Nashville just got a fresh infusion of passion and expertise for its art scene. The city's official arts entity, Metro Arts: Nashville Office of Arts + Culture, announced the addition of six new commissioners set to bring diverse experiences to the table. From a classically trained violinist wealth manager to an education leader versed in the transformative power of creative dialogue, these individuals are geared up to contribute to the flourishing of Nashville's dynamic arts ecosystem, according to a recent announcement.
In music and finance, Timothy Jester strikes a chord. Having started his career at Northwestern Mutual in 2005, Tim is a Certified Financial Planner™ and a partner at Roussel & Associates. With a decade of band performances under his belt, Jester has remained a steadfast arts patron while managing wealth and sitting on numerous non-profit boards, the announcement highlighted. Living in Old Hickory with his family, his dual passions for numbers and notes underscore his multifaceted engagement with the community.
Heather Lefkowitz, a Vanderbilt University luminary, illuminates the academic side of the arts. As an advisor and artist, she molds the minds of students at Peabody College and champions the Critical Response Process. Lefkowitz's dedication to nurturing creative processes and her advisory roles for arts organizations embodies the symbiotic relationship between the arts and education.
Grounded in both legalese and community causes, John Nefflen has joined the commission. A seasoned litigation partner at Thompson Burton, he brings over two decades of legal prowess and has lent his expertise to boards such as the Safe Haven Family Shelter and Belmont University’s Friends of the Arts. Nefflen's tenure with various organizations, including acting as general counsel, shows his commitment to civic engagement and the legal landscape of the arts.
Nourishing the next generation and cultivating global partnerships is Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips' forte. With a comprehensive background ranging from business owner to financial analyst and now as an Executive Assistant at Tennessee State University, her educational and administrative expertise will be invaluable to the commission's work. A vocal aficionado, Dr. Nicholas-Phillips harmonizes her academic pursuits with her musical engagements.
Dawana L. Wade brings her executive know-how to the table, steering Salama Urban Ministries for over 38 years and influencing youth development initiatives. Wade's resume boasts a tapestry of roles from the YMCA to board positions within the educational space that underscores her leadership in community and equity efforts.
Beverly Watts has an illustrious legacy of advocating for human rights and leading inclusivity initiatives across various institutions. Her directorship spans from Kentucky's Commission on Human Rights to consultancies that foster race relations and community empowerment. Watts, with years of public service and NAACP membership, stands as a testament to the intertwining of civil rights advocacy and the arts.
