On May 15th, twenty-three local business leaders completed the nine-month United Way Catalyst program. This program is designed to prepare volunteers for nonprofit leadership
roles. Throughout the program, participants engaged directly with local nonprofits through agency tours and collaborative projects, gaining hands-on experience and insight into nonprofit governance, financial accountability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This year’s cohort deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits in the community, often sparking a commitment to service and empowering graduates to take on leadership roles. The Catalyst program fosters advocacy, giving, and volunteerism, helping participants build skills that benefit both their organizations and the broader community.
The 2024–2025 graduates include professionals from a wide range of local businesses and organizations such as Miller Loughry Beach Insurance, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Farm Bureau, YMCA, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Middle Tennessee State University, and more.
Mallory Uhles, Miller Loughry Beach Insurance Services Inc.
Nancy Gastelum, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Jeremy Fuller, Farm Bureau
Ashley Crouch, FSNB, N.A.
Beth Binkley, YMCA
Bethany Pennington, Fully Promoted
Lane Hargrove, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Elizabeth Smith, TN Voices
Deborah Stevens-Barnett, Middle TN Electric
Beth Dempsey, Belt Family Realty
Joseph Howard, Premier Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Kristen Janson, Middle Tennessee State University
Shalonda Brown, Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County
Halanda Burden, Asurion
Maggie Richard Lee, Wilson Bank and Trust
Casey Brown, MTSU
Samantha Meyer, First Community Mortgage
Laura Wade, First Community Mortgage
Carrie Smotherman, A Mortgage Boutique (a division of First Community Mortgage)
Megan Chastain, First Community Mortgage
Tricia Pohlman, First Community Mortgage
Chris Farmer, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Allie Tompkins, Pinnacle Financial Partners
To learn how the Catalyst Program builds strong community leaders and how you can be part of the next program, visit our Catalyst Program page.