Chancellor Daniel Diermeier Elected Board Chair, Succeeds C. Wright Pinson, M.D.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 29, 2026) The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors has elected Daniel Diermeier, chancellor of Vanderbilt University, as Chamber board chair. Diermeier succeeds immediate past chair C. Wright Pinson, M.D., president of Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, who led the Chamber through a leadership transition with the retirement of longtime CEO and President Ralph Schulz and the appointment of current CEO and President Stephanie Coleman.
“Over the past two years, the board has remained focused on positioning the Nashville region for long-term success — supporting innovation and advancing critical infrastructure, including workforce development, affordable housing and regional transportation,” Pinson said. “The Chamber has also played a more visible and tangible role in the public-private partnerships that foster smart, sustainable growth for both our business community and the region. This organization is well-positioned for the future, and I have great confidence in the leadership of Stephanie Coleman and Chancellor Diermeier as the Chamber board and team continue this important work on behalf of all who call this region home.”
Diermeier expressed enthusiasm about his new role. “Nashville’s continued success depends on our ability to attract and develop world-class talent while fostering innovation across every sector. I’ve seen firsthand how radical collaboration among our universities, businesses and civic institutions can accelerate transformative outcomes for a city,” he said. “I look forward to working with Stephanie and the Chamber team to strengthen these partnerships and further position Nashville and Middle Tennessee as a global leader in innovation and economic opportunity, a region that works for all.”
The Nashville Area Chamber is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing over 1,900 member companies. One of the Chamber’s driving initiatives is Partnership 2030, a regional cooperative established in 1990 that’s dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work and do business. The initiative closely aligns with Vanderbilt’s goals for the region, specificallythe development of an innovation ecosystem that positions Nashville and Tennessee for success in the economy of tomorrow.
Chamber President Coleman added, “We are incredibly grateful for Wright’s steady hand and deep commitment to the Chamber and region.
“Chancellor Diermeier brings a deep commitment to innovation, talent development and community partnership—qualities that are essential to the Chamber’s mission—and we are excited to work alongside him as we advance our strategic priorities and continue to strengthen Middle Tennessee’s position as a leading region for economic growth and opportunity.”
The Chamber also elected new board officers to join Diermeier, including:
· Immediate Past Chair – C. Wright Pinson, M.D., president, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network
· Vice Chair – Carol Yochem, president, First Horizon Bank, Central Region
· Secretary – Sally Williams, president of Nashville music and business strategy, Live Nation Entertainment
· President – Stephanie Coleman, president and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
· General Counsel – Brigid Carpenter, shareholder, Baker Donelson
· Board Governance Committee Chair – Shanna L. Jackson, president, Nashville State Community College
· Finance & Audit Committee Chair – Mark Fioravanti, president and CEO, Ryman Hospitality Properties
Chamber officers will assume their roles on July 1.
###
Media Contact
Alexia Poe alexia@poeconsultllc.com
615-948-9339
About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing over 1,900 member companies. “Belong, engage, lead, prosper” embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies, as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (a partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are Gresham Smith and Regions Bank. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.