March is Women’s History Month—a time to reflect on the resilience, contributions, and leadership of women who have paved the way for future generations. At United Way of Greater Nashville, we are proud to honor this legacy by celebrating our all-women senior leadership team. Together, they bring decades of experience in nonprofit management, program development, and fundraising to foster a shared vision of building a brighter future for Greater Nashville.
Our Senior Leadership Team includes:
- Erica Mitchell, President & CEO
- Angela Stacy, Chief Marketing Officer
- Courtney Barlar, Chief Development Officer
- Lori Shinton, Chief Volunteerism Officer, Hands On
- Summor Pennington, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer
- Tracey Dill, Chief Community Impact Officer
Women have long played a pivotal role in shaping United Way, both locally, nationally, and globally. Frances Wisebart Jacobs, known as the “Mother of Charities,” helped establish the Charity Organization Society in 1887, laying the foundation for what would become the Community Chest, and eventually United Way. Since then, countless women have helped build stronger communities and create opportunities for those in need. In 2021, Angela F. Williams became the first Black woman to lead United Way Worldwide, bringing a renewed focus to the United Way network. And, as of January 1, United Way of Greater Nashville has entered an exciting new chapter under Erica’s leadership as President & CEO. Fourteen years ago, she joined United Way to gain a deeper understanding of community needs.
At the heart of our mission to address our community’s most pressing needs is a dedicated team that collaborates every day to advance education, financial stability, health, and basic needs for thousands of children and families across the Greater Nashville region.
“Whether it’s a conversation in the hallway or cleaning up after Stuff the Bus on a hot July day, we have an exceptional group of team members, and some of my favorite memories are the small, funny moments with them,” Courtney said.
Meaningful Moments
A strong organization leads to meaningful moments. For Tracey, launching the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) was one such moment. In the early days, she was filled with hope and uncertainty, but the program has since provided 12 years of financial coaching and empowerment for thousands of our neighbors. “I am thrilled that Erin and Sabrina are still with the FEC team after all these years. And the original five counselors became such great friends—they still are today!” Tracey shared.
United Way’s work often intersects with critical moments, like crisis and disaster response efforts. Erica recalled working with Metro Nashville Public Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank during an ice storm years ago, when families braved freezing temperatures to receive food boxes. “I still remember the joy on faces when the trucks arrived … joy that the trucks came, and people cared for people. And sadness that the trucks had to come at all,” Erica shared. It was an emotional reminder of both urgent need and the power of collective action.
Nonprofit work also brings moments of deep connection. Last year at our Annual Meeting, Angela was struck by a young woman who shared her story of resilience. After struggling with substance use and losing everything—including her children. “She was so open with her story and shared how two of our funded partners helped her regain her life and her children,” Angela recalled. “The grit she showed during that panel discussion really gives us perspective on how we make an impact.”
The Power of Volunteerism
Our January 2024 merger with Hands On has expanded opportunities for community engagement. Lori, who has fostered volunteerism at Hands On for the past decade, vividly remembers her first Strobel Awards—an event celebrating volunteers across Middle Tennessee. “It was at the first Strobel Awards that it hit me how important service is. I walked away from that event honoring people who serve with a renewed sense of humanity and how much people care about community,” Lori said.
Angela agrees. “There is no better way to understand your community and the needs that many people have than volunteering.”
Looking Ahead
United Way’s growth deepens our community impact, but it also creates challenges in ensuring people fully understand our mission. “One thing I wish more people knew about United Way is that even though we’re a large and sometimes complex organization, our work is simple and it’s very localized,” Courtney said.
While leading a major nonprofit requires big-picture thinking, staying connected to the community is at the heart of what our leaders do. Whether it’s Courtney meeting with donors, Tracey and Erica visiting partner agencies, Lori collaborating with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Angela working with our board members and partners to foster awareness of our mission and key programs, or Summor cherishing opportunities to participate in our Days of Action, each leader prioritizes hands-on involvement. And the journey of our collective work has been life-changing. “Nineteen years ago,” Summor explained, “I moved to Nashville and began my career with United Way. It seems like yesterday. What was supposed to be my first job in a new city turned out to be an organization I call home.”
How Our Leaders Recharge
Nonprofit work brings immense joy, along with some tough days. So, how does our senior team unwind after a long day?
- Erica: Long walks and cappuccino—she has a live-in barista.
- Angela: Watching West Wing—probably too many times.
- Courtney: Reading—she especially loves historical fiction.
- Lori: Alone time (yes, she’s an introvert!)—and dog training is also refreshing.
- Summor: Attending her children’s sporting events—family keeps her days full and interesting.
- Tracey: Games with the kids (cards, darts, or shuffleboard).
Now that you’ve gotten to know our senior leadership team a little better, we encourage you to check out our interactive map and explore how you can connect with us!