Nashville Emerging Leaders Introduces Class of 2023

Nashville’s top professionals selected for distinguished leadership development program, representing most diverse cohort ever

See the Nashville Business Journal Press Release

Nashville, Tennessee (Dec. 7, 2022) - Nashville Emerging Leaders (NEL), the city’s first and most prestigious leadership development program of its kind, has announced its Class of 2023. The group includes 29 of the top professionals from the private sector, civic and government, and nonprofit organizations.

“From healthcare and construction to education and the arts, the NEL Class of 2023 is as diverse in industries as it is in culture and backgrounds,” said Anna-Vija McClain, Nashville Emerging Leaders Board President. “That diversity is key as we do our part to build a city that we’re proud of and one we that we can call home. I’m thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort and look forward to the great things we will accomplish together.”

The 11-week personal and professional leadership training program brings together the top minds across diverse backgrounds and perspectives working to shape Nashville’s future. The program includes interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessments, community participation, group projects and in-depth discussions with Middle Tennessee’s top community and business leaders.

The NEL Class of 2023 includes:

  • Abby Siegel Hyman, The Healing Trust

  • Amiee Sadler, HON AmeriCorps

  • Amos Glass, Nashville Repertory Theatre

  • Anna Myint, International Market

  • Arnellia Williams-Foster, ProviderTrust

  • Brice Rochelle, State of Tennessee, Division of TennCare

  • Colin Ferguson, Dickinson Wright PLLC

  • Connor Schwartz, Perkins Construction

  • Corey Alexander, Ross Behavioral Group

  • Dexter D. Evans, National Museum of African American Music

  • Diana Perez, Conexión Américas

  • Elizabeth Wood, HCA Healthcare

  • Emmanuel LeGrair, R.H. Boyd and The Commonwealth

  • Halden VanCleave, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

  • Jafar Ware, Metro Planning Department 

  • Jaron Spicer, Corner To Corner

  • Jeanette Opheim, Author

  • Jennifer Birkmeyer, Nashville Business Journal

  • Jing Geng, Nashville Defenders

  • John Compton, Plotly

  • Lauren McKirgan, FINN Partners

  • Lindsey Hurst, Belmont University

  • Melissa Cornejo-Nell, Metro Nashville Public Schools

  • Morgan Hall, Benetic Inc.

  • Rachel Davidson, Capital One

  • Robert C. Sherrill, Imperial Cleaning Systems

  • Robert Robinson, Alignment Nashville

  • Willie "Trey" Avery III, Schneider Electric

  • Zach Brickner, Parks Realty

For more information on NEL and to apply for future programs, visit nashvilleemergingleaders.com.

About Nashville Emerging Leaders

Founded in 2002, Nashville Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the next generation of Nashville's leaders. This 11-week leadership training program is designed to support young professionals by connecting them with other leaders in the community, deep self-exploration, and intentional team-building. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are chosen through a rigorous selection process to participate in a series of weekly sessions led and moderated by the team at Strategy and Leadership.

Nashville Emerging Leaders