Congratulations, 2023 In Charge honorees.

Je Drummonds

CEO, LBMC: Leader of advisory and accounting firm since 2015. Late last year added a new CFO/COO and new CIO. Previously led LBMC’s tax division and holds leadership position at Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

L.A. Galyon

Managing Partner, Brentwood Capital Advisors: Health care-focused investment banker who leads BCA, the 1999-founded investment bank.

Chase Gilbert

CEO, Built Technologies: Co-founder of construction loan software management firm that was valued at north of $1 billion in 2021. Like other tech companies around the country, instituting layo s.

Parker Gri th

Southeastern Market Director, Robert W. Baird Private Wealth Management: Leader of Baird’s area team since 2012. Involved with community groups including Centerstone and Room In The Inn.

Rob Harris

Partner, Holland & Knight: Led Waller’s financial services team prior to its recent merger with Holland & Knight. Has worked with the Titans and IVX Health on transactions.

Clay Hart

Executive Vice President and Senior Lending O cer, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Focusing on commercial and middle market clients as leader of lender’s regional commercial banking group. Previously the local president of Renasant Bank.

Brian Heinrichs

President and CEO, Fourth Capital Bank: Previously CFO of a bank in Kansas, joined the Gaylon Lawrence-owned financial institution in 2019 and was named CEO in 2021.

Chris Holmes

CEO, FB Financial: Oversaw IPO at parent company of FirstBank, now the named sponsor of Vanderbilt football stadium.

Denise Horvath

Market Director for Tennessee and Alabama, JPMorgan Chase: Tasked with leading local retail growth at country’s largest bank. Previously a banker and branch manager in Indiana

Grant Jackson

Managing General Partner, Council Capital: Has led health care-focused private equity firm based in Green Hills since 2016. Recent investments have included Alivia Analytics.

Matt Jernigan

CEO, Ascend Federal Credit Union: This year assuming leadership role from longtime leader Caren Gabriel. Tullahoma-based credit union has expanded around the region in recent years.

Mike Johnson

President and Head of Corporate Banking, PNC Bank Tennessee: After a long stint with Wells Fargo, joined Pittsburgh-based PNC in 2018 as regional leader. Overseeing expansion of retail banking operations around Nashville.

Kevin Lavender

Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking, Fifth Third Bancorp: Has held leadership positions with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and National Museum of African American Music, among other community organizations. Veteran banker and former state banking o cial.

Gaylon Lawrence

Owner, F&M Bank, Fourth Capital, Volunteer State Bank: Has his hands in various local financial institutions. Last year, added a famed Bordeaux winery to his collection of West Coast wine properties.

Joe Maxwell

Managing Partner, FINTOP Capital: Serial fintech entrepreneur surpassed expectations by closing a $220 million venture capital fund.

Rob McCabe

Chairman, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Built banking career in Knoxville before co-founding Nashville’s biggest locally based bank. Community leader has helped guide Cheekwood and other organizations.

John McDearman

President and CEO, Wilson Bank & Trust: Oversees suburban powerhouse after taking over from co-founder Randall Clemons. Joined Cumberland University’s board last year.

John Mark McDougal

Audit and Advisory Practice Leader, LBMC: Leads firm’s accounting and assurance practice. Joined LBMC in 2004 and has been on its board since 2010.

Jennie Menzie

President, Cumberland Trust: Previously a practicing attorney, has held several positions at the firm since 2012 before in 2021 taking over the title of president from Pepe Presley, who remains in leadership at the company.

Johnny Moore

Regional President, Truist Financial: Formerly leader of SunTrust’s Memphis team, tapped to run Tennessee operations for combined SunTrust-BB&T institution. Newly named to BlueCross board.

Tyson Moore

Market President, Bank of America: Continues in regional leadership role for Merrill Lynch while overseeing BofA’s multi-county Nashville area market, a post he assumed from John Stein.

Tom O’Connor

Market Executive, Synovus Bank: Banking veteran joined Synovus to grow the robust commercial industry in Middle Tennessee.

Sergio Ora

President and CEO, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust: Longtime banking industry o cial came out of retirement to lead the oldest continuously operating minority-owned bank in the country, now with sight set on significant growth.

Dawn Patrick

Nashville Managing Partner, Cherry Bekaert: Works with technology, health and industrial firms. Leads local arm of firm that bought Frasier Dean & Howard in 2017.

Pepe Presley

Chairman and CEO, Cumberland Trust: Former SunTrust o cial handed o president role at CT in 2021 while maintaining other leadership roles.

Jim Rieniets

President and CEO, INSBANK: Has been with the bank since its inception two-plus decades ago, holding various leadership positions. Has also worked with the American and Tennessee bankers associations.

Doug Rohleder

O ce Managing Partner, Ernst & Young: Named Big Four o ce leader in 2018. Specializes in health care and has been involved at Vanderbilt and United Way.

Jim Schmitz

Nashville Market Leader, Elliott Davis: Joined accounting and advisory firm in 2019 to lead growth after career with Regions Bank. Also helps organize downtown businesses pushing for party bus regulations.

Tim Schools

President and CEO, CapStar Financial: Moved to town in 2019 to assume leadership from founding CEO Claire Tucker. Bank in 2022 expanded for the first time outside the state, though growth push is focused on existing markets.

Bill Spitz

Co-Founder and Principal, Diversified Trust: Oversees funds for families, foundations and retirement plans after a stint leading investments for Vanderbilt.

Terry Turner

President and CEO, Pinnacle Financial Partners: Helped launch the largest bank based in Nashville and has led it since. After peaking in early 2022, stock shares fell back to earth.

Phoebe Venable

President and CEO, CapWealth: Joined CapWealth in 2010 after a long career working with high-net-worth families. Firm founded by Tim Pagliara in 2022 won legal battle with SEC.

Bradford Vieira

Regional CEO, ServisFirst Bank Nashville: Led Alabama bank’s expansion into Tennessee in 2013. In 2021, moved operations to Broadwest.

David Waddell

CEO, Waddell & Associates: After beginning his career at Charles Schwab, now leads investment strategy for firm with o ces in Memphis and Brentwood.

John West

O ce Managing Partner, Deloitte: Firm veteran oversees 400-person Middle Tennessee team. Audit and assurance practice leader was tapped in 2020 to lead regional team.

These people bring others together for fellowship, networking and building community.

Haley Zapolski

NashTech

Alexa Barnett

CRE615/Southern Land Company

Monique Villa Build In SE/Launch Tennessee

Herbert Brown

Turner Construction

Jeff Engle

Conquest Cyber/Nashville Cocktails and Connections

Samar Ali Vanderbilt University/ Millions of Conversations roasting operations at Alloy at Tech Hill.

Nick Bishop Sr. and Nick Bishop Jr.

Co-owners, Hattie B’s: Father and son founded hot-chicken restaurant in 2012, in Midtown, and have since opened locations in Atlanta and Las Vegas. Eatery o ers locations on Eighth Avenue South, Charlotte, Fifth + Broadway and the original Midtown spot.

Matt Bodnar

Partner, Fresh Hospitality and Fresh Capital: Part of group behind Tazi- oversees restaurant company with about 73,000 employees.

A.K. Dettwiller

President, DET Distributing: Oversees alcoholic beverage distribution company founded by the Dettwiller family in 1951.

Mignon Francois

Founder and CEO, The Cupcake Collection: Entrepreneur launched bakery business in Germantown in 2008 and now operates an outpost in her native New Orleans.

Benjamin Goldberg and Max Goldberg

Owners, Strategic Hospitality: Builders of eclectic restaurant collection that includes Merchants, Pinewood Social, Bastion, Henrietta Red and Catbird Seat.

Clint Gray, Derrick Moore and Emanuel “E.J.” Reed

Owners, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria: Trio has grown pizza and beer (and cinnamon roll) empire beyond North Nashville to locations in Antioch, Atlanta and Sacramento. Birmingham is now targeted. Former TSU classmates team with Gemaal Pratts to operate E G & Mc on Je erson Street.

Howard Greenstone

Restaurateur and Co-Founder, Red Pebbles Hospitality: New York veteran owns or is partner in well-known restaurants such as 404 Kitchen, Adele’s, Bajo Sexto, Emmy Squared and Sadie’s.

Linus Hall

Owner, Yazoo Brewing: Operates venerable brewery overlooking Cumberland River in Madison, after previous stops at Marathon Village and The Gulch. Low-key persona lent itself to helping him lead charge in changing state’s beer tax structure.

Cordia Harrington

CEO, The Bakery Cos.: Former McDonald’s franchisee launched baking business in 1996, adding multiple plants and lines of business to build 500-employee company.

Hal Holden-Bache

Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Lockeland Table: Opened East Nashville mainstay with Cara Graham in 2012 after stint with the Greenbrier Resort culinary apprenticeship program and stops at Nick & Rudy’s, the Capitol Grille and Eastland Café.

Doug Hogrefe

Partner, 4Top Hospitality: Teams with Paul Schramkowski, David Conn and Ben Brock to operate about 20 restaurants in Huntsville, Memphis and Jackson, Mississippi. Nashville fixtures include Amerigo, Etch, Etc. and Char.

Chris Hyndman

Owner, MStreet: With Jim Caden, helped transform McGavock Street (aka MStreet) in The Gulch with Virago, Moto, Saint Anejo and Kayne Prime (as well as Midtown’s Tavern). Building home to his since-closed Whiskey Kitchen is slated to be replaced by structure to accommodate a Hyatt Caption hotel.

Wesley Keegan

Founder and CEO, TailGate Brewery: Has built one of state’s five largest brewing operations. West Davidson County brewery features always-bustling taproom (with stellar pizza), complemented by boutique operations in Music Row, North Capitol and East Nashville.

Ned Lyerly

CEO, CKE Restaurants: Previously the leader of the international operations of the Franklin-based parent of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. Spends some time in California, in which CKE was founded in 1956.

Andy Marshall

Owner, A. Marshall Hospitality: Runs Franklin company known for Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, Deacon’s New South, Scout’s Pub and Americana Taphouse.

Pat Martin

Owner, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Transformed a strip-mall-located barbecue joint in Nolensville into a respected company with locations in Nashville, Louisville, Birmingham and Charleston. Also owns Hugh Baby’s chain of burger shops.

Margot McCormack

Chef-Owner, Margot: Her East Nashville restaurant in Five Points was a trailblazer that, in part, spurred Nashville’s current and robust culinary scene. A regular James Beard nominee.

Andy Mumma

Founder, Barista Parlor: His café empire includes multiple urban locations. Also owns robot-themed tiki bar Chopper on east side.

Charlie Nelson

President and CEO, Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery: Teamed with brother, and head distiller/co-owner Andy Nelson, to (re)launch last decade a family business their great-great-great grandfather had grown into a global brand in late 1800s.

Catherine Newman and Will Newman

Owners, Edley’s Bar-B-Que and 12South Filling Station: Wife-andhusband team has deliberately grown Edley’s to include locations in Chattanooga, Sylvan Park, East Nashville, Glen Carbon, Lenox Village and Donelson. Planning to open in Williamson County’s Factory at Franklin and Berry Farms. Also operate Pancho & Lefty's Cantina.

Deb Paquette

Executive Chef of Etch, Etc. and Jasper’s: Local restaurant scene mainstay for more than 31 years. Her menus at Etch in SoBro and Etc. in Green Hills are built on global flavors and among city’s most creative. Teamed with 4Top partners in 2020 to convert West End’s Saltine to Jasper’s.

Mark Parkey

CEO, J. Alexander’s: Took the helm of upscale chain from Lonnie Stout in 2019. Nixed possible sale in 2020 and cut overhead due to the COVID pandemic. Has been with company since 1993 and had been CFO before being promoted.

Austin Ray

President and Founder, A.Ray Hospitality: Operator of M.L. Rose neighborhood pubs in Melrose, Sylvan Park and Capitol View. Also owns Von Elrod’s across from First Horizon Park and is a partner in Sinema, Rambler and Melrose Billiards. Closed The Sutler in March 2022.

Randy Rayburn

Owner, Midtown Cafe: Culinary arts program at Nashville State Community College is named in his honor. His Music City Hospitality Consulting is part of partnership that opened Moxy Hotel near Cabana Taps and developed concept plan and menu for reinvented Elliston Place Soda Shop.

Bailey Spaulding

Co-Owner, Jackalope Brewing: A former Vanderbilt Law graduate who shelved legal career for brewing industry work, Spaulding teams with co-owner Steve Wright to run one of Nashville’s most beloved breweries. Duo expanded in 2018 to Ranch complex in Wedgewood-Houston then closed Gulch location in 2020.

Christian Spears

Founder and President, Tennessee Brew Works: Operates popular Pie Town brewery known almost as much for its inventive menu and distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces as its quality ales.

Jimmy Spradley

CEO, Standard Functional Foods

Group: Was 26 when family bought Standard Candy in 1982. Business grew to 500-plus employees before Spradley sold it in 2017 to refocus on Goo Goo Clusters. SoBro shop reopened in late 2021 after being closed for $2 million update.

Kent Taylor

Co-Founder, Blackstone Brewing: An accountant who serves as the de facto godfather of city’s beer scene. Opened Blackstone in 1994. Now canning beers to supplement those the brewery still bottles. Brews lagers for Scott Mertie’s Nashville Brewing Company.

Q-Juan Taylor

Operating Partner, Reed Hospitality: Partners with Ed Reed and Sam Reed to oversee company known for Sinema and 8th & Roast.

Tandy Wilson

Chef-Owner, City House: Ranks among Nashville’s most decorated chefs, winning prestigious James Beard Award as Best Chef in the Southeast in 2016. His City House in Germantown has remained a Nashville staple since opening in 2007.

Jane Alvis

Owner, Alvis Co.: Has lobbied for the Tennessee Municipal League and Metro Nashville Airport Authority at the state Capitol in recent years, as well as for energy companies doing business with Metro. A former sta er in governor’s and mayor’s o ces and formerly a partner at The Ingram Group.

Rogers Anderson

Mayor, Williamson County: Last year won reelection to yet another term leading the wealthy county where he has been mayor for more than two decades.

Ward Baker

President and Founder, Baker Group Strategies: Strategist who has helped Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty win the last two U.S. Senate races while maintaining other campaign and corporate work.

Marsha Blackburn

U.S. Senator: Tennessee’s senior senator, still in her first term. Has focused on border security and criticisms of the Biden administration since the departure of her ally Donald Trump.

Heidi Campbell

State Senator, District 20: Ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 two years after flipping a Nashville state Senate district. Former Oak Hill mayor.

Mark Cate

Principal, Stones River Group: Lobbies for various clients at the state and Metro. Former Bill Haslam aide.

John Ray Clemmons

State Representative, District 55: In o ce since 2014, the local attorney is the new chair of the House Democratic Caucus after beating fellow Nashville Democrat Vincent Dixie.

John Cooper

Mayor, Metro Nashville: After a term defined by a pandemic, a tornado and a bombing, decided not to run for reelection. Focused on a future Titans stadium replacement, among other unfinished business.

Yuri Cunza

CEO, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Frequent presence at community events, has led business group for more than a decade.

John Drake

Chief, Metro Nashville Police Department: Took over department where he started as a patrol cop during a contentious 2020 summer and a rushed departure by his predecessor, Steve Anderson.

Butch Eley

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Transportation and Deputy Governor: Veteran business executive has held several top roles in the Lee administration. Most recently moved from finance to transportation as Lee pushes a major roads plan.

Jeremy Faison

House Republican Caucus Chair: Conservative lawmaker stood out by opposing former Speaker Glen Casada. Elevated to leadership following Casada’s fall.

Glenn Funk

District Attorney General, Davidson County: Won reelection in 2022. Nashville’s top prosecutor continues to be at odds with state leaders over various issues.

Brenda Gadd

President, Rethink Public Strategies: Political operative and strategist who has made electing more women to public o ce a top priority.

Erica Garrison

Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings: Former Metro lawyer helps prominent clients navigate regulatory and other governmental processes. Attorney and lobbyist moved from Waller to Bradley.

Scott Golden

Chairman, Tennessee Republican Party: Longtime Tennessee GOP operative took over at the state party in 2016 and has maintained its dominant position in state politics.

Bill Hagerty

U.S. Senator: Former investor, state ECD o cial and ambassador to Japan was elected to Lamar Alexander’s Senate seat after a chippy Republican primary.

Tre Hargett

Secretary of State: Elections chief supported Trump push to overturn 2020 election results in other states. Former Republican state House member has been a constitutional o cer since 2009.

Joe Hall

Partner, Hall Strategies: Metro lobbyist’s clients have included major players like the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, the Nashville Predators and real estate development companies. Former newspaper reporter and Ingram Group partner.

Greg Hinote

Partner, Jigsaw: Former aide to Mayor Karl Dean and Rep. Jim Cooper. With Sam Reed and Beecher Frasier, established lobbying and consulting firm with tourism, tech and sports clients.

Tom Ingram

Founder, The Ingram Group: Onetime adviser to Lamar Alexander and Bill Haslam, veteran lobbyist’s clients include BlueCross and Google.

Bradley Jackson

President and CEO, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Has led state chamber since 2016. Key voice in political talks regarding the local business climate.

Jack Johnson

Senate Majority Leader: Fended o a spirited GOP primary challenge in 2022. Franklin-based senator has carved out role shepherding legislation targeting drag and trans health care.

Tequila Johnson

CEO, The Equity Alliance: Along with co-founder Charlane Oliver, started the Black empowerment and civic engagement organization in the wake of Trump’s 2016 election and have since grown it to include several sta members, an a liated political advocacy group and a statewide voting rights push.

Justin Jones

State Representative, District 52: Last year was elected to succeed Nashville

Rep. Mike Stewart. Fisk grad was frequent presence at protests around the Capitol prior to his election.

Kim Kaegi

Fundraiser: Top campaign fundraiser has worked on both sides of the aisle, including for Bill Lee, Bill Hagerty and Megan Barry.

William Lamberth

House Majority Leader: Conservative has helped push Bill Lee’s favored legislation while in leadership of supermajority caucus.

Brad Lampley

Partner, Adams and Reese: Powerhouse lobbyist and adviser leads law firm’s practice focusing on the intersection of business and government. Ex-UT lineman remains involved in statewide sports e orts.

Bill Lee

Governor, State of Tennessee: Easily won reelection without facing a strong primary challenge or much pressure from Democrats. Now starting his second term with focus on roads, education and culture war.

Lisa Sherman Luna

Executive Director, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: Took over leadership of statewide organization in 2020. Involved in refugee resettlement work, political advocacy and other community services, sometimes in the middle of tense political fights.

David McMahan

Principal, McMahan Winstead & Richardson: Long list of lobbying clients includes Tennessee hospitals and alcohol industry. Firm in 2020 expanded to Washington.

Randy McNally

Lieutenant Governor, State of Tennessee: Longtime lawmaker is a key figure in any debate at the Capitol. In leadership role since 2017.

Stuart McWhorter

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: Former FirstBank chair and Nashville Entrepreneur Center leader joined Bill Lee’s government initially as finance commissioner. Now back with ECD.

Bob Mendes

Metro Councilmember, At Large: Key figure in city’s fiscal debates, including related to a proposed Titans stadium. This year opted against running for mayor.

Andy Ogles

U.S. Representative, Fifth District: Former Maury County mayor and anti-tax lobbyist won crowded GOP primary for redrawn district, formerly concentrated in Nashville and now containing pieces of Williamson and other more conservative counties. Garnered national attention for exaggerated resume.

Charlane Oliver

State Senator, District 19: Upon Brenda Gilmore’s retirement, the experienced political and nonprofit o cial won a spirited Democratic primary for the open Senate seat. Helped found and lead The Equity Alliance.

Justin Owen

President and CEO, Beacon Center of Tennessee: Leads the libertarian-leaning think tank and advocacy group that weighs in on government misspending and advocates for school choice.

Erica Vick Penley

Member, Bass Berry & Sims: Leader of firm’s government advocacy and public policy group, with a lobbying client list that has included Pfizer and the state’s electric co-ops.

Hendrell Remus

Chair, Tennessee Democratic Party: In early 2021 was elected to lead the party that has struggled for years to hold the line against surging Republicans. Reelected to a second term early this year.

Ralph Schulz

President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Longtime leader in the city’s business and tourism communities.

Sandra Sepulveda

Metro Councilmember, District 30: Serves a diverse area of South Nashville as the Council’s lone Latinx representative. Elected in 2019 as the council’s youngest member and has since proven one of its most e ective advocates and communicators, especially on matters of equity, housing and immigration.

Cameron Sexton

Speaker of the House: Elevated to top job by his Republican colleagues after the fall of Glen Casada. Widely believed to be charting a path to higher o ce.

Patrick Sheehy

President, Tennessee Business

Roundtable: Former political adviser to Cracker Barrel now runs organization aimed at supporting statewide business community.

Kathy Sinback

Executive Director, ACLU of Tennessee: Last year was named to succeed longtime leader Hedy Weinberg at statewide civil rights organization. Former Davidson County Juvenile Court administrator and public defender.

Jonathan Skrmetti

Tennessee Attorney General: Picked last year by the Supreme Court to succeed Herbert Slatery. Former deputy AG and chief counsel to the governor, the Harvard Law grad has ramped up the AG’s o ce’s media e orts.

Zulfat Suara

Metro Councilmember, At Large: First elected in 2019 and now seeking a second term. An immigrant and accountant, has quickly become one of the body’s best-known figures.

Tori Venable

State Director, Americans for Prosperity: Leader of the Koch-backed political organization often sees eyeto-eye with the state’s Republican supermajority. Has vocally opposed spending on a future Titans stadium and Ford campus.

Ralph Alvarado

Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health: Gov. Bill Lee appointed former Kentucky legislator in 2022 to replace Lisa Piercey. Alvarado encouraged COVID-19 vaccination, state abortion ban and cut HIV funding in first weeks in o ce.

Hal Andrews

CEO, Trilliant Health: Led the data and analytics venture since its founding in 2017. Previously helped lead Digital Reasoning, Aegis and Shareable, among others.

Richard Ashworth

President and CEO, Tivity Health: Pharmacist and former Walgreens executive took top spot at Tivity in 2020 and oversaw company’s $575 million sale of Nutrisystem. Company was bought for $2 billion by Stone Point Capital and taken private in 2022.

Cindy Baier

CEO, Brookdale Senior Living: Former company CFO and Navigant and Central Parking exec has steered Brookdale through restructuring and sales. The company reportedly explored a sale in 2022. In 2023, Brookdale made several leadership changes and looks to recover occupancy losses.

Jack Bailey

Managing Director, Bailey & Company.: With political background and more than 20 years of middle-market experience, founded in 2005 the Brentwood-based investment bank that has worked on deals worth more than a collective $17 billion. In 2018 launched equity fund with a portfolio spanning health care services and technology.

Michael Bailey

CEO, American Health Partners: Leads Franklin-based provider of long-term care, acute care psychiatric hospitals and other health care services in 10 states. The 40-plus-yearold company in 2021 was purchased by a Michigan investment firm.

Je Balser

President and CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Has led hospital system since 2009 and serves as dean of med school after overseeing the hospital and Vanderbilt University separation in 2016. VUMC began construction on a 15-story inpatient tower in 2022.

Brian Barnes

Blakeford Senior Life: Took the helm of the company in 2018 with more than a decade of senior care experience. Blakeford opened its first memory care facility in November.

Adam Boehler

CEO, Rubicon Founders: Formed the fund with a debut target of $300 million in 2021. Formerly served as director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation in the Trump administration before setting up shop in Nashville.

Marty Bonick

President and CEO, Ardent Health Services: 25-year hospital operations veteran oversees Ardent’s 30 facilities and more than 26,000 employees. Company announced remote care deal and moved from Green Hills to Seven Springs in 2022.

Chuck Byrge

President and CEO, Harpeth Capital: Took over the middle market investment banking firm in 2005 after years of experience in M&A and capital raising and leading FTN Financial’s i-banking team.