by Andrea Hill, Chief Development and Partnerships Officer, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
Tennessee Nonprofit Network isn’t just a resource hub or a list of services; it is a living ecosystem designed to strengthen the backbone of our communities. While our entire staff and Board drive this mission, Women’s History Month is the perfect time to pull back the curtain on our “small but mighty” engine room, the women who define our culture and our results.
TNN’s internal strength is rooted in our team dynamic that serves as the organization’s heartbeat, driving daily operations with a rare blend of heart and precision. The unique essence of TNN isn’t found in a hidden playbook; instead, it lives within the authentic, tireless drive of the women who show up every day to reimagine what support for Tennessee’s nonprofit sector actually looks like. To see this impact in action, you only need to look at the specific talents and dedication each woman brings to her role.
The Women Powering the Mission
Each woman on this team brings a distinct “superpower” to the table. They don’t just fill roles; they inhabit them with a level of dedication that often sees them waking up before the sun to ensure no detail of our member experience is overlooked.
- April Carter, Chief Programs Officer: April has an unparalleled visionary grit. She doesn’t just oversee programs; she designs experiences, ensuring our annual events stay as dynamic as the leaders we serve.
- Kate Moss, Chief Administrative Officer: Recently promoted, Kate possesses the kind of operational brilliance that turns chaos into choreography. She is the steady hand ensuring our internal infrastructure remains robust.
- Natalie Jones, Director of Research and Advocacy: Natalie has a relentless intellectual curiosity. She translates complex data into actionable policy, ensuring our members are actively guided by her sharp insights.
- Angela Meekins, West Tennessee Regional Manager: Angela has a deep-rooted community empathy. She is our boots-on-the-ground connection, bridging the gap between strategy and the lived reality of our regional partners.
This team moves in unison to cover every need or gap without pointing fingers or looking for fault. If one person is underwater, another steps in; if a project hits a snag, the team rallies. By focusing on these human details, they create a culture where different skills complement one another rather than competing—a culture that doesn’t just stay inside our office walls.
“We’ve Got a Team Member for That”
This internal spirit of mutual support translates directly into how we show up for Tennessee’s nonprofit sector. We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s an app for that,” but at Tennessee Nonprofit Network, we have a much more personal version: “We’ve got an April, Kate, Natalie, or Angela for that.” This human-centered approach relies on the fact that each of these women brings her full, honest self to the mission without reservation. Whether a member is facing a lack of data, a struggle with administrative scaling, or a need for regional advocacy, one of these ladies has the specific expertise and the desire to support. Their presence ensures that our members never have to navigate these hurdles alone. When these women show up, they aren’t just filling a seat; they are making sure every nonprofit leader knows we are here, we have the expertise they need, and we are fully invested in the nonprofit sector’s success.
A Celebration of the Team
Ultimately, TNN works because these women show up. They are the glue holding our initiatives together and the spark of innovation that keeps us moving. As a member of this team, it is inspiring to see the level of care and dedication these women give to TNN, each other, and nonprofits across the entire state. As I watch these amazing women daily, I am happily challenged to continue to strive to be a better team member, supervisor, and community member.
To April, Kate, Natalie, and Angela: thank you for your early mornings, your late nights, and your refusal to settle. You make this mission possible.
A Note from the President & CEO: I would also like to take a moment to celebrate the woman who shared these stories with you, our Chief Development and Partnerships Officer, Andrea Hill.
Andrea is the high energy that Tennessee Nonprofit Network needs. She has a rare ability to walk into any room and talk to anyone, and her commitment to our members is unwavering. Beyond her professional brilliance, she is the person who keeps us laughing through the long days.
On a personal note, she is one of the only people on the planet I can tolerate for a six-and-a-half-hour drive to Knoxville. I feel incredibly fortunate to not only have such a dedicated colleague but also someone I am proud to call a true friend.