Our Board of Directors, Staff and Speakers Bureau
Ellen E. Lehman, President
ext. 104, mail@cfmt.org
Ellen has served The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee as president since it began in 1991, and has seen it grow to become a philanthropic force in a forty-county area in Middle Tennessee. With a background in sociology and business, Ellen directs The Foundation's efforts to promote and facilitate charitable giving and endowment building, thereby giving donors choices, convenience, cost-effectiveness and security, as they make their charitable dreams a reality.
Melisa Currey, Comptroller
ext. 111, mail@cfmt.org
With extensive experience in accounting and financial management, Melisa Currey oversees the daily financial activity of The Community Foundation. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the accounting systems that ensure adequate accounting records are maintained of all assets, liabilities, and other transactions of The Foundation. Donors frequently turn to Melisa for guidance with gift transactions, investment performance results, and portfolio management issues.
Belinda Dinwiddie Havron, Director of Donor Education
ext. 103, bdinwiddie@cfmt.org
Belinda is responsible for establishing and expanding The Foundation’s ability to invite people from the community to participate in meaningful giving. Belinda most recently served as chief development and community relations officer at the Adventure Science Center for eight years. She has extensive experience in the nonprofit field and has been involved with a variety of civic organizations throughout her career including Center for Nonprofit Management, Rotary, CABLE, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce's Prosperity Project, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, among others.
Amy Fair, Director of Donor Services
ext. 102, afair@cfmt.org
Amy is responsible for meeting the needs of current and prospective donors, including offering donors a further understanding of all resources and services available to support their philanthropy. She was previously with The Community Foundation from 1998 to 2001, serving in a similar position. Prior to her return to The Foundation, Fair worked as the associate director of leadership donor recognition at The Ohio State University and as the associate manager of supporting foundations for The Columbus Foundation.
Pat Embry, Communications Director
ext. 114, pembry@cfmt.org
A former editor and writer at both the Nashville Banner and The Tennessean, Embry previously served as director of the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies at Middle Tennessee State University since 2014. Embry spent 18 years at the Banner in roles ranging from sports writer to executive editor before the afternoon newspaper closed in 1998. He then worked at The Tennessean for nearly eight years, with posts that included launching The Rage entertainment guide as general manager and editor, before becoming editorial director for Brentwood-based Magellan Press.
Scott O'Neal, Regional and Affiliate Liaison
ext. 133, soneal@cfmt.org
With a background in business, fundraising, and teaching, Scott is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with donors and affiliates, especially in the surrounding counties. He has much nonprofit experience, including board development, strategic planning, and advancement. Scott most recently served as Athletic Director and previously as Director of Alumni and Development at Montgomery Bell Academy.
Mary Able, Childcare Tennessee Financial Services
ext. 141, mable@cfmt.org
Mary has an extensive background in accounting, with the last 10 years working as a business manager of a child development center. She was brought on board in 2015 to share her expertise and promote shared services for childcare centers. Providers can benefit from areas including updated billing and collections policies and streamlining financial procedures. By outsourcing their accounting needs to Childcare Tennessee, the directors can be freed up to spend more time focusing on the children and developing more ways to improve their programs.
Melissa Anderson, Financial Assistant
ext. 119, manderson@cfmt.org
Melissa serves as our primary contact with investment managers and processes the reconciliation of the many separate investment accounts under our umbrella. She is the contact for the Donor Xpress on The Foundation’s Web site, through which those who have funds may request information and advice on grant-making. Her work is vital to the operation of The Foundation’s online giving system, and her support has been essential to the productivity and timeliness of our financial accounting.
Kathryn Bennett, GivingMatters.com Associate
ext. 128, kathryn@cfmt.org
Kathryn helps nonprofits and individuals create and maintain their GivingMatters.com profiles. She is responsible for verifying changes made to nonprofit profiles and summarizing data from nonprofit financial documents. She is a recent graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA, where she earned her degree in Journalism. She is new to Nashville and thrilled to be a part of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Debbie Bone, Donor Services and Grants Associate
ext. 137, dbone@cfmt.org
Debbie provides support for the integral work of The Foundation’s donor services activities. In this role, she works closely with the donor services team to ensure people from every corner of the community can achieve their charitable goals effectively and efficiently. Previously, Debbie worked for many years in marketing and advertising account service, helping nonprofit, corporate and retail clients manage projects.
Pat Cole, Scholarship/TIP Coordinator
ext. 116, pcole@cfmt.org
Pat, who has extensive experience as a teacher, high school counselor and district administrator, oversees the education programs of The Foundation including the post-secondary scholarship program of more than 70 funds, the Tapping Individual Potential Program for students in MNPS in grades five though eight who have extraordinary potential and limiting circumstances, and other secondary scholarships. She coordinates other educational activities for The Community Foundation such as the Early Childhood Education Scholarship initiative and the Edna Thomas Lecture Series. Previously, Pat was director of school counseling for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.
Cynthia Copeland, Staff Accountant
ext. 122, ccopeland@cfmt.org
As staff accountant, Cynthia is responsible for supporting the work of the comptroller, including accounting functions, financial reporting, budget preparation, and duties related to investment oversight and fund establishment and maintenance.
Sharon Derman, Administrative Assistant-Finance
ext. 125, sderman@cfmt.org
Sharon provides support in areas integral to The Foundation's operation. Previously, Sharon served as an administrative assistant for Mobil Oil Corporation in New York City and Occidental Petroleum Corporation in Los Angeles.
Porter Haile, Technology Systems Administrator
ext. 149, phaile@cfmt.org
Porter serves as network manager, systems administrator, and end-user support, managing and responding to the needs of the organization’s technological environment and contributing to long-term strategies for technological development. Previously, Porter was a contracted service technician with Pomeroy IT Solutions, serving clients including Schneider Electric and Square D. He also has extensive experience developing and implementing technology systems through a number of independent projects.
Erin Holcomb, Promotion and Web Content Coordinator, NowPlayingNashville.com
ext. 132, ehornsby@cfmt.org
Erin is responsible for web content and promotion of Community Foundation online initiatives, NowPlayingNashville.com and GivingMatters.com. Erin works closely with many civic organizations and associations to build brand awareness for these initiatives throughout Middle Tennessee. Previously, Erin worked as a public relations specialist and a freelance writer in Memphis. She has a background in broadcast journalism and public relations.
Kristen Korzenowski, Donor Services Coordinator
ext. 135, kkorzenowski@cfmt.org
Kristen is responsible for coordinating donor-initiated events and provides support to help donors reach their charitable goals. Kristen also works with The Tomorrow Fund, a group of young adults seeking to build community awareness and leadership through service and charitable giving. Prior to joining The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Kristen worked for an advertising agency and a startup nonprofit, and received a B.S. in Marketing from Penn State University.
Liza Lentz, Women’s Fund Coordinator
ext. 136, llentz@cfmt.org
Liza is responsible for increasing the grantmaking capacity of The Women’s Fund, which supports programs serving women and girls in Middle Tennessee. The mission of the Fund is to empower women and girls to reach their full potential, to prevent violence, to create economic self-sufficiency, and to promote healthy lifestyles.
Laundrea Lewis, Grants Manager
ext. 107, grants@cfmt.org
Laundrea joined the staff of The Community Foundation as its first employee in 1993. She currently serves as the Grants Coordinator of The Community Foundation. Laundrea manages the operation of grant programs, including Discretionary Grants, Donor-Advised Grants, two state-funded grant programs – Arts Build Communities and Student Ticket Subsidy and The Foundation’s Scholarship program, which includes more than 60 different scholarships.
Elizabeth Madsen, GivingMatters.com Senior Manager
ext. 106, emadsen@cfmt.org
Elizabeth directs the implementation and development of GivingMatters.com, oversees the quality of its nonprofit data, and builds strategic relationships to grow the program. She is responsible for meeting the research and due diligence needs of CFMT’s community partners, connecting nonprofits with resources, and ensuring nonprofits are in compliance with state and federal regulations. Elizabeth is active on the national level of the DonorEdge Learning Community and GuideStar. She manages fundraising efforts for GivingMatters.com. Prior to joining The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Elizabeth served as Director of Nonprofit & Volunteer Relations at Hands On Nashville.
Deborah McClellan, Receptionist
ext. 100, dmcclellan@cfmt.org
Deborah manages the daily flow of information and communication, and is often the first person with whom you speak when calling The Community Foundation. Previously, she gained experience as a financial assistant at Beazer home in Nashville. Prior to that, she worked as receptionist and financial assistant for the law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel in New York.
Michael McDaniel, Nonprofit and Endowment Liaison
ext. 101, mmc@cfmt.org
Michael joined the staff of the Community Foundation in March 2000. Currently serving as Nonprofit Liaison, he represents The Foundation in the 43 counties of Middle Tennessee it serves. He assists non-profit organizations in their philanthropic and charitable goals as well as assists in their infrastructure and endowment building. Prior to The Foundation, he served as the Director of Community Arts Development for the Tennessee Arts Commission, and State Arts Agency where he developed and sustained partnerships with other state agencies and nonprofit organizations. He has served as a panelist and consultant for local, regional and out of state organizations and served as a board member of the Tennessee Festival Events Association. Michael is a graduate of Leadership Donelson Hermitage, class of 2006.
Maria Morris, Operations Manager
ext. 110, mmorris@cfmt.org
Maria is an integral part of The Foundation. Her responsibilities include supervising the operation and maintenance of facilities, office services, supplies, equipment and related functions. She administers the Agency’s employee benefits programs and also responsible for maintaining our information management and telecommunications systems. Prior to joining The Community Foundation, Maria worked for a Tennessee law firm. She also spent 10 years with the State of Tennessee as Executive Assistant to a State Commissioner and later as a departmental Affirmative Action Officer.
Jessica Musman , Online Content and Marketing Associate, NowPlayingNashville.com and GivingMatters.com
ext. 152, jmusman@cfmt.org
Jessica works to enhance the marketing efforts for The Community Foundation’s online initiatives, NowPlayingNashville.com and GivingMatters.com. She works closely with community partners to secure discount tickets, maintain web content, and build brand awareness for both websites. Jessica is a recent graduate of Belmont University with a background in entertainment and fundraising.
Joe Pagetta, Director of Community Initiatives
ext. 129, jpagetta@cfmt.org
Joe oversees NowPlayingNashville.com’s efforts to be Middle Tennessee’s most comprehensive source for art and community events, while providing support for CFMT’s other major initiatives, including GivingMatters.com and The Big Payback. He is also the editor of NashvillePlayingNashville.com’s companion arts and culture blog, HowToPlayNashville.com. He has almost 20 years of experience in various areas of media and communications as a journalist, marketer and PR professional, and was previously the director of media relations and online strategies at Nashville Public Television and media relations manager for the Nashville Film Festival.
Emily Rutzky, Creative Services Coordinator
ext. 153, emarlow@cfmt.org
Emily is responsible for the design, creation, and management of materials promoting and supporting The Community Foundation. She works alongside of team members, event chairs, and other volunteers to assist in concept, design and production of a wide-range of creative needs. She also serves as the point of contact for all design needs and various outside vendors. Prior to joining The Community Foundation, Emily served as a senior graphic designer and the creative manager for The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Gina Tek, Program Services Coordinator
ext. 105, gtek@cfmt.org
Gina, a Child Development Specialist, is responsible for supporting Childcare Nashville’s products and helping providers access these products. Childcare Nashville’s products include ChildcareTennessee.com, a member-only online provider shared services resource and a public website – ChildcareNashville.com – which efficiently connects parents and job seekers to local child care centers. Prior to joining The Community Foundation, Gina served as a director of child care programs for over 20 years.
Kelly Walberg, Communications Manager
ext. 109, kwalberg@cfmt.org
With more than 15 years of experience focused on marketing in the digital space, Kelly is responsible for strengthening the brand awareness for The Community Foundation and its community initiatives. This encompasses social marketing for eight very different audiences including philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, advocates for women and girls issues, the LGBT community, young professionals, those who support team sports as life building lessons, arts and entertainment enthusiasts, and childcare providers and job seekers. Kelly is also the lead on several of the Foundation’s websites helping to maintain and optimize its content and faciltates the marketing efforts and organization of The Big Payback - a 24 hour, community-wide, online giving event in Middle Tennessee – which has helped more than 700 area nonprofits raise $6.75 million in three years.
Shemika Walker, Program Services Associate
ext. 113, swalker@cfmt.org
Shemika provides support for The Community Foundation’s Corporate Care Program, which includes entering Corporate Care Program applications, verifying applicants’ employment and other eligibility requirements, composing quarterly activity reports to corporate partners, and more. Shemika also provides administrative coverage for The Foundation.
Benja Whitelaw, Director, Employee Care Programs
ext. 115, bwhitelaw@cfmt.org
Benja works with The Foundation’s donors and staff members to ensure needs are being met. She works closely with Foundation management on the development of policies, procedures and organizational duties. She also oversees our compliance with national standards through The Council on Foundations. Benja has substantial experience with social service agencies in Middle Tennessee, and most recently worked with Dede Wallace and the YWCA, a domestic violence shelter program.