Steering Committee
At the helm of the Nashville Innovation Alliance is a Steering Committee of visionary leaders from across Nashville’s civic, business, and academic communities. Their collective expertise drives the city’s innovation strategy, ensuring a thriving ecosystem that attracts talent, investment, and opportunity for all.
Freddie O’Connell
Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor, Vanderbilt University
Mark Blaze
President & CEO,
Greater Nashville Tech Council
Judith Byrd
Executive Director, Greater Nashville Private Capital Association
Stephanie Coleman
President & CEO,
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Lindsey Cox
CEO, LaunchTN
Sam Davidson
CEO, Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Jeff Hite
Chief Economic Development Officer, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Steve Lopez
Deputy Director, Performance Management, Nashville Mayor’s Office
Padma Raghavan
Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, Vanderbilt University
Alliance Leadership
Interim Executive Director
Sally Parker
Associate Vice Chancellor, Vanderbilt University
Special Advisors
Isaac Addae
CEO, Conscious Group
Richard Florida
Internationally Renowned Urbanist, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Vanderbilt University
Kate Wittels
Partner, HR&A Advisors, Inc.
Alliance Champions
Guiding the Alliance
During its initial launch phase, the Alliance is being managed by Vanderbilt University’s Division of Government and Community Relations. Contact Sally Parker for more information about joining the Alliance and contributing to Nashville’s innovation ecosystem.