Nov 24, 2025 | All Alumni, Nashville Alumni, News, YLC News
As published by FranklinIs.com
68 young professionals complete YLC’s fall training program as organization celebrates 40 years
Brentwood, Tenn. – November 24, 2025 – Young Leaders Council (YLC), the only nonprofit in Middle Tennessee committed to broadening and strengthening Nashville’s volunteer leadership base, today announced that 68 young professionals from the Nashville and Williamson County Fall 2025 Cohorts have completed the organization’s nonprofit board skills training program.
This diverse group of emerging leaders are now preparing to serve local nonprofits in meaningful leadership roles. Facilitated by industry experts, the program equips participants with a foundation in critical board skills and leadership.
Graduates completed the 11-week training in November and are now transitioning into year-long internships as non-voting board members across area nonprofit organizations. Through these placements, participants will apply their skills and energy immediately, supporting YLC’s mission to strengthen Nashville’s nonprofit sector by training diverse, committed individuals to effectively serve on boards.
“For forty years, YLC has prepared young professionals with the skills, insight and community focus required to make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector. Celebrating this year’s graduates during our 40th anniversary highlights the lasting impact of dedicated and values-driven leadership,” said Kim James, Executive Director of YLC. “These emerging leaders represent the future of Nashville’s nonprofit landscape. They are ready to step in, lead boldly and strengthen our community.”
Since its founding in 1985 by the Council of Community Services in partnership with the Frist Foundation and United Way, YLC has trained more than 3,500 young professionals and placed alumni on boards of hundreds of nonprofits. With support from philanthropic partners such as The Frist Foundation, HCA Healthcare Foundation, Truist Foundation, and The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation, The Memorial Foundation, Turner Construction Foundation, and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, YLC is poised to grow its reach and deepen its impact across Middle Tennessee.
A complete list of Fall 2025 graduates can be found here.
About Young Leaders Council
YLC was founded in 1985 by the Council of Community Services, in partnership with the Frist Foundation (formerly the HCA Foundation) and the United Way. More than 200 individuals complete the YLC training annually through the Nashville Spring; Junior League of Nashville; Massey College of Business at Belmont University; Nashville Fall; and Williamson County Cohorts. For more information, please visit www.youngleaderscouncil.org.
Jun 23, 2025 | YLC News
Originally posted by Meg Wrather on Nashville Business Journal
Leadership Nashville has announced its 49th class.
The class of 2025-2026 includes real estate executives, nonprofit CEOs and the leader of a professional sports team, to name a few.
The nine-month independent executive program, which begins in September, aims to strengthen Nashville by connecting diverse leaders and equipping them to tackle critical issues through a three-dimensional view of the city.
This year’s class was chosen from more than 250 applicants, according to a news release, Turner Nashe chaired the selection committee.
“Leadership Nashville was founded in 1976 as an executive-level connecting top leaders rather than a leadership training program,” Executive Director Evette White said in the release. “It provides a ‘master’s level backstage pass’ to the city and becomes a bridge, connecting people and the issues facing Nashville.”
Leadership Nashville’s 49th class:
- Will Acuff, co-Founder, Corner to Corner
- Eddie Alford, director of associate engagement, Pinnacle Financial Partners
- Andrew Batey, founder & co-CEO, Beatdapp Software Inc.
- Rickey Bearden, commander, Metro Nashville Police Department
- Jennifer Sarah (JS) Bolton, senior director of manufacturing, Nissan North America; pres-elect, Junior League of Nashville
- Herbert Brown, community & citizenship director, Turner Construction Co.
- Crystal Churchwell Evans, vice president of development & alumni affairs, Fisk University
- Olivia Cloud, managing editor, R.H. Boyd
- Eric Cook, director, So+Co Community Initiatives
- Sara Correa, chief marketing officer, Bridgestone West
- Justin Crosslin, co-CEO, Crosslin
- William Daughtrey, head of school, Montgomery Bell Academy
- Alfred Degrafinreid, president & CEO, Leadership Tennessee
- Ben Farrer; managing director, Nashville market leader; The Fallon Co.
- Evan Holladay, founder & CEO, Holladay Ventures
- Julie Honey, dean of Nursing, Belmont University
- Brittany Irby, senior director of civic & community engagement, Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell
- Sam Jackson, president & CEO, The Healing Trust
- Kim James, executive director, Young Leaders Council
- Cindy Kent, managing partner, Reinaume Advisory Services
- Tiffany Kerns, SVP industry relations & executive director of CMAFoundation, CMA
- William Liles, family wealth advisor, Baird
- Ed Magee, chief operating officer, Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine
- Leah Melber, president & CEO, Adventure Science Center
- Erica Mitchell, president & CEO, United Way of Greater Nashville
- Sareda Nur, chief medical officer, TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center
- Lindsey Paola, chief business officer, Nashville Soccer Club
- Sally Parker, associate vice chancellor of government & community relations, Vanderbilt University
- Lisa Purcell, EVP of external affairs, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
- Ben Raybin, partner, Raybin & Weissman PC
- Katie Richards, president & CEO, Siloam Health
- Drew Rodgers, senior vice president, First Horizon Bank
- Eva Angelina Romero, broker & owner, Century 21 Capital Properties
- Maria Sheffield, president, Caterpillar Financial Insurance Services
- Alisha Shoates James, senior vice president, Aventiv Technologies
- Justin Simpson, SVP & corporate controller, Ryman Hospitality Properties
- Luke Smiley, CEO & co-Founder, Radish Hospitality
- Brian Taylor, owner & broker, Progent Commercial
- Tara Tenorio, community development regional manager, Meta
- Virginia Tenpenny, chief impact officer, NationSwell
- Masami Tyson, board chair, Japan America Society of Tennessee
- Heather Vincent, Nashville market executive, Bank of America
- Robert Wallace, chief of staff, Metro Nashville Public Schools
- DarKenya Waller, executive director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
- Victor Wynn, executive pastor & minister of worship, The Temple Church
- Tyler Yarbro, managing partner, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella PC
Feb 3, 2025 | News
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your personal and professional growth, set ambitious goals, and take actionable steps toward advancing your career. For executives and leaders, building a strong personal brand and cultivating meaningful relationships are essential for driving impact. Whether you’re a recent graduate of YLC or a seasoned alum, 2025 presents an opportunity to elevate your leadership and expand your influence.
Strengthen Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand is your professional reputation and the foundation for inspiring trust, attracting opportunities, and standing out as a leader. Start by refining your online presence: update your LinkedIn profile and professional bio to include milestones like YLC involvement, board affiliations, and nonprofit work. These details highlight your leadership journey and signal your commitment to growth and community impact.
Beyond refining your profile, consider how you share your story. Reflect on key lessons from your leadership journey and use them to spark conversations. Posting insights on leadership, community engagement, or industry trends positions you as a thought leader and strengthens your connection with your audience. Celebrate milestones along the way—whether joining a board, starting a new initiative, or mentoring others—and share these accomplishments. By tagging organizations and colleagues, you amplify your reach while showcasing your active engagement in leadership and collaboration.
Strong personal brands help leaders attract top talent, build partnerships, and drive meaningful change.
Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Success as a leader isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Building a strong professional network expands your access to ideas, opportunities, and support while keeping you connected to key industry trends. Take intentional steps to grow your relationships. Use LinkedIn to engage with peers, board members, and colleagues by commenting on their updates and sharing your own insights. Strengthen connections by scheduling one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders or mentors to explore opportunities for collaboration or guidance.
Beyond individual connections, foster community by attending YLC alumni events, participating in professional forums, or organizing gatherings. These spaces encourage collaboration and shared growth.
Your leadership roles, especially in nonprofit or community-focused spaces, offer unique opportunities to engage with influential stakeholders. Identify mentors or advocates within these roles who can guide your leadership journey and help you align your goals with broader organizational missions.
Take the Next Step
As YLC’s trusted PR and marketing partner, we are proud to support Nashville’s top leaders and companies. Whether you’re looking to refine your personal brand or create greater awareness for your organization, our team is here to help. Get in touch today to take the first step toward your most impactful year yet.
Julia Bonner is the president of Pierce Public Relations and serves as board chair of Young Leaders Council.
