Patricia “Patti” James brings her extensive management background to the helm of Leadership Middle Tennessee as the new executive director of the regional leadership program.

Patricia “Patti” James

A search committee made up of Leadership Middle Tennessee board members selected James, who began her new role in May. She replaces longtime director Susan Taylor, who is retiring after 14 years at the helm of the nonprofit operated through the Jones College of Business at MTSU.

“Patti is a proven, flexible leader,” stated Seab Tuck, chairman of the Leadership Middle Tennessee board, in an LMT release. “We are excited to welcome her to the new role.”

James brings 30 years of corporate experience across both the human resources and shared services sectors. She recently retired from Bridgestone Americas Inc., where she spent the past 21 years as vice president of human resources and administration and later as vice president of the shared services division.

As a 2006 graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee, and a former board member, she understands the importance of regional leadership. James holds an MBA. in human resources management from The Ohio State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Currently she serves on the board of directors for the YWCA, Mentor-WOMEN Unlimited and Entrepreneur Center.

Dr. David Urban

“Patti understands the importance of helping businesses, government and nonprofits work together to strengthen our region,” said David Urban, dean of the Jones College.

Urban lauded Taylor’s efforts for building LMT’s foundation as its inaugural executive director.

“We commend Susan for her tireless efforts in establishing LMT as a premier leadership development program,” Urban said. “I know that, as an alumni member, she will be still be available to provide invaluable input for LMT in the future.”

James is the past president of Nashville Industry Liaison Group and has served on several other nonprofit boards in the past such as the Nashville Opera, Junior Achievement, Workforce Employers Outreach Council, State Workforce Development Board, Tennessee Hospital Association and Happy Tales Humane.

Leadership Middle Tennessee was founded to engage community, nonprofit, government and business leaders in the 10-county region of Middle Tennessee to focus on regional issues.

Participating counties are Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties. LMT is overseen by a regional board comprising alumni, business and community leaders.

Visit www.leadmt.org for more information.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)