Between April 17th – 18th, Nashville buzzed with excitement as it hosted the 2024 CEO Roundtable Series, an event that focused on the importance of public-private partnerships. Day one kicked off at the Tennessee Titans’ practice facility, Ascension St. Thomas Sports Park. The event brought together big names from business, sports, and even music to talk about how working together can make Tennessee a better place.
The series kicked off with words from Adolpho Birch III, a top executive with the Tennessee Titans. He shared how important these meetings are: “Since joining the club, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to come together with other leaders. These conversations can lead to real changes that benefit everyone in Tennessee.”
The next day started with a breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion. The event was lively, with local celebrities Johnathan Hutton and Vicki Yates leading the way. Governor Bill Lee was there too, talking about what makes a good leader and why it’s important for private businesses and public leaders to work together. One of the coolest moments was a chat between the Governor and country music star Brad Paisley about how the arts and leadership can come together to help the community.
John Ingram, who brought the Nashville SC soccer team to Music City, was named CEO of the Year. His work is a great example of how private dreams can meet public needs and create something great for everyone.
The awards ceremony was a major highlight, celebrating those who’ve made a big impact:
- Innovator of the Year: Bob Higgins
- CEO of the Year: John Ingram
- Changemaker Award: Dr. Adrienne Battle
- Tennessean of the Year – Business: FedEx/The Fred Smith Family
- Tennessean of the Year – Music: Brad Paisley
- 2024 Tri Star Award: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
These winners were picked by a special committee and are stars in making Tennessee thrive.
Jacky Akbari, who helped organize the event, summed it up well: “Every year, this event doesn’t just hand out awards; it starts conversations that help build a stronger community through teamwork.”
The 2024 CEO Roundtable was more than just a meeting; it was a showcase of Nashville’s spirit of innovation and leadership. To find out more about the event and the discussions that took place, check out www.ceoroundtable2024.com. For more on Worthington Advisory, the group behind it all, visit www.worthingtonadvisory.com.
