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.
I’m the co-owner and managing partner of MP&F, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead a team focused on delivering top-tier communications strategies for our clients. Originally from McMinnville, I have a deep-rooted connection to this region and am passionate about using my local knowledge to drive business success. I’m also a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where I first honed my skills in communications and business management.
Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from strategic media relations to crisis communications, and I truly value the opportunity to help businesses grow through meaningful relationships and help guide businesses to become better integrated in the Nashville community.
Tell us about your business/industry.
MP&F is the largest locally owned full-service advertising, marketing, and public relations firm in Tennessee and one of the largest in the Southeast. We work with clients in all industries and of all sizes.
What should we know about you?
I simply love Nashville, and I’m proud of our city and our tightly knit community. I’m proud to be involved in local organizations like Nashville’s Rotary Club, where I have the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact.
I’m honored to help lead MP&F, where we place a strong emphasis on community engagement. In the last year, we instituted the Alice Chapman Day of Service, named in honor of our late managing partner who was committed to service in Nashville. Our employees can take advantage of this special day by contributing their time toward causes in the community. It means so much to me that we can honor Alice in this important way.
How did you get to your current position?
I started at MP&F more than 30 years ago as an intern. Over the years, I worked my way up through the ranks, taking on different roles and responsibilities as the company evolved. I believe in the power of hard work, and I always sought to learn as much as I could from every position I held. In every role, I gained valuable insights and experience across the business.
Eventually, all of that culminated in my being invited to join the agency’s ownership group and being named managing partner in 2022. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come as an agency. I also believe strongly in the power of community engagement, and I’ve made it a priority to be an active leader in the Nashville area as much as I can.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
No business can grow successfully in a vacuum—it’s essential to rely on others, share ideas, and collaborate to overcome challenges. The Nashville Chamber allows us to do just that and serves as a vital platform for businesses of all shapes and sizes to come together, exchange insights, and support one another. It’s a community of leaders who are focused on the collective success of the region, and that’s something I believe in deeply.
What has been a career highlight for you?
Alongside longtime client BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, I helped lead the charge for the health care brand’s response to Tennessee’s opioid crisis. The “Don’t Be An Accidental Drug Dealer” campaign urged individuals to properly dispose of unneeded prescription medications. It was awarded Best of Show at the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil awards, PRSA’s highest honor, and later went on to be named one of the top 40 PR campaigns in the world.
This was incredibly rewarding because we were using our strategic communications skills to make real change happen in the world – and you’re lucky if you get to do that in your day job at an agency. The importance of the campaign is not lost on me.
What makes you proud to live and work in the Nashville area?
The mix of Nashville’s creative spirit, Southern hospitality, and roots in volunteerism makes us unlike any other city. I’m incredibly proud to live and work in Nashville because of the people who genuinely care about giving back and making a difference. The opportunities to get involved in organizations that are helping shape the future of our community are endless, whether it’s through local nonprofits, business initiatives, or civic engagement. The collective commitment to improving the area, combined with the city’s constant growth and innovation, makes Nashville a place where you can truly have an impact. It’s an exciting time to be here, and I’m proud to contribute to the city’s success.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the best part of working in your field?
The most rewarding part of my job as a full-service agency leader is knowing that we’re helping businesses truly move the needle for their clients and customers. Whether it’s through impactful PR strategies, innovative marketing campaigns, or creative advertising, seeing the tangible results of our work is incredibly fulfilling. It’s hard work. But the best part is that it’s also a lot of fun. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are core to what we do, and we get to bring that energy to every project. It’s energizing to work alongside such a talented team, helping clients achieve their goals and creating lasting impacts on their businesses.
What do you like to do in your spare time outside of work? Where will we find you on the weekends?
I’m an outdoorsy person, so most weekends you can find my husband and me at the lake fishing, boating, or kayaking and spending time with family and friends.
I’m the proud mom of Robert, who is in his second year of physical therapy school at Western Kentucky, and Rachel, who is in her first year of law school at the University of Memphis. Most of my spare time recently has been focused on planning a rehearsal dinner later this year for Robert and his bride-to-be.
I’m a huge sports fan and try to watch as many Tennessee Vols, Titans and Nashville Predators games as time allows.