Williamson County's greatness emanates from the remarkable individuals who call it home. Our vibrant nonprofit community thrives thanks to the dedication of those who bring charitable organizations and events to life. These philanthropic heroes pour their professional skills, business resources, personal gifts and time into giving back every day.

 

In this issue, we honor those who give so much of themselves, often working behind the scenes with little recognition, yet making a huge impact. These exceptional men and women are the backbone of our community, and their selflessness and hard work are what make Williamson County so special. Join YOUR Williamson as we proudly recognize our 2024 Philanthropic Heroes.

Tara, Executive Director of Community Child Care, Inc. in Franklin, has played an integral role in Williamson County for the past seven years. Originally from Danville, Illinois, she moved to the area and taught kindergarten for sixteen years at New Hope Academy. Tara has dedicated herself to her role as Executive Director, working tirelessly to support our community. She and her husband, Kenneth, have been married for thirty-one years and live in Spring Hill. They have two adult children, Kenneth Jr. and Kara.

 

Tara’s commitment to community service is shown in her involvement with several organizations, including Community Child Care, Inc., which provides early childhood education in a safe, nurturing environment for working families in Williamson County and surrounding areas, particularly those with limited financial resources. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Williamson, Inc., is a board member at Studio Tenn, is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (NMAC Chapter), and co-chairs the Black Business Coalition.

 

Giving back has always been central to Tara’s life. “We never know when we’ll have to be on the receiving end,” she says, believing in the importance of reaching back to help others as we achieve success. Through her involvement in the community, she knows the importance of collaboration. "My heart and eyes can get really big," she admits, "but I can’t do this alone. I must continue to bring awareness to the under served and injustices."

 

When asked what more she would like to do, Tara says she envisions a world where people of all races, creeds and religions are genuinely connected and loyal to one another. She hopes to become more involved with Leadership Middle Tennessee, seeing it as a platform to further her efforts in building a stronger, more inclusive community.

 

Being nominated as one of 2024 Philanthropic Heroes is an honor for Tara. "It’s rewarding but very demanding work," she says of her nonprofit career, "but I love what I do, and I especially love seeing others strive in their calling."

Having been in Franklin for only three years, Melissa Killoren is already making a difference in Williamson County. A commercial real estate finance professional turned stay-at-home mom, Melissa is now channeling her skills and passion into supporting her community in meaningful ways.

 

For the past three years, Melissa has served on the board of directors for the Davis House Child Advocacy Center, dedicating her time and expertise to fundraising, sponsorship and event coordination. As the board liaison for the last two Button Balls, the organization’s largest annual fundraising event, she contributed in raising over $325,000 in 2024, which is a record for Davis House. Her dedication to this cause is deeply personal, as she feels strongly about protecting vulnerable children and providing them with a safe space to heal. "Davis House served 518 new clients in the past year," Melissa shares. "By law, Davis House is the only agency in Williamson County trained to provide trauma-informed, investigative, advocacy and healing services to child victims."

 

Melissa is also active in her faith community at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Nashville, where she participates in the children’s ministry. For her, giving back is a reflection of God’s love, guided by the belief that faith should be demonstrated through actions. “Talking about your faith only goes so far if you can’t show it in action,” she says.

 

In her philanthropic journey, Melissa has learned to see beyond her own experiences and appreciate the importance of nurturing and supporting children. Her past involvement with an abused children’s treatment home and a children’s medical research fund in Illinois taught her the value of caring for the youth in our communities. "Loved, nurtured and healthy children make for strong, independent and loving adults," she notes.

 

Melissa hopes to become more involved with other organizations like My Friend’s House, which provides a supportive environment for at-risk boys aged twelve through eighteen, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Nashville. Having experienced the support of a Ronald McDonald House when her youngest child was born, she feels a strong connection to their mission.

 

Being nominated as one of the 2024 Philanthropic Heroes is an honor for Melissa but, more importantly, she hopes it brings attention to Davis House and the other incredible organizations in Williamson County. She shares, "Davis House is a place no one wants to ever need, but our community is blessed to have it."

For the past twenty-eight years, Jamey Parker has called Williamson County home. Over the course of his career, he has spent twenty-five years in financial services, with the last fourteen years dedicated to wealth management at Morgan Stanley. His professional success is matched by his commitment to the community, where he has become key in several local organizations.

 

Jamey has served on the Foundation Board of Williamson Health for nearly fifteen years, a role he is proud to continue. "We’re incredibly fortunate to have a nonprofit community hospital that truly serves the people of Williamson County," he says. Jamey also helped found Friends of Franklin Parks over a decade ago and remains an active supporter. Additionally, he serves on the Harpeth Scholastic Shooting Complex Board, supporting youth through the Scholastic Clay Target Program and, alongside his wife, Jennifer, continues to support the Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve the county’s rich history and character.

 

For Jamey, giving back is more than an obligation; it's an opportunity. He views philanthropy as a privilege, a chance to make a real difference, and something that brings joy to he and Jennifer. "We meet so many wonderful people through our involvement and feel the impact we can make in our community." He believes that being a part of the mission is essential, which is why he has remained dedicated to causes that resonate with his values.

 

Reflecting on his work, Jamey recognizes the importance of alignment with the missions of the organizations he supports. This connection helps him maintain the energy required for effective philanthropic efforts. He also shares that he misses his time with the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and hopes to re-engage with that group in the future.

 

Looking ahead, Jamey is passionate about the idea of a new nonprofit focused on supporting the families of first responders in Williamson County. He’s aware of the financial challenges these families face, especially given the rising costs of living in the area and believes more can be done to help them.

 

Humbled by his nomination as a 2024 Philanthropic Hero, Jamey remains focused on encouraging others to give back. Whether through a phone call or a community event, he’s always eager to spread the word about the importance of local philanthropy, particularly in support of organizations like Williamson Health and Friends of Franklin Parks.

Courtney Rowell Tate has been a valued member of Williamson County since 2015. Originally from Florence, Alabama, Courtney has lived in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Utah and California, before finally settling in Williamson County to be closer to family. At the time, she had two toddlers, aged three and two, and looked for the perfect environment to raise her children and pursue her career. Courtney’s professional background spans over two decades, with a focus on marketing and managed care/payor relations in the laboratory diagnostics industry.

 

Courtney has a deep passion for community involvement. She’s active in the Williamson County School Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), serving as a board member and volunteer. She also works with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, taking on roles such as troop leader, community leader and even “cookie coordinator.” Other organizations dear to her heart include the Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK) and Legacy Builders Generation. In addition to her direct volunteer work, Courtney supports several health-related organizations focused on medical conditions that affect her loved ones, including breast and gynecological cancers, and muscular dystrophy. She also eagerly participates in organizations that provide school supplies and holiday support to families in need.

 

Children and women are the causes closest to Courtney’s heart. She believes that children, with their limitless potential, deserve every opportunity to succeed and thrive. “Children are like empty slates and sponges,” Courtney says. “They have endless potential, and I love being part of the support system that helps equip them with opportunities they might not otherwise have.” She emphasizes the importance of even the smallest gestures, such as providing a child with school supplies, as they can have a large impact on self-esteem and academic success.

 

Giving back is not just an option for Courtney: it’s a calling. Guided by the saying, “To whom much is given, much is required,” she feels a deep responsibility to contribute to her community. While volunteering, Courtney has learned to balance her time and energy, acknowledging that saying “no” sometimes allows her to give more effectively when she does say “yes.”

 

Looking ahead, Courtney dreams of dedicating more time to volunteer work, particularly in areas related to health equity and disparities. She’s passionate about addressing issues such as period poverty, food deserts and maternal mortality, especially among women of color.

 

Courtney feels honored and humbled to be nominated as one of the 2024 Philanthropic Heroes. For her, the recognition reinforces her commitment to making an “intentional impact” in everything she does, whether that’s in her role as a mother, a professional or a community volunteer.

Samantha Shepherd has been a dedicated member of the Williamson County community for over twenty-six years. She and her husband, Mervyn, have been married for twenty years and together they have three daughters —Holly, Stephanie and Katie. Samantha’s commitment to her family and her community is at the heart of everything she does.

 

Her involvement in community service started with something simple: volunteering for a small nonprofit through her church. She would pick up bread from Publix and Kroger, delivering it to people in need, especially in the Natchez community. Week after week, she visited elderly women, bringing them bread and sweets, rain or shine. Even if her schedule got busy, she made sure to finish her deliveries, knowing the difference it made in their lives.

 

Today, Samantha works as the administrative assistant at Franklin Community Church, where she supports the Homeless Alliance and various community development programs. She’s also the founder of the Franklin Cancer Walk, an initiative born out of her personal experience with her daughter’s battle with cancer. Diagnosed at the age of two and relapsing at age five, Samantha’s daughter was the inspiration behind the Walk, which raises funds to support families facing the financial burden of cancer treatments.

 

In addition to the Cancer Walk, Samantha and her daughter have worked to provide Nike shoes to children in need at the community center for the past seven years. Each year, they distribute between 350 and 450 pairs of brand-new shoes, ensuring kids have the confidence to start the school year on the right foot.

 

Samantha’s heart for giving extends beyond these initiatives. As director of the community center, she transformed the annual Christmas party. Instead of leftover donations, families now sign up to receive three items they truly want, ensuring that children open gifts they’re excited about on Christmas morning. Every Thursday, she works with St. Paul’s Church to distribute food bags, each worth over fifty dollars, to families in need. For the past decade, this weekly tradition has supported countless individuals in the community. Samantha’s involvement spans organizations such as the African American Heritage Society, Better Options of Tennessee, and many local churches. Her message is simple: the strength of the community lies in its ability to support one another.

 

Being nominated as a 2024 Philanthropic Hero was unexpected for her, but it’s a title she accepts with gratitude. She encourages everyone to recognize the power they have to bless others, reminding us that small acts of kindness have a profound impact.