NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald Roberts, Byron R. Trauger, and Carolyn S. Wenzel to its Board of Directors. Each brings valuable professional expertise and a strong commitment to the community, enhancing CFMT’s mission of connecting generosity with meaningful impact throughout Middle Tennessee.
“Ronald, Byron, and Carolyn bring extensive knowledge into what makes this community special,” said Hal Cato, CFMT’s CEO. “They also bring three distinct professional points of view that will ensure our work growing philanthropic dollars and catalyzing community change is a success.”
New Board Members
Ronald Roberts
Ronald is a communications and public relations leader based in Nashville. He serves as Managing Partner at Finn Partners, where he helps organizations clarify their message and build strong relationships with audiences. Ronald’s background also includes work in broadcast media and higher education communications. He brings a thoughtful approach to storytelling that supports trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement.
Byron R. Trauger
Byron is a partner at Wiseman Ashworth Trauger Moore Silvus with extensive experience in health care law, civil litigation, and regulatory matters. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney and brings decades of legal and civic leadership experience to the Board of Directors. His service reflects a long-standing commitment to public service and community leadership in Middle Tennessee.
Carolyn S. Wenzel
Carolyn is an attorney focused on tax, estate planning, and nonprofit governance. She serves as a Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator and has been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in her practice areas. Carolyn also serves on nonprofit boards and supports organizations across Middle Tennessee. Her work centers on helping organizations plan responsibly and steward resources with care.
CFMT Board Officers
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Board Officers provide steady leadership and thoughtful guidance throughout their terms. Board Chair Sara Finley works closely with Dr. Turner Nashe, Jr., Gail Williams, Jim Meade, and Janet Miller to help set priorities, maintain strong governance practices, and ensure CFMT operates with integrity, transparency, and strategic focus. Officers support productive board meetings, uphold fiduciary responsibilities, and serve as key partners to executive leadership in advancing the our mission.
- Sara Finley, Chair – Corporate and Nonprofit Director
- Dr. Turner Nashe, Jr., Vice Chair – Entrepreneur
- Gail Williams, Secretary – Philanthropist, Community Connector and Supporter
- Jim Meade, Treasurer – CEO & Managing Shareholder, LBMC
- Janet Miller, Chair-Elect – Vice Chairman & Principal, Colliers International Nashville
Board of Directors
While board officers guide the board’s operations, the full board of directors serves as the collective steward of the organization’s mission, resources, and long-term direction. The current slate of board members includes:
- Harry Allen – EVP for Financial Excellence & CFO, Belmont University
- Victor Berrios – Business Owner
- Charles Bone – Managing Director and Partner, Southwest Value Partners
- Hal Cato – CEO, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- Trey Harwell – Partner and Crisis Management Team Leader, Adams & Reese
- Dr. Shanna Jackson – President, Nashville State Community College
- Milton Johnson – Retired Chairman & CEO, HCA Healthcare
- Johari Matthews – Vice President, Executive Director of the Titans Foundation
- Andy May – Vice Chairman, Truxton Trust
- Perri duGard Owens – Vice President at Jarrard, Inc.
- Linda Rebrovick – HealthStream Board Director and Corporate Consultant
- Ronald Roberts – Managing Partner, Finn PartnersCourtney Ross – Senior Manager, Community Engagement at Amazon
- Dr. Paul Stumb, IV – President, Cumberland University
- Virginia Tenpenny – Vice President of Community Engagement, HCA Healthcare
- Byron R. Trauger – Partner, Wiseman Ashworth Trauger Moore Silvus
- Carolyn S. Wenzel – Attorney, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison
These leaders are integral to supporting CFMT’s work in strengthening community, resourcing nonprofits and connecting donors with the causes they care about most.
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee brings people, ideas and funding together to help our region thrive. Through engaged leadership, strategic grantmaking and tools for long-term philanthropic giving, CFMT works with donors and partners to make a lasting impact in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.
