2019 Issue 5 Sep/Oct - Focus Mid-Tenn Magazine

What about corporate
involvement? How do
the larger corporations
play an important role
in the Chamber and its
advocacy roles?
The most important work
we do is advocating for our
members and the LGBT
community. Corporate
support is key to advocacy.
Without our corporate
members putting their
political capital behind our
advocacy efforts to stop anti-
LGBT bills, Tennessee would
look like a very different place
than it does now. Getting
corporations comfortable to
advocate on this issue has
been a slow process. The
new corporate members
that have come from more
progressive areas have really
fueled the change and made
those that were hesitant
more likely to step out. The
business community is the
strongest tool that the LGBT
community has for it in the
fight for equality, that is why I
love the work that I get to do
because we truly are pushing
back against discrimination
and making a change.
There is a report out that
talks about Tennessee being
at the bottom of states for
LGBT quality-of-life issues.
But Tennessee is at the top of
a list for business. Businesses
are choosing Tennessee to
move to, but they are also
bringing their values with
them when they come here. I
think these corporations are
going to change Tennessee
not the other way around.
You mentioned earlier that
you are always ‘on’. How do
you maintain a work/life
balance?
It has surprisingly become
one of the hardest parts
of the job. There is always
something happening,
and the work never stops.
Since getting this job I
have been much less active
on social media.
I really try and disconnect
when I have a chance
and not look at anything.
I just really enjoy the
moment that I am in and
focus on that. When I am
working, trying to schedule
dedicated work time and
then the tons of meetings
that come is key. I also try
to schedule in personal
time. My partner and I love
to travel and it’s a great way
to disconnect and achieve
balance. But even when I
am traveling, I see things
that we could do or offer
as a Chamber that would
benefit our members.
What are your
goals for 2020?
We will easily reach 500+
members. Making sure we
keep them engaged and
that they feel like their
membership is worth it is
the top priority. Connecting
all the members and groups
that we can with opportunity
is always a goal.
The big goal will be set by
the Board of Directors. They
are looking at becoming
a statewide chamber and
having chapters in the
cities that would handle
educational and networking
opportunities. I really hope
they move that route. I think
the political and advocacy
power we could have as a
statewide Chamber would
be incredible and impactful.
There is a lot of interest
from corporations and
LGBT community members
from across the state. I hope
we go down that path and
the goal will be making that
happen.
SUCCESS / SEP+OCT 2019 / focusmidtenn.com / Page 7