2019 Chairman's Business Leader Roundtable Participants
Tuesday, March 26th 7:30 am to 9 am
Register to attend HERE
Elia Tapia
ELIA TAPIA-BASS
TOP QUALITY CLEANING SERVICES
Elia started her business 3 years ago, cleaning houses while she was attaining an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree at VolState. After her husband suffered and serious injury, with the resulting family lost income, she decided to do what she used to as a young girl back in Mexico to help provide for her siblings and to pay for school: clean people’s houses.
The first houses that she cleaned here in the US, were from people she knew. Then, her customers began recommending her and that lead to meeting different real estate professionals, contractors and then some investors that start using her services.
Now Elia, a U.S Citizen since July 2016, and her team, take care of short term rentals and a few offices. Her starting a business has been a blessing to her family, She has four children - three of them are teenagers, two in high school, one in college while the youngest is home-schooled. Together she works as a family team. In her own words “Happy and grateful to live in this amazing and developing city that has giving me tons of opportunities. I am so grateful for the privilege to be part of this country and to contribute to its economy.”
TOP QUALITY CLEANING SERVICES
Elia started her business 3 years ago, cleaning houses while she was attaining an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree at VolState. After her husband suffered and serious injury, with the resulting family lost income, she decided to do what she used to as a young girl back in Mexico to help provide for her siblings and to pay for school: clean people’s houses.
The first houses that she cleaned here in the US, were from people she knew. Then, her customers began recommending her and that lead to meeting different real estate professionals, contractors and then some investors that start using her services.
Now Elia, a U.S Citizen since July 2016, and her team, take care of short term rentals and a few offices. Her starting a business has been a blessing to her family, She has four children - three of them are teenagers, two in high school, one in college while the youngest is home-schooled. Together she works as a family team. In her own words “Happy and grateful to live in this amazing and developing city that has giving me tons of opportunities. I am so grateful for the privilege to be part of this country and to contribute to its economy.”
Juan Lombera
JUAN LOMBERA
MC GRANITE NASHVILLE LLC
MC Granite Countertops directed by its company founder Luciano Lombera, and brothers Juan Lombera and Cesar Lombera, has six locations in three different states; Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.
MC Granite Countertops Nashville Warehouse, offers over 20 years of experience providing customers with excellence in sales, fabrication and installation of Granite and Marble. From small to large projects, MC Granite Nashville can get it done.
MC Granite Nashville LLC, lead by Juan Lombera, opened its doors to the public in Nashville Tennessee on March 19, 2013
MC GRANITE NASHVILLE LLC
MC Granite Countertops directed by its company founder Luciano Lombera, and brothers Juan Lombera and Cesar Lombera, has six locations in three different states; Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.
MC Granite Countertops Nashville Warehouse, offers over 20 years of experience providing customers with excellence in sales, fabrication and installation of Granite and Marble. From small to large projects, MC Granite Nashville can get it done.
MC Granite Nashville LLC, lead by Juan Lombera, opened its doors to the public in Nashville Tennessee on March 19, 2013
Chef Carlos
CHEF CARLOS, RAGAB "ROCKY" RASHWAN & LORAINE SEGOVIA-PAZ
MOSAIC FOODS
Mosaic Foods was born from the desire to connect people to the dessert recipes that have been shared and inherited through generations, that intimately reflects the spirit and landmark taste of the American South.
Having come from 3 unique backgrounds; South America, The Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the Mosaic team of food creators, know how important it is to preserve the heritage and unique foods we all grew up with, but also to have the opportunity to share them with others.
Within that time, we also gained an understanding and deep appreciation for what living in the American South is all about. It left us hungering for more to Nashville to have a taste of Southern History in every bite...so they can feel the Southern hospitality, especially in our desserts, because it is our goal to preserve that history with as much passion as our own stories, and mouths watering as we heard them. For us, food and cooking were and still are basic elements of a sense of place...Home.
MOSAIC FOODS
Mosaic Foods was born from the desire to connect people to the dessert recipes that have been shared and inherited through generations, that intimately reflects the spirit and landmark taste of the American South.
Having come from 3 unique backgrounds; South America, The Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the Mosaic team of food creators, know how important it is to preserve the heritage and unique foods we all grew up with, but also to have the opportunity to share them with others.
Within that time, we also gained an understanding and deep appreciation for what living in the American South is all about. It left us hungering for more to Nashville to have a taste of Southern History in every bite...so they can feel the Southern hospitality, especially in our desserts, because it is our goal to preserve that history with as much passion as our own stories, and mouths watering as we heard them. For us, food and cooking were and still are basic elements of a sense of place...Home.
Leonardo Soto
LEONARDO SOTO JACOBSON
IDEA DEVELOP MATTER
Leonardo is a Hispanic professional computer engineer from Mexico City, and have been in the United States around 15+ years now. He has been doing software development for more than 25 years and has been part of several companies in industries from Manufacturing to Healthcare to Transportation.
Leonardo has been in Massachusetts, DC and since 2007 in Nashville. He has been part of a few startups and in 2016 he decided to create his own company ‘Idea Develop Matter’. As the President/CEO he is involved in all aspects of the company. Recently he has helped to create the technology behind several companies like Hytch™, Query-Point™, Trike™, SOGA™, and many more.
Idea Develop Matter specializes in creating applications, whether it is mobile, web, portals, that solve business needs. We are primarily a Microsoft based shop with 20+ years of experience designing and creating applications for companies in different industries like Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction.
IDEA DEVELOP MATTER
Leonardo is a Hispanic professional computer engineer from Mexico City, and have been in the United States around 15+ years now. He has been doing software development for more than 25 years and has been part of several companies in industries from Manufacturing to Healthcare to Transportation.
Leonardo has been in Massachusetts, DC and since 2007 in Nashville. He has been part of a few startups and in 2016 he decided to create his own company ‘Idea Develop Matter’. As the President/CEO he is involved in all aspects of the company. Recently he has helped to create the technology behind several companies like Hytch™, Query-Point™, Trike™, SOGA™, and many more.
Idea Develop Matter specializes in creating applications, whether it is mobile, web, portals, that solve business needs. We are primarily a Microsoft based shop with 20+ years of experience designing and creating applications for companies in different industries like Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction.
Mario Ramos, Lawyer/Entrepreneur,
NAHCC Chairman
A member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Mario received the Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, and his LL.M.from The London School of Economics and Political Science. He received a Scholarship and Diploma from Hague Academy of International Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996. Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee.
Mario Ramos received the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award and was elected to the NAHCC board of directors in the 2011 and 2017 elections. He is now serving his second non-consecutive term as Chairman of the board.
Mario is former Chairman of the Nashville Bar Immigration Committee and served as past chairman of the Hispanic Achievers Program of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. He is a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 1995-1996. Mario is AILA Advocacy Director for the Mid-South serving on the Grassroots Campaigns / Immigration Works Committee and on the US-Mexico Plus/Essential Workers Committee and the Hispanic Interest Committee.
Mario Ramos received the NAHCC 2008 Hispanic Entrepreneur Achievement Award and was elected to the NAHCC board of directors in the 2011 and 2017 elections. He is now serving his second non-consecutive term as Chairman of the board.
Luis Parodi, NAHCC Vice Chair
LUIS PARODI
NAHCC VICE CHAIR
Luis is Vice President, Senior Business Banking Officer, for Republic Bank. He is an experienced banker with demonstrated history of success delivering key strategic initiatives around the world with multi-million dollar results while building strong relationships. Functional strengths in Credit and Financial Analysis, Business Development Management, Community and Economic Development, CRA, and Global Tax Compliance. Strong corporate citizenry serving on non-for-profit boards. Complete fluency in English and Spanish.
Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Last year, Luis Parodi was named to Williamson, Inc. Chamber of Commerce board of directors for a three-year term, to help lead the strategic direction of the organization that incorporates Williamson County's office of economic development and chamber of commerce.
NAHCC VICE CHAIR
Luis is Vice President, Senior Business Banking Officer, for Republic Bank. He is an experienced banker with demonstrated history of success delivering key strategic initiatives around the world with multi-million dollar results while building strong relationships. Functional strengths in Credit and Financial Analysis, Business Development Management, Community and Economic Development, CRA, and Global Tax Compliance. Strong corporate citizenry serving on non-for-profit boards. Complete fluency in English and Spanish.
Luis Parodi received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from Butler University.
Luis has received many recognitions and awards including Distinguished Citizen of the City of Indianapolis by the Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson in 2005. Luis was appointed Co-Chair by Mayor Peterson to the Commission on Latino Affairs, created to increase Latino involvement in city government and make city services more accessible to residents. In addition, Luis received The Fifth Third CRA Legacy Award, and the Outstanding Professional Leadership Award from the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luis has served on the City of Nashville Workforce Investment Board and the Housing Resource Team for NashvilleNext, a Growth Plan for the future of Nashville and Davidson County over the next 25 years.
Luis graduated from Leadership Middle Tennessee in 2014. And in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, New Level Community Development Corporation, Mid-Cumberland Area Development Corporation, and Board Trustee of the Catholic Community Investment and Loan.
Last year, Luis Parodi was named to Williamson, Inc. Chamber of Commerce board of directors for a three-year term, to help lead the strategic direction of the organization that incorporates Williamson County's office of economic development and chamber of commerce.
LaTanya Channel
- LATANYA CHANNEL
STATE DIRECTOR, TENNESSEE DISTRICT OFFICE
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
LaTanya Channel represents SBA as the Director of SBA’s Tennessee Office. With a staff based in Nashville, the Tennessee District facilitates loans to small businesses through lending institutions; advocates federal government contracting for all small businesses; and works with local communities in all 95 Tennessee counties on entrepreneurial development and growth opportunities.
LaTanya came to the SBA in 2005, after having served at the US Department of Agriculture in management advisory roles on human resources, large scale agency reorganizations, and department-wide civil rights and EEO matters. Prior to joining the Tennessee District Office, LaTanya served as the Senior Advisor in SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and 8(a) Business Development and also as the Chief of Certification & Eligibility for the HUBZone and Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) certification programs – all at SBA’s Washington DC headquarters office.
LaTanya earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College, in Claremont California and her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark.
Donzaleigh Powell
DONZALEIGH POWELL, MSP GCDF
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT
METRO NASHVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Donzaleigh Powell is a Nashville native. She is a graduate of Cumberland University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Public Service Management. She is a Global Career Development Facilitator with over a decade of experience in Workforce Development and works as a Director, Business Diversity Development for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In this role, she oversees the development of small, minority, and women-owned businesses through the various Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs within the state.
Donzaleigh has been the owner and freelance photographer for Donzaleigh’s Photography since 2009. She seeks to create and portray a certain sense of style and class with every shoot. She is also the Founder of Lifestyle 31 which is dedicated to cultivating and inspiring young ladies and women to live a lifestyle that reflects Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as the premise and example, Lifestyle 31 provides events, life changing testimonials, and an avenue to promote healthy female relationships. As a motivational speaker, she seeks to push herself and others to their highest potential. She is the Founder of The Professional Networking Group, also known as PNG, which host quarterly upscale networking events called Mid TN Roundtable.
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT
METRO NASHVILLE AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Donzaleigh Powell is a Nashville native. She is a graduate of Cumberland University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Public Service Management. She is a Global Career Development Facilitator with over a decade of experience in Workforce Development and works as a Director, Business Diversity Development for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. In this role, she oversees the development of small, minority, and women-owned businesses through the various Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs within the state.
Donzaleigh has been the owner and freelance photographer for Donzaleigh’s Photography since 2009. She seeks to create and portray a certain sense of style and class with every shoot. She is also the Founder of Lifestyle 31 which is dedicated to cultivating and inspiring young ladies and women to live a lifestyle that reflects Christ. With Proverbs 31:10-31 as the premise and example, Lifestyle 31 provides events, life changing testimonials, and an avenue to promote healthy female relationships. As a motivational speaker, she seeks to push herself and others to their highest potential. She is the Founder of The Professional Networking Group, also known as PNG, which host quarterly upscale networking events called Mid TN Roundtable.
Greta Beard
- GRETA BEARD, CPP, CPPM
PROCUREMENT MANAGER / DBE LIAISON OFFICER
WEGO PUBLIC TRANSIT METRO TRANSIT AUTHORITY - The Procurement Department of WeGo Public Transit and the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee (RTA) conducts all purchasing activities for WeGo, RTA, and Davidson Transportation Organization (DTO). The Procurement team develops and issues solicitations for all goods, inventory items, consultant and professional services, and construction projects. The Procurement & Project Administrators (PPAs) are responsible for all purchasing activities and are the primary point of contact for vendors.
- The PPA staff makes every effort to obtain the maximum value for each dollar expended, considering the factors of price, quality, applicability, availability, support service, pertinent laws and regulations. WeGo, RTA, and DTO purchases are made in two competitive ways. Informal Solicitations – Requirements $250,000 or less and Formal Solicitations – Requirements more than $250,000
De’Antwaine Moye
DE’ANTWAINE MOYE
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE OFFICER
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
De’Antwaine Moye graduated summa cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University, and later earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the University Of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School Of Law. In 2017, De’Antwaine joined the Tennessee Department of
Transportation (TDOT) as a Contract Compliance Officer 2 (CCO2).
After only 6 months, De’Antwaine was promoted to Contract Compliance Officer 3 where he now has the privilege of overseeing the entire certification operation for TDOT’s Small Business Development Program in the Civil Rights Division.
De’Antwaine also serves as the central point of contact for the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program which is comprised of multiple airport and transit authorities across the State of Tennessee that also service and certify Disadvantage Business Enterprises. De’Antwaine serves as the secretary for the newly chartered Nashville Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. De’Antwaine is a member of the Steering Committee for the annual Nashville Minority Enterprise Development Week.
In his spare time, De’Antwaine enjoys golfing and going to the movies.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE OFFICER
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
De’Antwaine Moye graduated summa cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University, and later earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the University Of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School Of Law. In 2017, De’Antwaine joined the Tennessee Department of
Transportation (TDOT) as a Contract Compliance Officer 2 (CCO2).
After only 6 months, De’Antwaine was promoted to Contract Compliance Officer 3 where he now has the privilege of overseeing the entire certification operation for TDOT’s Small Business Development Program in the Civil Rights Division.
De’Antwaine also serves as the central point of contact for the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program which is comprised of multiple airport and transit authorities across the State of Tennessee that also service and certify Disadvantage Business Enterprises. De’Antwaine serves as the secretary for the newly chartered Nashville Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. De’Antwaine is a member of the Steering Committee for the annual Nashville Minority Enterprise Development Week.
In his spare time, De’Antwaine enjoys golfing and going to the movies.
Richard Van Norman
RICHARD VAN NORMAN
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF DIVERSITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Richard Van Norman is a Diversity Business Liaison in the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise and has been with the office since the inception in 2004. Richard serves as a liaison to diversity businesses in professional type industries such as IT, marketing, medical, education and finance. As a Liaison, he also works closely with all Executive Branch State agencies in the utilization of diversity businesses, and reports the annual results to the Governor and General Assembly. While certifying hundreds of diversity businesses over the years, those companies have had contracts and purchase orders with the State valued at over $2Billion.
Prior to entering public service, Richard spent 18 years in the production and manufacturing sectors in various purchasing positions and raw material scheduling. With a background in purchasing, he has worked for companies such as Kraft Foods and Pirelli Tire North America. Upon his relocation to Tennessee, he was a Sr. Buyer in MRO Strategic Sourcing and also the North American Diversity Coordinator for Bridgestone Corporation.
Richard is married to his wife Jill, and has two daughters Eleace and Laurel.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF DIVERSITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
Richard Van Norman is a Diversity Business Liaison in the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise and has been with the office since the inception in 2004. Richard serves as a liaison to diversity businesses in professional type industries such as IT, marketing, medical, education and finance. As a Liaison, he also works closely with all Executive Branch State agencies in the utilization of diversity businesses, and reports the annual results to the Governor and General Assembly. While certifying hundreds of diversity businesses over the years, those companies have had contracts and purchase orders with the State valued at over $2Billion.
Prior to entering public service, Richard spent 18 years in the production and manufacturing sectors in various purchasing positions and raw material scheduling. With a background in purchasing, he has worked for companies such as Kraft Foods and Pirelli Tire North America. Upon his relocation to Tennessee, he was a Sr. Buyer in MRO Strategic Sourcing and also the North American Diversity Coordinator for Bridgestone Corporation.
Richard is married to his wife Jill, and has two daughters Eleace and Laurel.
Welcome Remarks
Brynn Plummer, EC
Brynn Plummer is a champion of diversity and the current Vice President of Inclusion & Community Relations with the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. At the EC, Brynn oversees strategy to build a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community and a program called Navigation that aims to connect entrepreneurs to all the amazing resources available to them in Nashville.
Brynn has been a part of c-suites since the age of 26, describes her journey to leadership as an “Only” and why she fights to bring diverse voices into leadership positions.
Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Brynn moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she majored in English & comparative literature and minored in psychology. She then made her way to Nashville, Tennessee in 2011 to spend the next 5 years working for Teach For America’s Nashville regional team, a not-for-profit that finds great people, develops their educational leadership as teachers, and supports them across their lives to effect systemic change and achieve educational equity.
Brynn has been a part of c-suites since the age of 26, describes her journey to leadership as an “Only” and why she fights to bring diverse voices into leadership positions.
Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Brynn moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she majored in English & comparative literature and minored in psychology. She then made her way to Nashville, Tennessee in 2011 to spend the next 5 years working for Teach For America’s Nashville regional team, a not-for-profit that finds great people, develops their educational leadership as teachers, and supports them across their lives to effect systemic change and achieve educational equity.
David Briley, Nashville Mayor
DAVID BRILEY
NASHVILLE MAYOR
David Briley is a native Nashvillian. His early education included Glendale Elementary School, Lipscomb Middle School, and Montgomery Bell Academy. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University. After college, he lived in Latin America, where he volunteered as a teacher and became fluent in Spanish. He completed his Juris Doctorate at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and received honors for administrative and environmental law, practicing as an attorney prior to becoming Mayor.
Briley was elected to serve as an At-Large Metro Council Member for Davidson County from 1999 to 2007. He was the Vice-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and held seats on the Personnel, Public Information, Human Relations and Housing Committee, the Traffic and Parking Committee and the Greenways Committee. He was past Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Solid Waste and the Water Rate Oversight Committee.
David Briley is the eighth mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. He was elected Vice Mayor on September 10, 2015, and was sworn in as Mayor on March 6, 2018.
Briley is married to Jodie Bell, who is also a member of the Bar, practicing criminal defense law. They have one son, Sam. Mayor Briley is the grandson of Beverly Briley, the first mayor of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
NASHVILLE MAYOR
David Briley is a native Nashvillian. His early education included Glendale Elementary School, Lipscomb Middle School, and Montgomery Bell Academy. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University. After college, he lived in Latin America, where he volunteered as a teacher and became fluent in Spanish. He completed his Juris Doctorate at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and received honors for administrative and environmental law, practicing as an attorney prior to becoming Mayor.
Briley was elected to serve as an At-Large Metro Council Member for Davidson County from 1999 to 2007. He was the Vice-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee and held seats on the Personnel, Public Information, Human Relations and Housing Committee, the Traffic and Parking Committee and the Greenways Committee. He was past Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Solid Waste and the Water Rate Oversight Committee.
David Briley is the eighth mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. He was elected Vice Mayor on September 10, 2015, and was sworn in as Mayor on March 6, 2018.
Briley is married to Jodie Bell, who is also a member of the Bar, practicing criminal defense law. They have one son, Sam. Mayor Briley is the grandson of Beverly Briley, the first mayor of Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
Ian Ayre
IAN AYRE
CEO, NASHVILLE SC
Born in Liverpool, Ian Ayre has been a soccer fan since his early years and followed Liverpool all over the world both as a fan and as an employee. He has an extensive background in sports, media and technology, and most recently as Chief Executive of Liverpool Football Club. During his 10-year tenure with the club, he was responsible for rebuilding the organization at all levels. After initially securing a record-breaking sponsorship deal for the club, he went on to restructure the entire commercial, operational and football elements of the business as well as oversee the successful $160 million stadium expansion.
Ayre was directly responsible for all player transfer negotiations, including contract negotiations on more than 100 player contracts (acquisitions, sales, loans, extensions), including Phillipe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Roberto Firmino, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Manè. He also worked with five leading coaches – Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. During his time at Liverpool, Ian served on the UEFA Competitions Committee as an elected member and in 2017 was voted Premier League Chief Executive of the Year.
“The opportunity to put Nashville on the national and international soccer map is a truly outstanding challenge, and I literally cannot wait to get started,” said Ayre. “Becoming chief executive officer of the Nashville MLS club is a unique opportunity in the global soccer community. To take what is essentially a blank sheet of paper and build an entire club is an amazing challenge, and one I am hugely excited about.”
Nashville was awarded Major League Soccer’s 24th club in December 2017, and enthusiasm for soccer continues to grow in Music City. CONCACAF recently announced Nashville as a host city of the 2019 Gold Cup. Nashville Soccer Club, the city’s USL club, launched in spring 2018.
CEO, NASHVILLE SC
Born in Liverpool, Ian Ayre has been a soccer fan since his early years and followed Liverpool all over the world both as a fan and as an employee. He has an extensive background in sports, media and technology, and most recently as Chief Executive of Liverpool Football Club. During his 10-year tenure with the club, he was responsible for rebuilding the organization at all levels. After initially securing a record-breaking sponsorship deal for the club, he went on to restructure the entire commercial, operational and football elements of the business as well as oversee the successful $160 million stadium expansion.
Ayre was directly responsible for all player transfer negotiations, including contract negotiations on more than 100 player contracts (acquisitions, sales, loans, extensions), including Phillipe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Roberto Firmino, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Manè. He also worked with five leading coaches – Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. During his time at Liverpool, Ian served on the UEFA Competitions Committee as an elected member and in 2017 was voted Premier League Chief Executive of the Year.
“The opportunity to put Nashville on the national and international soccer map is a truly outstanding challenge, and I literally cannot wait to get started,” said Ayre. “Becoming chief executive officer of the Nashville MLS club is a unique opportunity in the global soccer community. To take what is essentially a blank sheet of paper and build an entire club is an amazing challenge, and one I am hugely excited about.”
Nashville was awarded Major League Soccer’s 24th club in December 2017, and enthusiasm for soccer continues to grow in Music City. CONCACAF recently announced Nashville as a host city of the 2019 Gold Cup. Nashville Soccer Club, the city’s USL club, launched in spring 2018.
Ashford Hughes
- ASHFORD HUGHES
- CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER OFFICE OF MAYOR DAVID BRILEY
Most recently, Ashford played an instrumental role in materializing Mayor Briley’s vision for economic inclusion as a business imperative. In January, after decades of advocacy, the Metro Nashville Council unanimously voted to install the Equal Business Opportunity Program. This legislation begins to address the equity and inclusion of minority and women owned businesses and allows Metro Nashville to implement race and gender conscious subcontracting goals, based on market availability, for all public contracts.
Ashford has served as a leading Executive Board Member for N.O.A.H. (Nashville Organized for Action and Hope). N.O.A.H is a forty-four member interfaith and multi-racial organization which seeks power in the public arena to positively address issues affecting the entire Nashville community. Serving as the Economic Equity Task Force Chair and the Public Event Co-chair, NOAH assisted in passing affordable housing legislation within metro government and hosted the two highest attended public Mayoral forums in Nashville history (Over 1,500 residents in attendance at each forum). He is past Young Professionals Nashville Chairman. YP Nashville offers a strong history of regional leadership, and resources for YP organizations.
Ashford has a Bachelor of Science Degree, with a concentration in Political Science, from Tennessee State University and is seeking to conclude his Graduate School Degree, where his concentration has been a Master’s in Public Administration, from Tennessee State University.
David Plazas
DAVID PLAZAS
THE TENNESSEAN NEWSPAPER
Opinion Engagement Editor David Plazas writes editorials and columns, leads community engagement and serves on The Tennessean Editorial Board. His charge is to serve one of The Tennessean’s lead voices and also to connect and engage with voices across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
David spent 15 years with The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, as an award-winning reporter, Spanish-language weekly editor, opinion editor, and digital editor. He has master’s degrees in journalism and business administration.
A Chicago native, Plazas loves fitness, the outdoors, music, food and wine. He and his spouse Darren live in Salemtown with their two Chihuahuas.
THE TENNESSEAN NEWSPAPER
Opinion Engagement Editor David Plazas writes editorials and columns, leads community engagement and serves on The Tennessean Editorial Board. His charge is to serve one of The Tennessean’s lead voices and also to connect and engage with voices across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
David spent 15 years with The News-Press in Fort Myers, Florida, as an award-winning reporter, Spanish-language weekly editor, opinion editor, and digital editor. He has master’s degrees in journalism and business administration.
A Chicago native, Plazas loves fitness, the outdoors, music, food and wine. He and his spouse Darren live in Salemtown with their two Chihuahuas.