We’re proud to announce our 2025 Board of Directors, including an accomplished slate of new members and returning members committed to advancing NEC’s mission of increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. These leaders bring extensive expertise in business, innovation, and community impact, positioning NEC to continue driving growth for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nashville and beyond.
New Members for 2025
We’re thrilled to welcome the following new voting members to our board:
- Gil Beverly: EVP and Chief Business Officer, Academy of Country Music
Beverly, a seasoned leader in marketing and revenue strategy, has a track record of revitalizing brands and driving record-breaking revenue. With experience spanning the Tennessee Titans, Learfield Sports, and ESPN, his expertise in aligning business growth with community engagement will bring invaluable insights to NEC. - Chase Michalek: Co-Founder and CEO, VSx Veterinary Surgery
A successful entrepreneur and private equity leader, Michalek has founded and grown multiple businesses in healthcare and veterinary care. His innovative approach to scaling businesses and fostering entrepreneurial cultures will strengthen NEC’s support for founders in the healthcare sector and beyond. - Kearstin Patterson: Vice President of Creative, HCA Healthcare
With over 20 years of leadership in marketing and communications, Patterson has built award-winning teams and spearheaded strategic creative initiatives at HCA Healthcare. Her passion for storytelling and brand strategy will amplify NEC’s mission to inspire and empower entrepreneurs.
Ex-Officio Members (non-voting):
- Bill McCleskey: Incoming President, EO Nashville & Founder/CEO, Mitech Partners
McCleskey, a dynamic entrepreneur and tech leader, has built a successful business while fostering innovation and mentorship within the entrepreneurial community. His expertise and commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses align perfectly with NEC’s goals. - Lilibeth Leon: Manager of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell
Leon’s dedication to creating opportunities for minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses in Nashville will enhance NEC’s efforts to support an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Vision for 2025
“This exceptional group of leaders reflects our ongoing commitment to cultivating a thriving environment for entrepreneurs,” said Sam Davidson, CEO of NEC. “With the diverse expertise and fresh perspectives of our new and returning board members, we are poised to expand our impact and empower even more entrepreneurs to achieve success.”
2025 Board of Directors
- Gil Beverly: Academy of Country Music
- Judith Bright: Judith Bright Jewelry
- Bill Brown: Genomind
- Michael Burcham: Shore Capital Partners
- Beth Chase: Ankura (retired)
- Mark Deutschmann: CityLiving Group/Core Development
- Dr. Adel ElMessiry: AlphaFin
- Brian Fox: Confirmation
- Robert A. Frist, Jr.: HealthStream
- Max Goldberg: Strategic Hospitality
- John Ingram: Ingram Industries
- Jessa Kelley: Main Street Health
- Stacey Garrett Koju: Spencer Fane
- Coco Kyriopoulos: Rich Products Corp
- Rod McDaniel: S3 Recycling Solutions
- Chase Michalek: VSx Veterinary Surgery
- Andy Moats: Pinnacle Financial Partners
- Kearstin Patterson: HCA Healthcare
- Sharon Reynolds: DevMar Manufacturing, LLC
- Courtney Ross: Amazon
- Steve Schnur: Music for Electronic Arts (EA)
- Saurabh Sinha: Emids
- Michael Slavik: CLA
- Jorge Titinger: Titinger Consulting
- John Zarling: 615 Leverage + Strategy
- Sam Davidson: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
EX-OFFICIO Members:
- (Incoming CEO): Greater Nashville Technology Council
- Ralph Schulz: Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Bill McCleskey: Entrepreneurs Organization (EO Nashville)
- Apryl Childs-Potter: Nashville Health Care Council
- Lilibeth Leon: Nashville Mayor’s Office
About Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2010 to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. Through world-class education and a vibrant membership community, NEC has supported over 14,000 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised $300M in capital, generated over $400M in revenue, and facilitated over $100M in exits. For more information, visit www.ec.co and follow @entrecenter on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & X.
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For more information, please contact:
Angel May, SVP, Marketing & Communications
615-838-8100, angel.may@ec.co
