Phoenix Pod

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Sam High, President-Elect of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, to talk about his journey from Birmingham to Nashville, with a surprising detour working on a ranch in Wyoming.Sam shares how he found his way into the Phoenix Club, why volunteering and venture philanthropy are at the core of his involvement, and what motivated him to take on the challenge of a three-year leadership role. They dive into the importance of service, the impact of stepping outside your bubble, and why giving back is key to becoming a better leader.This episode is packed with insights on leadership, community impact, and the future of the Phoenix Club—whether you're a current member, a prospective member, or just someone who wants to get more involved in giving back, this one's for you.The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to benefit underserved youth in Middle Tennessee while developing its members into community and business leaders.

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Blake Hogan, a legacy member of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, Marine veteran, and former CEO of Bunker Labs. Now leading Nashville Door Closer, Blake is focused on growing a 50-year-old company while reconnecting with the city he's called home for nearly a decade.Blake and Jovica dive into his transition from running a national nonprofit for veteran entrepreneurs to leading an established business in a hands-on industry. They explore the challenges of leadership—whether it's building something from scratch or stepping into an organization with deep roots. Blake also reflects on the impact of fatherhood, how stepping away from Bunker Labs led to a hard reset, and the lessons he's learned about balancing ambition with being present for his family.From career shifts to community building, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of showing up.The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to benefit underserved youth in Middle Tennessee while developing its members into community and business leaders.

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Shaka Mitchell, a legacy member of the Phoenix Club of Nashville and a passionate advocate for education reform and civic growth. With deep ties to the community, Shaka has been at the forefront of conversations about how cities like Nashville can evolve while maintaining opportunities for all. Shaka and Jovica explore the transformation of Nashville—from its modest beginnings to its current status as a booming cultural and economic hub. They discuss the challenges that come with rapid growth, including rising housing costs and the impact on public education. Shaka shares his insights on how the education system can adapt to serve students better and foster opportunities for the next generation. The conversation also gets personal as Shaka reflects on the lessons learned from parenting, how raising kids has influenced his perspective on community and opportunity, and the importance of creating meaningful change for future generations. Whether you're passionate about education, urban development, or the everyday joys and challenges of parenting, this episode is packed with thoughtful perspectives and practical insights. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to benefit underserved youth in Middle Tennessee while developing its members into community and business leaders. ⁠Website: phoenixclubofnashville.org ⁠LinkedIn ⁠Instagram: @phoenixclub_nashville Learn more about Shaka Mitchell: ⁠Substack: shaka.substack.com ⁠LinkedIn: Shaka Mitchell

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Max Rykov from the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE)—the largest refugee resettlement agency in Tennessee. NICE has been at the forefront of supporting refugees and immigrants, providing critical services like housing, employment assistance, youth programs, and pathways to citizenship. Max shares his personal story as a refugee from Uzbekistan, his family's journey to the U.S., and the challenges of adapting to a new life. He also dives into the impactful work NICE is doing, from resettling nearly 50,000 individuals to running programs that promote self-advocacy and trauma-informed care for refugee youth. The conversation highlights the struggles many refugees face, the resilience they show, and the vital role of community in creating a sense of belonging. Jovica and Max discuss the importance of mentorship, shared cultural connections, and what it means to truly support the next generation. They also reflect on the shared experiences of growing up as children of refugees and the sacrifices their families made to provide better futures. Whether you're interested in immigrant stories, community impact, or how to get involved in supporting refugees in your own area, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and actionable takeaways. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to benefit underserved youth in Middle Tennessee while developing its members into community and business leaders. ⁠Website: phoenixclubofnashville.org ⁠LinkedIn: Phoenix Club of Nashville ⁠Instagram: @phoenixclub_nashville Learn more about NICE: empowernashville.org Instagram: @nicenashville

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Garrison Snell— founder of Snell Ventures, a values-driven holding company focused on acquiring and preserving family-owned businesses while making meaningful community impacts.   They discuss Garrison's fascinating journey, from selling his first business at 24 to finding a deeper purpose in building businesses that prioritize people and values over profits. Garrison opens up about the lessons he's learned in leadership, the challenges of maintaining mission-driven operations, and the importance of supporting employees and their families through thoughtful programs.   The conversation dives into work-life balance, how Garrison has grown as a leader, and his insights on being present for his family while pursuing big ambitions. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone striving for impact in your own life, this episode is full of lessons on purpose, leadership, and growth.   The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community.   ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org   ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

In this episode of the Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic talks with Dr. Brandon Haskins—an educator with over a decade of experience in leadership, program development, strategic planning, counseling, consulting, and student development. Dr. Haskins has expertise in curriculum design and implementation, enhancing academic performance, and promoting diversity in educational environments. They discuss pressing challenges in education, including how traditional schooling falls short of preparing students for real life. Dr. Haskins shares his personal journey from Louisville, Kentucky, highlighting educational disparities and the importance of focusing on the whole child rather than just academics. He offers innovative strategies for improving education, emphasizing key communication and leadership skills. They explore parental involvement, holistic learning approaches, and practical solutions to empower educators and students. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in education, this episode offers insights into bridging education with real-life application. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville⁠/⁠ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic talks with John Boots, founder of Expedition Group and legacy member of the Phoenix Club; Greg Skloot, President-Elect and managing partner at Bridge Crest Partners; and Rohit Padmanabhan, president of Phoenix Club and founder of Lotus Asset Management. John, Greg, and Rohit discuss their unique entrepreneurial journeys, sharing the motivations that led them to start their businesses and the challenges they've faced along the way. They delve into their specific industries, from real estate development and tech startups to wealth management, highlighting the diverse paths one can take in entrepreneurship. Learn about the importance of self-belief, passion, and adaptability in building a successful business. The panelists also share their insights on managing financial risks, maintaining focus, and the significance of understanding one's goals. The conversation provides a wealth of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs and offers a realistic look at the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to gain valuable insights and be inspired by these leaders who are making a difference in their respective fields. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic talks with Phillip Ellenburg, President and CEO, and Sherry Mast, COO, of Faith Family Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Phillip and Sherry discuss the center's mission to provide sliding scale primary care to the working uninsured. They share the center's origins, its holistic approach to healthcare, and the welcoming environment they've created for patients. Learn about their innovative services, including multilingual support, a learning garden, a fitness center, and comprehensive health programs. The also highlight the challenges their patients face, such as economic barriers and lack of transportation, and how Faith Family addresses these issues with flexible scheduling and community health workers. They also share personal stories about the fulfillment they find in their roles and the strong sense of family within the organization. Support Faith Family Medical Center by spreading the word, participating in fundraising events, or making a donation. Tune in to hear how Faith Family Medical Center is making a difference in the Nashville community. https://faithmedical.org/ The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠   ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Marcus E. Meneese is the Founder and Executive Director of Stronger Than My Father, Inc., a Christian 501(c)(3) organization created in 2013. The organization's mission is to educate, inspire and transform today's youth to fulfill their God-given purpose.For the past 20 years, Marcus has actively worked as a youth mentor. He believes his purpose is to coach and develop youth to become responsible adults and good parents, preparing them to become ‘Stronger Than Their Fathers.In 2016, Marcus launched the Hope Leadership Academy, which is the flagship program of Stronger Than My Father. The Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) is a Christian afterschool program preparing pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students to succeed in life by providing academic assistance, access to technology, character development and spiritual enrichment through critical formative years. HLA provides afterschool services to a diverse group of over 70 students who attend school and reside in the local Antioch, TN community.In the summer of 2022, Marcus re-launched his Stronger Sons mentoring program. Stronger Sons mentor program will focus on personal responsibility, dream building, and the importance of nutrition and physical fitness. In addition, the young men in this program are surrounded by male role models who are outstanding leaders in the community.Marcus is a Nashville native, who graduated from Tennessee State University with a BS Degree in Psychology and holds a Masters degree in organizational leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. Marcus and his lovely wife LaToya are the proud parents of two sons. https://strongerthanmyfather.org/ The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠   ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Chip Howorth is a former President of Phoenix Club and a former Member of the Year. He currently serves as the Managing Partner at Adapt Development Company here in Nashville, TN. Chip's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chip-howorth-1981851b The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community.https://phoenixclubofnashville.orghttps://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Greg Skloot is Managing Partner at Bridge Crest Partners, a buy-side M&A search firm based in Nashville. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Crystal, an AI software startup backed by Salesforce Ventures. He is also co-author of Predicting Personality, a book published by Wiley about using AI to understand people and win more business. Prior, Greg was VP Growth at Netpulse (70 employees, $40M funding) where he led sales, customer success, marketing and operations. It was acquired in 2018 by eGym. Earlier, he was CEO and co-founder of Attend.com (30 employees, $3M funding). Greg was recognized by Forbes as 30 Under 30 in enterprise technology and is the President-Elect of the Phoenix Club of Nashville. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠   ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Larry Kloess is a native Nashvillian with family roots going all the way back to the founding of Fort Nashborough by his ancestors, the Donelsons. After growing up in the suburbs of Nashville (Brentwood, Franklin, and Hendersonville) he spent several years away from Music City attending Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and working in Colorado and California for brief stints. After the May 2010 Nashville flood, he returned home and subsequently founded a pop-up concert curation and production business called Cause A Scene that he ran for nearly six years. Over the past 7+ years, he has served his community as a Realtor, amassing sales over $70 Million and primarily working with clients in the Metro core and surrounding counties.   Outside of work, he is an avid runner, a passion he discovered for the first time during Covid 2020, and is currently training to qualify for the Boston Marathon in 2025.   Larry joined Phoenix Club in January 2022 and is currently in his second year on the Board, serving as the VP of Leadership Development where he programs the organization's Lunches With Leaders and PCON Academy events for members and is actively building a mentorship model for active members to help each individual become the best version of themselves. His fellow members voted him the 2023 Phoenician of the Year and the 2022 New Phoenician of the Year, acknowledging his contributions to the club as a servant leader. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community.     ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠     ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠     IG: @phoenixclub_nashville   Larry can be reached at Larry.kloess@gmail.com or 615.306.5128

On this episode we address the issue of human trafficking with Mary Trapnell and LeAnn Walters, members of the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (NHTC). They share personal experiences and journeys to this critical work. LeAnn, a survivor, now supports victims through NHTC, while Mary discusses her awakening to the prevalence of trafficking. We explore traffickers' tactics and mindset, shedding light on this often-hidden crime. NHTC provides essential resources and community to survivors, making a life-changing impact. Join us for an insightful episode that raises awareness and encourages action against trafficking and in support of its victims. Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking is a Christ centered team of intervention specialists who rescue and restore women from the bondage of human trafficking. https://www.nahtcoalition.org/ The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠ ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Scott Hearon is a native Nashvillian who grew up playing youth sports in the gyms and fields all over Middle Tennessee. A remarkably average athlete, Scott did not make a big impact in the high school stat columns, but he found his niche as a gifted leader and communicator among his teammates and coaches. Scott attended Baylor University and earned a degree in Communications and a minor in Business. While at Baylor, he met new football coach, Art Briles, during football tryouts when Coach Briles informed him that his 5.0 second 40 yard dash time was not quite good enough to be a slot receiver for the Bears.   After returning from Texas, Scott took a ministry job working with high school students and their families and coaching in his spare time. He found a lot of success in his day job, but repeatedly watched his worst self come out on the playing field. One afternoon after a particularly detrimental exchange with a player, Scott came to the realization that his paradigm for athletics flowed from his own fear, shame, and performance based identity that was passed on from many of the coaches he played for. With a clear desire for something more for himself and the young people he led, Scott set out on a recovery journey to become a full-hearted leader and to develop opportunities to help other coaches come along and do the same. Scott co-found the Nashville Coaching Coalition in 2015 and begin as the Executive Director full-time in 2016 with the goal of creating a growth and support community where Middle Tennessee's most important youth influencers, athletic coaches, can become the very best version of themselves.   Scott's most rewarding and challenging roles in his life are being a husband to Allison, father to his son, Fisher, and daughter, Hart. In his spare time, Scott loves to sweat, read, or be outside learning something new…usually with his black lab, Ranger. https://nccnashville.com/ The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community.   ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠   ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Micah is the President of Anchor Investments and founder of Mission Hotels, a unique hotel brand that donates a majority of its profits to underserved communities. With a background in real estate investment and development, Micah has been involved in nearly $300 million worth of transactions over the past seventeen years, including the acquisition and development of 3 million square feet of commercial real estate. Committed to his community, he has held board and volunteer roles with various Nashville organizations, including founding Team Chad, a non-profit supporting leukemia charities that has raised over $1.5 million since 2007. Micah graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Finance degree from the University of Tennessee. Above all, he cherishes his role as husband to Brit and father to their three children. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠ ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

The Aloe Family is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide opportunities for education, well-being, self-sufficiency and healing to resilient communities and individuals facing challenges of poverty and lack of family support.   https://www.thealoefamily.com/ Social Media: @thealoefamily     The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community.   ⁠https://phoenixclubofnashville.org⁠ ⁠https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/⁠   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

PCON Mayoral Candidate Forum We are excited to bring you an exclusive audio of the PCON Mayoral Candidate Forum, which took place on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. The discussion was moderated by Steve Cavendish, president and editor of the Nashville Banner, along with Demetria Kalodimos, executive producer of the same organization. The Nashville Banner is a locally owned and community-supported civic news organization committed to providing impartial journalism and empowering citizens to make informed decisions. Tune in to hear the candidates' insights, proposals, and plans for Nashville's future. Join us as we delve into the heart of the city's most pressing issues and gain a deeper understanding of the candidates' visions. The Phoenix Club of Nashville, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, played a pivotal role in hosting this event. Their mission is twofold: to support underserved youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop community and business leaders.

Demetrius B. Short, CEO & Founder of Transformation Life Center. Over a decade has passed, since he walked across the stage as the first in his immediate family to complete the process of obtaining a college degree. To this day, Transformation Life Center CEO, Demetrius Short reflects on how his real-world experience did not come without struggles and obstacles stemming from his matriculation in the early 90's.   While pursuing his undergraduate degree from Fisk University, Demetrius witnessed first-hand the barriers that led to an increase in college student dropout rates. He didn't have a scholarship or transportation, and occasionally found himself with little food -- sleeping between the dorm director's office and the couch of a friend. Despite reaching one of the lowest points in his life, Demetrius refused to quit and become a dropout statistic. He secured internships and walked from campus to downtown Nashville in a business suit carrying a briefcase.    Years later, Demetrius returned to campus to nostalgically walk the same route he no longer had to travel. While walking, he had a divine intervention with God. Reflecting with tears in his eyes, he asked God, “Why did I have to go through this pain and struggle?” God responded to him and said, “Every step you took was a step toward your success.” It was at that moment, he conceptualized a God-sized dream, hunger and responsibility to help students overcome their own barriers in life and reach success. With a vow to run a 3.1-mile 5K in a full suit and sneakers to commemorate his struggle, Steps of Success 5K was born along with a personal and professional development program named Pathway to Success Initiative (P2SI).   After serving a number of years as a Board Member, Fisk University Young Alumni Association President/CEO of Steps of Success 5K, and witnessing the triumph of his ideas, he has tapped into a broader concept of becoming a worldwide success expert. With his reimagined understanding, Demetrius is igniting both collegiate students and individuals to have a positive impact on their community.   This overview is not only an accurate depiction of Demetrius' heart for the community but also, his quest to engage partners who are interested in investing into the success of students and individuals seeking positive outlets for change. This new entity is pursuing forward-thinking professionals, businesses and organizations, that will join a mission to IGNITE purpose, INSPIRE success and TRANSFORM lives.  If that is you, welcome to Transformation Life Center.   Connect with Demetrius and Transformation Life Center   https://transformationlifecenter.org/ info@transformationlifecenter.org Phone - 615.997.6841   The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/   IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Rohit Padmanabhan is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Lotus Asset Management, a boutique financial advisory company that works with young professionals across the country. Rohit graduated from Rice University with a focus on Math and Economics and worked at several major banks, managing assets for ultra-high-net-worth clients for nearly a decade before deciding that he wanted to take his experience of working with the country's wealthiest families and translate that to younger clients who often don't get access to high quality, affordable advice. In 2015 he started Lotus, which focuses on holistic, unbiased financial advice including tax strategy, financial planning, investing, and guidance on all other financial matters. As a strong proponent of financial literacy, Rohit makes an effort to educate not only his own clients, but also younger generations to help them avoid the pitfalls of financial mismanagement. Rohit gives frequent talks to high school & college students and recent college graduates, particularly in underserved situations, so that they can help their families to make better financial decisions. In addition to his work at Lotus, Rohit is President-Elect of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, serves on the board of Purpose Preparatory Academy, is the President of the Nashville Association of Rice Alumni, was a founding Advisory Council member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, is an advisor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Nashville. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-padmanabhan-cfa-6434b56 The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Rodger Dinwiddie has been the CEO of STARS-Nashville, an evidenced-based Student Assistance Program, since 1986. Prior to joining STARS, he served as the Executive Director of another nonprofit organization working with the juvenile court for five years and was a classroom teacher in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools for 7 years. Rodger is an Olweus Technical Assistance Consultant for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and Safe Dates Program, and he serves as the Tennessee State Olweus Coordinator in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education and Clemson University. He currently provides consultation in the areas of best practices in bullying prevention and intervention, school climate improvement, bullying in the workplace, improving workplace relationships and culture, substance misuse, as well as the development of social emotional competencies. Rodger is also a national trainer for the Hazelden/Betty Ford Center. He is a Past-President of the International Bullying Prevention Association and former president of the National Student Assistance Association. Rodger is a native Nashvillian, where he is involved in numerous community organizations, including the Nashville Rotary Club. He and former CEO of Oasis Center, Hal Cato, were named Nashvillians of the Year by the Nashville Scene for their work in the collaboration and development of the Youth Opportunity Center, a partnership between Oasis Center and STARS. Rodger is an alumnus of Leadership Nashville, 2008, and most recently recognized as one Nashville's Most Admired CEOs by the Nashville Business Journal, 2019. STARS has been recognized by the Nashville Tennessean as a member of the Best Places to Work, Hall of Fame. He received his BS from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and his M.Ed. from Middle Tennessee State University. He is married to Suzanne, has two adult children, Joe and Anna, and two grandchildren, Benjamin and Corinne. https://starsnashville.org/ https://www.facebook.com/STARSNash https://www.instagram.com/starsnashville/ https://twitter.com/starsnash https://www.youtube.com/user/starsnashville The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ IG: @phoenixclub_nashville

Patrick Baird is an entrepreneur, management consultant, and investor. He has founded or been a co-founder of ventures in disparate industries including fashion, government IT services, and real estate. As an Engagement Manager with Lodestone Advisory Group, Patrick works with mid-market companies on international expansion and strategy, as well as county/local governments on economic development projects. Patrick is a Partner at Lodestone Ventures, an early stage VC fund investing at the intersection of technology and legacy industries. Outside of work, Patrick is passionate about civic engagement, improving the Nashville community, and Tiger Woods. He has served as President of the Phoenix Club of Nashville, Founding President of the Babson College Alumni Club of Tennessee, and Chair of the Babson College Alumni Association. Patrick is a self-described political junkie and lives in East Nashville with his wife, Ali, and their dog, Willie. He is an alumnus of Babson College (2011) and The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt (2018). The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ @phoenixclub_nashville

Cory Cain has called Nashville home since 2015. He has a background in marketing and sales, working for companies such as Mars, Nielsen and Amazon. Cory is a husband, father of two boys, an active community member and avid reader. He joined the Phoenix Club in 2019 and served various board roles until elected as the 2023 Club President. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ @phoenixclub_nashville

Brian C. Adams is the President and founder of Excelsior Capital, where he spearheads the investor relations and capital markets arms of the firm. He has 10 years of experience in real estate private equity. Prior to forming Excelsior Capital, Brian co-founded Priam Properties (an institutional real estate private equity sponsor) in 2010 and provided leadership and direction for the firm in connection with capital markets, investment management and investor relations. He has served on the Board of Sirrom Partners, LP, a single-family office investing across private and public asset classes since May of 2008. Since May of 2017 he has served on the Investment Committee for Solidus LP, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investment opportunities in Healthcare and Technology. From January of 2016 to January of 2018, Brian served as a member of the Board of Next Gen Advisory Faculty for the Institute of Private Investors / Campden, a program designed to support next generation family members in preparing the following generation for the responsibility of being a steward of family wealth. He has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Southeastern Family Office Forum since December of 2016. Brian is a former practicing attorney, earning his J.D. from Suffolk University and his B.A. from Wesleyan University with Honors. https://www.excelsiorgp.com The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ @phoenixclub_nashville

Brian Nock is a program manager for Google based from their Nashville office. Outside of work, he is community focused and serves on the boards of directors of Phoenix Club of Nashville and Trimble Action Group, the neighborhood association for Chestnut Hill. He enjoys learning new things, working outside, cycling, and sharing conversation over food. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ @phoenixclub_nashville

John Boots is a Nashville-based private equity and real estate professional with a passion for philanthropy and helping the underserved. His company, Expedition Group, consults real estate developers on optimizing profitability through strategic engagement. He serves on the boards of directors of Phoenix Club of Nashville and BeWell in School, both of which are nonprofist who help underserved youth. He and his partner, Chantal, and their two children, Brooklyn and Xavier, reside in Sylvan Heights. He is an avid traveler, tennis player, foodie, and wannabe golfer. The Phoenix Club of Nashville is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization of young men with a dual mission to benefit under-served youth in Middle Tennessee and to develop our members into leaders in their community and in business. Members of the Phoenix Club are actively looking for ways to make a positive and permanent impact on the lives of under-served youth and their community. https://phoenixclubofnashville.org https://https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-phoenix-club-of-nashville/ @phoenixclub_nashville