Celebrating Excellence in the Nonprofit Sector: 2019 Winners and Finalists
Salute to Excellence in the Nonprofit Sector event shone a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organizations that have made an extraordinary impact on their communities. From innovative programs to tireless dedication, the winners and finalists exemplify the heart and soul of the nonprofit world. Their efforts go far beyond providing services—they create lasting change, inspire others to act, and foster environments of hope, growth, and empowerment.
The winners, selected for their exceptional contributions and leadership, represent the best of what’s possible when passion and purpose converge. Alongside them, the finalists are powerful examples of resilience and creativity, demonstrating that excellence in the nonprofit sector comes in many forms. Together, these individuals and organizations are helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities, proving that, in the world of philanthropy, there’s no limit to what can be achieved when we come together for the common good.
2019 Winners and Finalists
Bank of America CEO of the Year Award
• Lori Adukeh – 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee *Winner
• Hal Cato – Thistle Farms
• Lindsey Harris and Stephanie Teatro – Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
Diversified Trust New Generations Award
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee *Winner
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee
• Tennessee Justice Center
Erie Chapman Foundation Servant’s Heart Award
• Anthony Charles – Men of Valor *Winner
• Sharon Travis – Sexual Assault Center
• Ken Engel – Nashville Rescue Mission
KraftCPAs Board Member of the Year Award
• Melinda Balser, The Nashville Food Project *Winner
• Eddie DeGarmo, FrankTown Open Hearts
• Luther Wright, Jr., STARS
Piedmont Natural Gas Sustainable Practices Award
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville *Winner
• Justice Industries
• Turnip Green Creative Reuse
SunTrust Foundation CFO of the Year Award
• Mario Flores – HOPE Family Health *Winner
• Deidre Matthews – Monroe Harding
• Courtney Hatfield – Mental Health America of the MidSouth
The Frist Foundation Award of Achievement – Innovation in Action
• Urban Green Lab *Winner
• Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
• YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
The Frist Foundation Award of Achievement – Revenue Development
• Harvest Hands Community Development
Corporation *Winner
• Thistle Farms
• Project Return
The Frist Foundation Award of Achievement – Team
Building
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle TN – Cleveland Park Boys & Girls Club *Winner
• Nourish Food Bank – Nourish Hub
• Conexión Américas- Envision Nolensville Pike Collaborative
The Healing Trust Catalyst for Change
• The Arc Tennessee*Winner
• Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
• Sexual Assault Center
The Healing Trust Compassionate Care Award
• Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing *Winner
• Crossroads Campus
• HOPE Family Health
The Memorial Foundation Leadership Award
• St. Luke’s Community House *Winner
• Fannie Battle Day Home for Children
• FrankTown Open Hearts Ministry
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Community Impact Award
• ACE Nashville *Winner
• Adult Education Collective Impact
