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 introduce you to Samantha Wigand in Nashville, TN! Samantha is committed to working with communities to ensure that all residents have equitable education, health, and economic opportunities. Samantha began focusing her career on systems and community change while interning with the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. Samantha then joined United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, where among other things she oversaw and monitored more than $2,000,000 of outcome-based investments in social services annually. In 2008 Samantha joined United Way Worldwide, the leadership organization for the global United Way network, to lead a variety of national projects and provide technical assistance to affiliates in China, Latin America and the Caribbean. Missing her hometown, Samantha turned her attention back to Nashville and Tennessee. She spent two years at the Center for Nonprofit Management as the Chief Program Officer and then Chief of Staff before being recruited in October of 2019 to be the CEO of Communities In Schools of Tennessee, a statewide organization focused on ensuring all students, especially the most vulnerable, have the multiple supports needed to be successful in school and find pathways to a fulfilling adulthood. Beginning the summer of 2023, Samantha turned her attention back to community engagement and collective impact as the director of Imagine Nashville, a citywide initiative to determine the collective vision and values of residents and turn that into actionable collaborative priorities to achieve. Samantha has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and a master’s degree in social work (Administration and Community Practice) from the University of Tennessee. She lives with her youngest son, husband, and a menagerie of pets in Nashville, TN.
What excites you about the work that Tennessee Nonprofit Network is doing?
TNN is doing a number of great things, including on-demand training, legislative advocacy, and I’m most excited about the group insurance offerings.
What do you think the biggest challenges are for nonprofits right now?
Having enough hours in the day to do their work well.
What do you love about the nonprofits in your area?
A deep commitment to their missions and ability to work together for greater impact.
Describe your role at your company/organization and what a typical day looks like.
I direct a community-driven project that is setting the vision for the future of Nashville. The goal is to have a North Star, determined by residents, that government, nonprofits, business, philanthropy, and residents can align around.
What do you like to do for fun?
I’d spend all day in my gardening if I could.
Name a nonprofit leader that inspires you.
Lisa Stetar, CEO of Crossroads Campus. She’s passionate, tireless, and very strategic.
What’s your favorite movie?
Out of Africa–it’s just a beautiful movie with incredible actors.
Any book recommendations?
I’m currently enthralled with anything Truman Capote.
How can nonprofits in your area benefit from becoming a member of Tennessee Nonprofit Network?
Healthcare plan, turnkey training for staff, legislative support for nonprofit sector.