This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself?
In the world of business, women continue to face unique challenges as they rise to leadership roles, yet many persist and thrive despite these challenges. At MillarRich, a Tennessee-based organization focused on supporting individuals with disabilities, women are not only leading the charge but reshaping the landscape of their industry.
“One leader, who now heads the company, shared her inspiring journey and insights on gender diversity, work-life balance, and the future of women in leadership. Her career started in direct care, but a pivotal opportunity to train in the Teaching Family Model at the University of Kansas opened doors for her, including her first opportunity to run a company. The connections she made along the way, including working alongside future founders Susan and Rowan, ultimately led to her current role at MillarRich.
When asked about the challenges faced as a woman in leadership, she highlighted two key obstacles: wage disparity and boardroom discrimination. She recounted a time when, after turning around a struggling company, she learned that her male replacement was offered $50,000 more than her salary. “I felt it was important to point out the disparity to the board, and though they corrected it, the experience left a lasting impression,” she said. In male-dominated spaces, she has also been overlooked or accused of being too emotional, but persistence, she emphasized, remains her best tool.
Her leadership philosophy aligns closely with servant leadership. She believes in working collaboratively but is always ready to make the final decision when necessary. ‘Leadership is about serving in any and all capacities,’ she explained. This mindset has helped her navigate the complex needs of her employees while also contributing to MillarRich’s success. The company fosters a supportive culture for women, offering flexible work arrangements and generous benefits, including paid maternity leave and 401(k) matching.
As for mentorship, it has been a vital part of her success. She credits several mentors, including Dr. Michael Strouse and Dr. James Sherman, for pushing her to embrace technology and data-driven decision-making early in her career. ‘Mentorship is incredibly important,’ she said, adding that it’s now her responsibility to provide guidance to the next generation of women leaders.
When asked what advice she would give young women aspiring to leadership roles, she emphasized the importance of building strong relationships. ‘Everything in the world happens because of relationships,’ she noted, urging young women to focus on communication, creative problem-solving, and time management.
Reflecting on her legacy, she takes immense pride in the work she did to close state institutions and help individuals with disabilities live in their communities. Now, as the grandmother of a child born with rare genetic chromosomal duplications, her life’s work has taken on an even deeper personal significance.
Her story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication, a reminder that with the right support and determination, women can—and will—lead industries into a more inclusive future.”
Tell us about your business/industry?
MillarRich operates within the disability services industry, a sector dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing tailored support and services.
Overview of MillarRich: Established in 2007 by Rowan Millar and Susan Richardson, MillarRich is committed to delivering quality, family-based residential and day services to children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Middle and East Tennessee. The organization’s mission is to make meaningful differences in the lives of individuals with disabilities, enabling them to achieve their personal goals, develop hobbies, and acquire skills that promote independence and dignity within the community.
MillarRich offers a variety of services, including:
• Adult Services: Person-centered support through residential services, employment services, and day services within their Family Lifestyle Model. This approach empowers individuals to lead independent lives through trauma-informed, individualized care.
• Children’s Services: MillarRich works with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to place and support children who are medically fragile or have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Utilizing a specialized foster care program, MillarRich ensures these children receive nurturing, trauma-informed care in a family setting.
• Supported Employment: Dedicated to providing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on their strengths and facilitating growth through meaningful work.
The disability services industry plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This sector offers assistance across various domains, including healthcare, education, employment, and daily living activities, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for all.
MillarRich exemplifies the dedication and adaptability required to thrive in the disability support services industry. By offering comprehensive, person-centered services, they contribute significantly to the well-being and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing innovations and addressing challenges will be key to sustaining and enhancing the quality of support provided.
What should we know about you?
I am a 1 on the Enneagram, so I am a perfectionist, and I always have a long list of projects and to-dos for work that are difficult for me to put aside. When I am not completing work tasks, I love to read, travel, and spend time with my grandchildren. I am also working on writing my own book.
How did you get to your current position?
Tamela has extensive experience in the services industry across the U.S. She was initially brought in to develop the Children’s Services department, and after successfully building out the program, she was recognized as the ideal choice for the CEO role.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
Joining the Chamber of Commerce strengthens MillarRich’s ability to serve individuals with disabilities by connecting us with local leaders, businesses, and advocacy opportunities. Through networking, community partnerships, and increased visibility, we can expand our impact and collaborate with like-minded organizations. The Chamber provides valuable resources, policy support, and events that help us grow and enhance our services. By joining, MillarRich reaffirms its commitment to community involvement and advancing opportunities for those we support.
What has been a career highlight for you?
I love to invest my time in the development and coaching of up-and-coming leaders. Having the opportunity to develop and coach leaders who were later promoted into executive-level leadership roles and then getting to watch them succeed at that level has provided me with the most rewarding highlights of my career!
What local nonprofit has a mission that resonates with you?
MillarRich has long supported Old School Farm. Old School Farm (OSF) is a Nashville-based nonprofit “care farm” that creates supportive, inclusive employment for adults with disabilities while also serving the broader community. Its mission is twofold: to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment and to address local food insecurity.
On the farm side, OSF employs several “mission farmers”—adults with developmental disabilities—who participate in therapeutic, sustainable agriculture. They grow and harvest fresh produce and then deliver it to food-insecure neighborhoods and local food banks, directly contributing to community well-being. In addition to farming, OSF runs a pottery studio that follows the same inclusive model. The studio offers jobs to individuals with disabilities and a welcoming space for people of all abilities to create art, fostering creative expression and skill-building in an integrated setting.
OSF also engages the public through community events and education. For example, it hosts classes on food preservation and community dinners (like an Empty Bowls chili night) where residents come together—these events raise funds to support OSF’s mission of employing adults with disabilities and donating produce to the community. Through these initiatives, Old School Farm actively combines community engagement, inclusivity, and empowerment, using farming and art as vehicles for social impact.
How would you describe the Nashville healthcare community?
Nashville’s healthcare community is large and growing. We have some amazing hospitals such as Vanderbilt and Ascension Saint Thomas, and there is great ongoing innovation and research at these institutions and Meharry Medical College. We also have great medical schools and training programs. Nashville has these great facilities and training programs; there are still challenges such as getting care to our rural communities, having enough medical personnel to meet the needs of those needing care, and finding adequate mental health resources for people.
What are the top 5 songs on your playlist?
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Child of Mine by Carol King
Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber
Imagine by John Lennon
Unfinished Songs by Celine Dion