Fall Leadership Luncheon 2019
Music City Center | November 8, 2019
Katie Goodwin Photography
Young Leaders Council celebrated 24 years of Leadership Luncheons on Friday November 8 at the Music City Center. It was a grand gathering of 510 of our friends from all over our city. Corporate partners, nonprofit friends, and many YLC alum attended the anticipated luncheon to hear from one of Nashville’s rising leaders, Ian Ayre, CEO of the Nashville Soccer Club. We shared a meal, honored our Young Leader of the Year Award recipient, and enjoyed a conversation with Ian Ayre. We count it a privilege to congregate with Nashville’s greatest professionals to hear about our growing city!
Every year, YLC honors one distinguished Young Leader in the community for outstanding leadership qualities and accomplishments, along with significant board service in for organizations in our community. Our esteemed 2019 nominees were Sydney Ball, 2016 YLC Williamson Class, Tyler Graham, 2017 YLC Massey Class, and Charlane Oliver, 2013 YLC Junior League Class.
We were pleased to present the winning award to Charlane Oliver of The Equity Alliance, and we congratulate our nominees for their service to our community. We thank Ron Snitker, 2018 recipient, for presenting the award.
Katie Goodwin Photography
Charlane Oliver graduated the 2013 Junior League class, and is recognized as a “Now Generation Activist” by The Tennessean and a “2019 NBJ Woman of Influence.” She co-founded of The Equity Alliance, a nonprofit empowering, equipping and mobilizing black voters to be engaged in the civic process in Tennessee. Charlane currently serves on board of Metro Nashville Emergency 911 Communications, Purpose Prep Academy, and Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee. She has also been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Tennessean, and more.
YLC board member, Santi Tefel, led an intriguing conversation with Ian Ayre, which was a highlight for attendees. Ian shared experiences from his childhood, career in major league sports, and vision for the MLS team here in Nashville with guests.
Katie Goodwin Photography
Ian Ayre has been tasked with building the entire Nashville Soccer Club from the ground up, following the award of an MLS franchise to Nashville in 2017. Born in Liverpool, England, he has been a soccer fan since his early years and followed Liverpool all over the world as a fan and employee. His background includes 10 years of active military service in the British Royal Navy and professional experience in consumer electronics. He was also involved in the takeover of Huddersfield Town Football Club, serving as Chairman & Chief Executive of the club. In 2007, Ian returned to the UK to take up a role at Liverpool Football Club where he rebuilt the club at all levels. We were pleased to welcome him to the Nashville community with a the YLC Leadership Luncheon.
More about Ian Ayre & the Nashville Soccer Club | HERE!
Leadership Luncheon photos | HERE!
Get involved with the 2020 Leadership Luncheon | CLICK HERE!
Our 2019 event sponsors include Gold Sponsor: Belmont University Massey School of Business, Silver Sponsors: Fifth Third Bank and Genesco, and Bronze Sponsors: Pinnacle Financial Partners, Dollar General, & Logicforce. We thank our event sponsors for their generous support of the Leadership Luncheon.