Session 1: Q&A and Remarks from Mayor O’Connell

Freddie O’Connell, Nashville’s tenth mayor, brings a wealth of public service experience, having served on the Metro Council from 2015 to 2023. His focus on poverty alleviation, neighborhood revitalization, and green energy legislation has left a lasting impact. Freddie’s civic engagement extends to leadership roles in organizations like Nashville MTA and Walk/Bike Nashville, demonstrating his commitment to community building. With a background in Nashville’s software industry and degrees in Music and Computer Science, Freddie brings a multifaceted approach to governance. He resides in Salemtown with his family and beloved chorkie Cocoa Bean, actively participating in Nashville’s vibrant community life.

Session 2: Transportation

Moderator:

Tanisha Hall–
Founding Principal & CEO
Fairpointe Planning

Participants:

Diana Alarcon
Director of Transportation
Nashville Department of Transportation

Steve Bland
CEO
WeGo Public Transit/ RTA of Middle Tennessee

Jess Dauphin
President and CEO
Transit Alliance

Michelle Lacewell
Deputy Director and Chief Communications Officer
Greater Nashville Regional Council

Session 3: Neighborhood Redevelopment/Affordable Housing

Moderator:

Aron Thompson
Vice President of Housing & Economic Development, Director R.E.D. Academy
Urban League of Middle Tennessee 

Participants:

Kaycee Ensign
Housing Policy Research Analyst
Metro Nashville Planning Department

Alisha Haddock
Senior Vice President, Director of Community & Economic Development
The Housing Fund

Evan Holladay
Founder and CEO
Holladay Ventures

Dr. Troy White
Executive Director
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency

Session 4: R1/Industry Connection & Tech Transfer

Alan Bentley
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Alyse Faour
Director of Corporate Partnerships
Vanderbilt University

Donna Inges
Associate Director of Research Development
M-TRAIN

Scott Paja
Assistant Provost & Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships
Vanderbilt University

Chris Rowe
Executive Director for Industry Collaborations
Office of the Vice Provost for Research