Staff Promotions at Jewish Federation to Refocus Development Team

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is promoting two of its long time staffers to leadership positions, both within the Financial Resource Development team. The changes reflect both the professional growth of the two staff members, and a more finely tuned approach to the organization’s development strategy. In making the announcement, Jewish Federation CEO Eric Stillman says, “As rising professionals within our Federation, Carolyn Hyatt and Shannnon Small have been promoted with increased responsibilities in recognition of their important contributions toward Financial Resource Development.”

Carolyn Hyatt will assume the position of FRD Assistant Director and Campaign Director. In this new role she will oversee the Federation’s annual campaign, coordinate the Women’s Division and work on developing young professional philanthropic groups within the Federation. Carolyn joined the Federation staff six years ago as the Community Engagement Associate. Carolyn says she is excited about the opportunity to offer expanded programming that will engage and provoke conversations, particularly for women in the community. “My goal is to create thoughtful, meaningful and relevant programs. I’m hoping to attract younger women and introduce them to opportunities for giving to our community.” Carolyn is a Nashville native and before returning here to raise her family, she spent several years in the New York fashion world. She says there are a lot of similarities between her previous career and her career with The Jewish Federation. “I love being able to communicate my passion to others and inspiring people to share my vision. Whether it’s fashion or Jewish philanthropy, I feel a great sense of purpose.” Carolyn and her husband Adam have three children and she says they are her driving force. “I’m raising my children in this community and I want them to have the best experiences I can provide for them.”

 

Shannon Small will assume the position of FRD Assistant Director and Foundation Director. In her role she will oversee planned giving initiatives, manage connections with local partner agencies and develop young philanthropists through the B’nai Tzedek program. During her time at The Jewish Federation Shannon has developed her administrative skills, learned about planned giving and gotten to know the local Jewish community in a more intimate way.  As a former mental health counselor and school counselor, these are experiences she enjoys because it helps people think about their priorities. Shannon says, “Estate planning and long term giving is right up my alley. I love talking with people about their hopes and dreams.” She also enjoys being a resource for the partner agencies and helping them grow their own endowments. “I believe it’s important for each agency to become stronger because that’s how our whole community stays strong,” she says. Among her goals is continuing to inspire and develop young philanthropists. “It’s important to educate the next generation of philanthropists while they are still in the community and connected here.” A Texas native, Shannon and her husband Brian are the parents of two young children and relocated to Nashville from Syracuse, New York. 

Both Carolyn and Shannon are looking forward to growing in their new positions and to helping strengthen Nashville’s Jewish community through philanthropy. Eric Stillman says, “Our Federation is grateful for the important work done by Carolyn and Shannon, and I am proud of them and all that they have accomplished.  I know that they will help grow our financial resources in their new roles.”