Speakers and More

Speaker Friday, March 6, 2026 Major cities are often defined by the moments when they decide how to use their most valuable land. For Nashville, that moment is unfolding on the East Bank of the Cumberland River. This 550-acre redevelopment initiative will transform an area currently dominated by asphalt and industrial uses into a new urban district guided by a community driven vision. With…

Speaker Friday, February 20, 2026 Marriage is one of the most meaningful commitments many of us will ever make, yet it is also one of the most complex. In a world filled with constant demands, shifting expectations, and daily stressors, maintaining a strong relationship requires intention, insight, and sometimes a sense of humor. What happens when a seasoned counselor and a professional performer combine…

Speaker Friday, January 23, 2026 Every time a health alert is issued, a vaccination campaign is launched, or a food inspection is logged, there is an entire system of technology and project oversight making it possible. Behind these essential services lies a network of large-scale IT systems—complex, interdependent, and critical to public health. This technology layer is not simply behind the scenes; it must…

Speaker Friday, January 16, 2025 Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is more than a historic site—it is a living, breathing part of Nashville’s cultural identity. With deep roots in tradition and a growing role in the community’s future, Cheekwood’s story offers insight into how institutions can honor the past while creating immersive cultural experiences. From large-scale art installations to seasonal events that enchant visitors of…

Speaker Friday, December 19, 2025 In a city surrounded by streetlights and skyline, Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory proves that one does not need perfect darkness to illuminate minds. As both an educational facility and a beloved event space, Dyer blends science with community engagement, offering programs that make astronomy relevant and approachable. Dr. Billy Teets invites attendees to explore how this historic observatory continues to…

Speaker Friday, December 11, 2025 In a time when many question how to prepare the next generation for leadership, Scouting continues to offer a structured, values-driven path toward personal growth and civic responsibility. With programs that now include both young men and women, the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America remains one of the region’s strongest youth development organizations. From weeklong summer camps at…

Speaker Friday, November 21, 2025 The word hospice can stir discomfort, yet behind it lies a deeply human story—one of care, connection, and compassion. For many, hospice care is seen as an ending, but for those who choose to volunteer, it becomes an opportunity to create meaningful presence during life’s most vulnerable moments. Volunteering is not about medical expertise—it is about showing up, listening,…

Speaker Friday, November 14, 2025 Passive Homes flip the script on the high cost of extreme weather—from heat waves to polar vortexes. It is not just green energy that can reduce energy usage by 90 percent; it is smart, science-driven building design. By focusing on airtight construction, high-performance insulation, and optimal solar orientation, Passive Homes maintain steady indoor comfort with minimal energy input. As…

Speaker Friday, November 7, 2025 Green Hills stands at a crossroads—surrounded by growth, yet rich in legacy. Do we simply respond to change, or do we take charge of it? The Alliance for Green Hills, under the leadership of Norah Buikstra, is reimagining how our neighborhood can evolve with intention. This is more than planning; it is an invitation to become active stewards of…

Speaker Friday, October 24, 2025 Do you know the difference between what Social Security promises and what it actually delivers? Questions around benefit timing, eligibility, and strategy are among the most common concerns raised during retirement planning. As financial realities shift, understanding how to plan wisely around Social Security has become not just smart—but essential. This presentation will explore the most frequently asked questions…

Speaker Friday, September 26, 2025 A healthy smile is more than just an aesthetic asset—it is a foundation for confidence, communication, nutrition, and dignity. But what if you could not afford one? What if dental pain kept you from working, or your child from learning? Dr. Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi invites us to look beyond toothbrushes and toothpaste, and ask: what does it mean to create…

Speaker Friday, September 19, 2025 rom tech startups to mission-driven ventures, Nashville is brimming with entrepreneurial energy. But how do promising ideas become sustainable enterprises? The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is answering that question every day—equipping aspiring founders with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to lead with purpose and confidence. Join the Green Hills Rotary Club on September 19, 2023, at 7:15 a.m….

Speaker Friday, September 5, 2025 What happens when a Rabbi and a doctor walk into a Rotary meeting? You get a conversation that challenges assumptions, deepens understanding, and explores life’s most meaningful questions. In their new book, A Rabbi and a Doctor Walk into a Bar, Frank Boehm and Mark Schiftan ask whether science and religion can truly share the same table—and whether questions…

Speaker Friday, August 29, 2025 From Fortune 500 relocations to a booming tourism sector, Nashville has transformed into one of the most dynamic cities in America. But what comes next? As growth pressures mount, the region faces urgent questions about infrastructure, affordability, and opportunity. Jeff Hite has been a key figure in this transformation, and now he offers an inside look at how Nashville…

Speaker Friday, August 15, 2025 Nutrition is a crucial, yet often overlooked, component of cancer care—not only for the patient, but also for the family whose world is upended by caregiving responsibilities. While medicine fights the disease, food supports the body, calms the mind, and strengthens the spirit for everyone involved. The Heimerdinger Foundation embraces this holistic view through its Meals 4 Health and…

Speaker Friday, August 8, 2025 Progress sometimes looks different depending on who is measuring it. This week, we will hear how the Urban League of Middle Tennessee assesses progress in our region through its inaugural State of Black Middle Tennessee report. Using an Equality Index to examine economics, education, health, social justice, and civic engagement, the report provides a unique lens on our community’s…

Speaker Friday, August 1, 2025 What if your child were diagnosed with an ultra-rare autoimmune disease—one that, without proper treatment, could severely limit their strength, growth, or even survival? What if doctors had no definitive answers, only ongoing treatments designed to manage symptoms rather than cure them? For families facing juvenile dermatomyositis, these questions are not hypothetical. Because the condition is so rare, research…

Speaker Friday, July 18, 2025 From boots on the ground to code behind the screen, America’s military strength depends not only on those who serve, but on those who support. Few realize that right here in Nashville, software engineers and program managers are developing critical defense solutions that protect lives across the globe. From military-grade software to strategic innovation, the work being done locally…