Nashville Emerging Leaders Announces Class of 2026
City’s premier leadership development program welcomes a talented cohort of emerging professionals poised to shape Nashville’s future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 29, 2026) — Nashville Emerging Leaders (NEL), the city’s distinguished 11-week leadership training program connecting Nashville’s next generation of changemakers with community leaders and business innovators, is proud to introduce the Class of 2026. This year’s cohort represents a diverse cross-section of industries, from public service and nonprofit impact to healthcare, design, engineering, hospitality, strategy, and beyond.
“Nashville continues to grow, and with that growth comes both the opportunity and responsibility to cultivate thoughtful, collaborative leadership,” said Dexter D. Evans, Board Chair of Nashville Emerging Leaders. “This cohort represents the leaders who will shape Nashville’s future. The relationships and professional development gained through NEL create the foundation for that leadership. Our 500+ alumni are already proving what’s possible, and the Class of 2026 has demonstrated their commitment just by earning their place here.”
Throughout the upcoming 11 weeks, the Class of 2026 will engage in immersive sessions led by Middle Tennessee’s top leaders, participate in community-focused projects, and deepen their leadership impact through self-exploration, dialogue, and peer collaboration.
NEL Class of 2026
Abby Patterson, Parthenon PR
Alex Renkis, Kapala
Alicia Conner, Conversion Interactive Agency
Ana Smetana, EOA Architects
Angela Grant, Angela’s Anchor
Anna Myers, Nashville Predators
Betsy Swann Martinez, Equal Chance for Education
Brandon Thomas, Reeves Young
Chelsa Lourie, Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association
Chris Sivley, PE, Cornerstone Engineering, Inc.
Da'Veon Hall, Family and Children Services
Danielle Pyle, Fraction Force Strategies
Destiney Patton, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
Dr. Alesha Harmon, Valor Collegiate Academies
Jane Yackley, Tennessee Department of Health
Jazmyn Daigle, ARCO/Murray
Jess Williams, The Equity Alliance
Jozef Lukey, Career Launch
Katie Reed, Thomas & Hutton
Kenyel Jetton, Middle Tennessee Council, Scouting America
Kimberly Honiball Granger, Ingram Content Group
Larry Brown, Mental Health Cooperative
Magalie Normil, HCA Healthcare
Meghan Sigler, KCI Technologies, Inc.
Michelle Pruett, Adventure Science Center
Shalimar Gates, Nashville Prep
Sofía Guerrero
Stephanie Smith, Siloam Health
Sydney Watson, The National Museum of African American
Tucker Karnes, Cooley Public Strategies
This accomplished group reflects Nashville’s emerging ecosystem of leaders, the professionals who drive innovation, champion equity, strengthen community programs, and elevate local industries. Over the next 11 weeks, participants will benefit from interactive workshops, leadership coaching, issue exploration, and engagement opportunities with Nashville’s civic and business influencers.
“NEL isn’t just about building leadership skills; it’s about creating lasting connections, exploring community solutions, and equipping leaders with the confidence to make meaningful impacts for our city,” added Program Facilitator, Rachel Moore-Beard.
About Nashville Emerging Leaders
Now in its second decade, Nashville Emerging Leaders is an annual leadership development program that brings together diverse professionals from across sectors to grow as individual leaders and catalysts for community impact. Each year, approximately 30 individuals are selected through a competitive process to participate. The 11-week curriculum fosters deep personal insight, peer collaboration, community engagement, and exposure to Middle Tennessee’s most respected community voices. To learn more, visit NashvilleEmergingLeaders.org.
Media Contact:
Rachel Moore-Beard
Executive Director, NEL
info@nashvilleemergingleaders.org