NASHVILLE, Tenn., – Leading Middle Tennessee reentry program, Dismas House of Nashville, continues to experience historic growth as the organization welcomes four new hires to the operations team. Dismas House announces the following new additions: Jordan Collins, volunteer coordinator; Sammy Gairrett, security specialist; Jay Willett, facilities manager; and Zay Franklin, resident support specialist.
“We welcome our new team members who bring a breadth and depth of experience to better serve our residents and the community,” says Phillip Hill, vice president of operations, Dismas House of Nashville. “We’re seeing an increase in volunteer and community engagement this year at our new campus and this team will accommodate that growth.”
Jordan Collins, born and raised in Durban, South Africa, moved to Nashville in 2011 to attend Belmont University. Prior to that, he spent four years in programming and marketing roles, working with youth who were victims of domestic violence or abuse in South Africa. He also worked at Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc., and as an ambassador at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in Nashville. Jordan is a passionate connector of people and loves to find ways to help any individual find somewhere to serve and feel part of the mission in which they are serving.
Sammy Gairrett, born and raised in Nashville, is passionate about protecting clients, assets, and establishments to ensure a safe environment. He has five years of experience in the security business, previously serving as a security officer at Acme Feed & Seed on Lower Broadway in Nashville. Acme Feed & Seed is owned by Tom Morales, a family that has a long tradition of support for Dismas House through volunteers and sponsorship. Sammy learned about Dismas House through the Morales family connection. Sammy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University.
Jay Willett relocated to Nashville from Ohio in 2010 and worked in the building maintenance industry for the past decade. He previously served as the night monitor for Dismas House at the original location on Music Row in 2012-2013. Jay enjoys traveling to Gatlinburg and spending time with friends in the mountains.
Zay Franklin was born in Las Vegas, Nev., and relocated to Huntsville, Ala., where he attended middle school and high school. He currently is a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in English and African American & Diaspora Studies. He enjoys spending time with friends, watching movies, and pursuing his passions of making rap music and helping other people.
