Tennessee Nonprofit Network

Getting to Know Our Community Action Council Members: Forrest Alton of West Tennessee

Tennessee Nonprofit Network launched three Community Action Councils (CACs) in 2024 to serve as ambassadors for our organization and be our “ears to the ground” in their local communities to unearth community needs and challenges. You can learn more about the full roster of CAC members here.

This week, we’re getting to know Forrest Alton of 1000 Feathers. Forrest has served in executive leadership and board roles in state and national nonprofit and social service organizations for over two decades. Much of this work has taken place in the southern United States and has focused on systems change, community and organizational transformation, and genuine stakeholder engagement especially within and among marginalized popoulations. After spending nearly 10 years as the CEO of a highly successful, statewide nonprofit in South Carolina, Forrest stepped down in 2016 to launch the 1000 Feathers consulting firm and has since focused his energy on transforming the work of the social service sector. Four years ago Forrest relocated to Memphis with his wife, Dr. Heather Brandt, and their pup, Elvis.

What excites you about the work that Tennessee Nonprofit Network is doing?
The statewide expansion effort is so necessary and timely. I was surprised when I relocated to Memphis that there was no state network or organization. That tells me the collective power of the sector in Tennessee has been unrealized for far too long. That’s not to undermine the excellent work that individual nonprofits are doing, but together, we can do so much more!

What do you think the biggest challenges are for nonprofits right now?
For any number of years, the trendline has been asking our nonprofit and social service community to do more with less. Needs in communities and among individuals and families are very real and growing. Simultaneously, budgets and resources are tightening. That condition isn’t sustainable without doubling down on intentional partnerships and relationships. In other words, we need to be harnessing the collective power and impact of the sector.

What do you love about the nonprofits in your area?
Since moving to Memphis four years ago, I have been really impressed with the depth, breadth, and diversity of the arts and culture scene, much of that anchored by the work of nonprofits. It’s one of my favorite things, not just about the nonprofits, but about the city overall.

Describe your role at your company/organization.
Our firm work with organizations, communities, and systems across the southern US. Much more of that work is done virtually, post-COVID but I still spend a lot of time on airplanes and in hotels. Because we have such a wide distribution of clients (by topic and by geography) there is no typical day. That’s one of the reasons I love the work: there is always a new challenge to be solved!

What do you like to do for fun?
If I’m not on one of those Zoom calls or on an airplane traveling to visit a client, I’m likely either on an airplane headed somewhere fun (Heather and I love to travel), at the gym or at FedEx Forum cheering on the Grizzlies!

Name a nonprofit leader that inspires you.
One of the first nonprofit leaders I met after moving to Memphis was John Caroll, the founder of City Leadership (sometimes better known as Choose901, Give901, Teach901, etc.) I’m not sure that John would even consider himself a nonprofit leader as much as an entrepreneur, but either way, what he and his team are doing to recruit, develop, and catalyze leaders for the 901 is inspiring. His energy is contagious.

If someone were to visit you, where would you take them to eat?
Oh, man. Is there a right answer here? Or should I say, is there a wrong answer? I’m certainly not unintentionally wading into the BBQ debate, but I will say that I live in East Memphis and Elwood’s Shack is one of my guilty pleasures. On the other hand, if we’re headed downtown for an event or a show, it’s probably Itta Bena or Flight.

What change do you most want to see in the nonprofit sector?
I want us all to lean into the courageous conversations we need to be having within our organizations and the sector. There are a lot of them and if you’re reading this interview transcript, then some potential topics probably just came to your mind. Yeah, that one. Let’s talk about it and stop ignoring our own important truths.

How can nonprofits in your area benefit from becoming a member of Tennessee Nonprofit Network?
The resources, the connections, the opportunities to learn and grow our impact together.

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