interim executive director Amos Glass raised a toast to this remarkable philanthropist, who shaped the fabric of Nashville’s arts scene for the better. Mayor Freddie O’Connell also called for a moment of silence, reflecting on Martha’s undeniable impact and consistent generosity — her eternal legacy. “It’s hard to imagine that for more than 40 years, the Rep has been bringing incredible performances to us in these incredible spaces,” he said. “And thanks to Martha’s vision and generosity, it will continue to do so in glorious new spaces, and continue to bring into schools and [the] community the importance of the performing arts.” BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
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PA R T I E S
Jason Spelbring, Isabel Tipton-Krispin
Roseann Rogers and Aashish Shah
Sarah Reisner, Hugh and Robinette Gaston
Michael and Sharry Beard, Kim Hewell and Norm Scarborough
Cortney and Todd Reiselman
Tina Chamberlain, Sylvester White
Amos Glass honoring the late Martha Ingram
Rachel Fisher Robinson, Julie Schneider
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Thomas Barrett, Belinda Barry
PA R T I E S
Alex Burlason, Kim Patterson
Megan Murphy Chambers Midori Lockett, Amina Trotter-Lockett
Lynn Hardison, Sue Graham
Kayla Clayborne Counts, Jennifer Brett
Michael Ward and David Taylor, Anne Martin
Connie Deidiker, Kurt Ciancio, Nick Deidiker, Taryn Simm
Tequisha Morrow, Yvette Morrow
Janice Meszoely, Greta Meszoely
J. Douglas Waterbury-Tieman, Lauren Shouse
Lana Pargh, Rebecca Rouland
Bruce Pittman, Emily Stowe
Josh and Marty Sutherland
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NRETROSPECT
Forever on the Pth Meharry Medical College turns 150
ESTABLISHED IN 1876 as the first medical school in the South for African Americans, Meharry Medical College is celebrating 150 years of advancing healthcare, education and social justice in 2026. Its anniversary theme, Forever on the Path, celebrates the legacy of programs and professional trailblazers leading the fight for health equity. These photos from Meharry Medical College Library and Archives showcase the School of Dentistry and Dr. E. Perry Crump, a pioneering researcher in premature births and intellectual disabilities, who became the pediatrics department chair in 1950. BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
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