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.
In this post, we introduce you to Phillip Many, one of our new members for the Middle Tennessee CAC! Phillip is the Chief Financial Officer for St. Luke’s Community House in Nashville, and he has over 25 years in nonprofit leadership ranging from directing service implementation/oversight, fundraising, finance & accounting, and governmental grant management. He also has the experience of be the Director of Contracts and Contract review for the Tennessee Department of Human Services where he learned the government agencies side of the funding process. Finally, he has worked in the for-profit sector in the areas of behavioral health and human services.
What excites you about the work that Tennessee Nonprofit Network is doing?
Gaining additional knowledge about challenges and solutions in the nonprofit sector, as well as networking and supporting the organization’s growth and effectiveness.
What do you think the biggest challenges are for nonprofits right now?
The job market, paying a livable wage in large metro areas, and ARPA funding & other gov’t funding ending (funding cliff).
What do you love about the nonprofits in your area?
The connectedness of the people who do the work. These relationships help on a daily basis because you have others to call on when you need support or when you need expertise you may not have.
Describe your role at St. Luke’s and what a typical day looks like.
Because I am in the CFO role, I manage all – HR, IT, property, revenue cycle and accounting staff. So, I am meeting with others daily, as well as fighting the “fire de jour.” I also spend time each week ensuring that I remain focused on the organization’s strategy.
What do you like to do for fun?
Travel, meet friends for dinner/drinks, love on my dogs.
Name a nonprofit leader that inspires you.
Finance Committee and Board Chair at a former nonprofit organization where I was CFO. This person was brilliant and helped start a very successful healthcare organization as a CFO. She helped grow the company nationwide and took it public. She worked hard and always portrayed a professional, steady/calm demeanor. She provided me with genuine support.
If someone were to visit you, where would you take them to eat?
Work related: Midtown Cafe or J. Alexanders
Personally: J. Alexanders or Margot
Any book recommendations?
How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else by Michael Gates Gill
What change do you most want to see in the nonprofit sector?
For nonprofit board members, leaders and other constituents to understand we function as a business and work just as hard (usually with fewer resources than private business) and that the only difference should be that we don’t pay taxes.
How can nonprofits in your area benefit from becoming a member of Tennessee Nonprofit Network?
Nonprofits in Middle TN are discouraged with the level of support they currently receive from local support associations. Our sector needs more current, forward-thinking organization that challenge the sector and stretch us to be the best we can be in the business. I think TNN is doing a great job of this.