About Our Leadership Conference Speakers

Sean Henry
CEO of the Nashville Predators - Keynote Speaker

Sean Henry is entering his 15th season in SMASHVILLE and could not be more excited to launch the season, which is so full of optimism and levels of excitement that seem higher than they ever have been. The organization’s “relationships over revenue” philosophy has allowed the organization to have its highest client and fan retention levels in franchise history while also attracting key new partners and members of the SMASHVILLE Loyal. That philosophy has also allowed the franchise’s foundation to continue to grow and impact lives while leveraging the community’s passion for the team to mobilize the foundation and staff in support of the entire Middle Tennessee community in a more profound way than ever before, making that achievement greater than any other in his career.

Henry is most grateful for that very community – all of SMASHVILLE, the SMASHVILLE Loyal, and the 7th Man – for creating such an amazingly unique bond with the Preds. Without their support, we would not have been recognized as Arena of the Year by Pollstar magazine, IEBA, CMA and ACM. Our fan support solidifies our constant spot as a Top Workplace by The Tennessean and as the No. 1 professional sports franchise by ESPN, and without their tireless dedication to this franchise and passion for all we aim to achieve, we would not be the organization we are today. Henry is proud to serve these incredible fans alongside the best employees in the industry to reach the ultimate goal. Our fans passion for our organization have allowed us to participate in countless league tent pole events, from the All-Star Game to the Winter Classic, to the Stadium Series to the Global Series and have made Bridgestone Arena the home for the SEC Championship and The CMA Awards! 

Alongside an annual impact of over $900 million in tangible economic benefits to the community, the memories built within and around Bridgestone offer an intangible and even more valuable impact than the growing success has created. The reach, power and passion of the amazing fan base continue to extend SMASHVILLE’s ripple effect in so many new ways. From the Nashville Predators Foundation and the Ford Ice Centers, to the rising media ratings and the venue’s status of one of the busiest venues in the world and to SS&E’s launch and the opening of F&M Banka Arena and the third Ford Ice Center, the borders of SMASHVILLE’s growth positively impact families and businesses across the region.

SMASHVILLE continues to grow, reinforcing what an incredible hockey community we have. SS&E is celebrating the first anniversary of the F&M Bank Arena and consistently is involved to try to create new ice centers and Dek Hockey rinks through the community to join the existing Ford Ice Centers and the Lee Company Dek Hockey Rink in providing economic impact throughout SMASHVILLE while removing more and more boundaries for people to enjoy our wonderful sport. 

Henry is a graduate of the State University of New York, and was born a Nashvillian, although it took him 42 years to get here from his hometown of West Islip, NY. Before leading his favorite staff in SMASHVILLE, he served for 11 years as the Executive Vice President and COO of the Tampa Bay Lightning, two years as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Unity Motion and 14 years with Volume Services Inc., where he worked with the Detroit Pistons, St. Louis Rams, and the Washington Redskins.

Though much of his focus is spent moving the organization towards its ONEGOAL alongside the tireless and passionate SMASHVILLE staff, Henry is grateful for each day that he, along with his wife, Tracey, have the opportunity to serve on the boards of the Nashville Predators Foundation, Wings Of Liberty Museum, Nashville Health, The YWCA of Nashville, Nashville Downtown Partnership, Nashville Sports Council, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Advisory Board and STARS while also staying involved in their children’s schools,  teams, and clubs. 

Henry has been fortunate to have enjoyed some wonderful milestones in his career, but his reigning (it is no longer given out, so the reign will continue!) Father of the Year Award is one that has no equal and one that would not be possible without the support and good humor of his wife of 33 years, Tracey Manning (a.k.a. the Suburban Diva), or his four children, one daughter in law and new granddaughter – Stevie, Katie, Matty, Amy, Jessie and ChaCha. How Henry managed to win this award despite his constant attempts to recreate the National Lampoon’s Vacation and repeated stories (all normally captured in the Diva’s writings), is his greatest achievement. The Henry family ranked those vacations and selected Yellowstone National Park as their top family vacation, though they hope future trips rival that. To memorialize their favorite trip, after years of owning stuffed bears ranging from small to life-sized, they adopted a real, live bear from the wildlife refuge center in the park to join their adopted dogs, Yogi, and Seymour.

Kim James
Leading with Impact - Panel Moderator

Kim James serves as the Executive Director for the Young Leaders Council. With more than 18 years of extensive community relations, program management, donor engagement, and communications experience, Kim is a graduate of Fisk University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in financial economics before obtaining a master’s degree in business administration from Tennessee State University in 2003. She was selected as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs for 2024 and was featured among the Nashville Post “The Mentors” for 2024. Kim was also selected by Junior League of Nashville to receive the 2024 Paragon Award for Outstanding Community Service and is a 2018 recipient of the Women in Leadership of Central Illinois’ Woman Leader of the Year Award. In addition, Kim is a YLC Nashville Class 49 graduate, and a 2018 graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School.

Isabel Tipton-Krispin
Leading with Impact - Panelist

Isabel Tipton-Krispin has more than a decade of experience in the performing arts industry. Isabel currently serves as the Executive Director of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and previously held positions at Nashville Ballet and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Isabel has been involved with many aspects of arts organization leadership, including board governance, development, artistic operations, marketing, project management, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. A Racial Equity in Arts Leadership program alumna, Isabel has served on the Metro Arts Committee for Antiracism and Equity and is currently a Nashville Arts Coalition board member. Isabel was a 2022 finalist for the Nashville Emerging Leader Awards in the Arts, Music, and Entertainment category and was formerly the co-president of the Emerge America’s Young Leaders Cabinet. Isabel is a graduate from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a focus in sound design and has a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from UConn. She is a member of the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024 and was a member of the Nashville Emerging Leaders 2024 Cohort.

Megan Barry
Breakout Speaker

Biography coming soon.

Davis Dudchock
Breakout Speaker

Davis Dudchock is AI Product Manager at SAP. He works with development, data science, and design teammates to deliver new AI features for SAP's customers. This includes embedded AI, conversational AI, and RAG-based AI features. His Business AI team is focused on helping organizations work faster, work smarter, and transform the way they work - with the power of AI. Davis is also a leader in SAP's AI Ethics Review and Legal alignment on features before launch. Like most in the industry, he is trying to keep up with the breakneck pace of innovation with Generative AI, LLMs, and more!

His work at SAP has focused on HR Tech, including 4+ years in Product Management and 2 years in Technical Program Management. Prior to joining SAP, Davis worked in Technology Consulting at PwC and at Vanderbilt University. After starting his tech career in Silicon Valley, he is now thrilled to be back in Nashville. Davis splits his time working from home and traveling for customer workshops & product conferences. Davis is also an Ambassador Board member at the Nashville Technology Council and attends many technology meetups in town! You can find him on Linkedin here.

Jamie Leddin
Breakout Speaker

As a seasoned negotiator and accomplished entrepreneur, Jamie Leddin brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the fields of negotiation and leadership development. With a dynamic career spanning over three decades, Jamie has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and cultivate impactful partnerships across a diverse range of industries.

In 2001, Jamie embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Wedgewood Group, a boutique management consulting firm. Under Jamie's leadership, the firm achieved consistent double-digit annual revenue growth and expanded its presence with three offices across the Southeastern United States. The firm earned a coveted spot on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in 2011. Jamie played a key role in negotiating the firm's successful acquisition in 2012. 

Currently, Jamie is a Professor at Vanderbilt University, where she teaches Negotiation and serves as the lead negotiation professor for her program. Over the years at Vanderbilt, Jamie has also taught Organizational Behavior, Introduction to Marketing, Fundamentals of Management, Talent Management, and Women in Leadership. Additionally, Jamie teaches Negotiation and Leadership to corporate clients through the Vanderbilt Executive Education program.

Jamie earned her doctorate in leadership development and is a certified negotiator from Harvard University. Originally from California, Jamie has lived in ten states and two countries. Her experience living in various locations has profoundly shaped her perspective and leadership style. Combined with a commitment to partnership both personally and professionally, Jamie has gained unique insights and a deep understanding of negotiation dynamics.

Danielle Pyle
Breakout Speaker

Danielle Pyle is a leader, strategist, and connector dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships that drive business success and community impact. She empowers leaders to expand their influence, refine their brands, and unlock new opportunities in the market.

Her impact extends beyond business—driven by a deeply personal experience in which no justice was found, Danielle took action to protect future sexual assault survivors. Refusing to accept the status quo, she identified key partners, shared her personal testimony, and worked alongside legislators and strategic allies to push for change. Through persistence and determination, "Danielle’s Law" was created, extending the statute of limitations for civil suits in cases of sexual assault in Tennessee from just one year to three to five years, depending on law enforcement involvement.

Through her work as a consultant specializing in strategic partnerships, growth planning, and fractional COO services, as well as her dedication to advocacy, Danielle has become a trusted and respected voice in the business community. She is known for her ability to connect leaders, create opportunities, and implement strategies that drive meaningful and lasting impact.

A Nashville native with Kentucky roots, Danielle’s expertise lies in building relationships that matter—whether in the boardroom, on the policy stage, or in the communities she serves. A former Nashville Junior Chamber member, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and civic leadership to every space she enters. Through her work and speaking engagements, she inspires audiences to rethink connection, embrace strategy, and lead with impact.

Engaging, insightful, and deeply passionate about her work, Danielle Pyle challenges audiences to think bigger, connect deeper, and take bold steps toward meaningful change.

Jill Robinson
Breakout Speaker

In 1995, Jill’s career started in Nashville with various nonprofits in marketing, outreach, and programs including Tennessee 200, the non-profit managing Tennessee’s 200th birthday, TACA, an organization supporting statewide artists, and LifeWay in the collegiate ministry office. Concurrently, she joined Charter Resource Group, a change management and CEO coaching consulting firm. 

In 1999, she managed TPAC’s first volunteer department, eventually moving to Director of Development supporting fundraising and event goals for their education programs.  

Finding a passion for organizational and leadership development, she obtained an M.A. in Organizational Management in 2002, and completed her M.B.A. in 2004.

February 2005, she joined Belmont University’s Office of the President focusing on presidential initiatives, donor relations, and cross-functional team management.  Summer 2007, she moved to Jack C. Massey College of Business Center for Executive Education as the Director of Executive Learning and Marketing combining her love for learning, leadership training, and marketing.  She moved to the Massey Dean’s Office as Director of External Relations in 2014 expanding her role to include strategic initiatives, community outreach, and leadership development, working with the Massey School’s 5 Centers of Learning, marketing, and community and business alliances. In summer of 2022, the business school named Jill the Assistant Dean of External Relations and Strategic Partnerships moving the Massey Career Development and Massey Alumni offices underneath her purview.

Jill has a passion for community engagement at all levels, works on external strategic initiatives for the college advancing the Massey College and embedding the community at all levels. 

In 2009, she received the inaugural NBJ 40 Under 40 award, in 2010 the Nashville Chamber Nashville Emerging Leader Education award, in 2016 the NBJ Women of Influence non-profit award, in 2021 was named Woman of the Year for School of the Arts at her alma matter Samford University, and in 2023 received the Diane Hayes Legacy of Leadership Award from Young Leaders Council. In 2017 she received her International Coaching Certification and launched her coaching business focusing on job transition, career visioning, leadership development and execution.  In 2022 pursued her undergraduate major and love of art launching two shows of abstract paintings.  Through her role at Belmont and her coaching company, she serves those that she connects with and enjoys encouraging them to be their best selves.  She believes deeply in the goodness in everyone she meets, and that kindness matters in creating lasting impact.  In her spare time, you can often find Jill serving through nonprofit boards of directors in Nashville, spoiling her nieces, painting, at Pilates class, or hiking in Percy Warner Parks.  The novice foodie can be found eating out with friends in Nashville at the latest restaurant opening, or in class learning about vino!  

Hannah Schneider
Breakout Speaker

Hannah Schneider, a San Diego native, has built a dynamic career in public relations and social media over the past 16 years. With determination and a talent for storytelling, she worked her way from fine-dining roles to becoming a social media manager, publicist, founder of BRND House, and now Partner and VP of Business Development at the company.

Her hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, from managing restaurants to overseeing social media for New York’s Egg Shop, honed her brand strategy and media relations expertise. In 2016, she co-owned Nashville’s wine bar SALT & VINE, further cementing her passion for hospitality, travel, and design. Additionally, Schneider founded Kettner Coffee Supply, a growing chain of coffee shops, before successfully selling both Kettner and BRND House.

With a proven track record of securing media placements in outlets like Good Morning America, FOOD & WINE, and The New York Times, Schneider brings unparalleled expertise to her role at BRND House. After the company's successful acquisition in 2023, Schneider is now responsible for overseeing business development, strategy, and growth across its national client base.

Ryan Walega
Breakout Speaker

Ryan Walega is the Chief Operating Officer of JAM FACTORY and STRUMN, two trailblazing companies reshaping the live entertainment space. Based in Nashville, TN, Ryan plays a central role in bridging the gap between artists, venues, and event clients—crafting performance ecosystems that are as strategic as they are unforgettable.

Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Ryan brings a powerful combination of operational leadership, creative vision, and hospitality-driven instincts to his work. At JAM FACTORY, he oversees a national network of stages and leads talent strategy, booking operations, and venue partnerships—producing 10,000+ shows annually across restaurants, rooftops, hotels, nightlife venues, and corporate events. JAM FACTORY currently powers live music programming at some of Nashville’s hottest destinations, including The Twelve Thirty Club, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Barstool Nashville, W Hotel, and more.

Ryan also leads strategy and product direction for STRUMN, a brand new Artist to Venue APP platform now available on iOS and Google Play—free for all artists and entertainment gig workers. JAM FACTORY alongside STRUMN helps simplify scheduling, streamline communication, manage bookings and PAYROLL across every type of live performance.

Highlights:

• Oversees 10,000+ live music bookings annually, with a strong focus in Nashville and expanding national reach

• Leads business operations for RIOT RANCH, a rising DJ collective and nightlife booking brand curating high-energy experiences

• Executive Producer of Nashville Voices, a flagship live content series hosted at iconic Broadway and rooftop venues

• Develops cross-market brand, venue, and event partnerships to drive engagement, ROI, and cultural impact

• Committed to elevating the live music experience onstage, offstage, and across every touchpoint

With a strong foundation in both tech and talent, Ryan Walega continues to build platforms that empower artists, deliver results for venues, and raise the bar for modern live entertainment.

Khalil Ekulona
Breakout Speaker

Khalil Ekulona’s life story is one that is based on curiosity and authenticity. Growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore gave him the opportunity to enjoy both the care-free days of youth and the vibrancy that is city life. While attending Elon College (now known as Elon University) he began to hone his voice and leadership skills through his activities in student government. He then made a shocking decision: he pursued the creative arts rather than a career in politics that many (including himself) believed he was destined for. That choice brought him to Los Angeles in the late 90’s. There, he became a founding member of the hip hop group Fresh Air (your favorite group that you’ve never heard of) and entered the world of education. It was his years teaching at an alternative high school for at-risk teens that gave him a deeper perspective on the connections of humans and our shared problems and joys. In his travels he’s learned more about what connects us and what we, as human beings, desire most for ourselves and loved ones. Moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico he was able to reconnect with himself and ask the questions that many of us either stray away from or obsess over: What is this thing we call life? 

He got his broadcasting start as the co-host of Good Day New Mexico in Albuquerque. From there he became a correspondent with New Mexico Public Television, and a sports anchor at UPublic Network. In 2019, he began working with NPR affiliate KUNM. There, he co-produced and hosted Your New Mexico Government and the award-winning podcast No More Normal, both of which covered the government, world, and local events during the pandemic. In 2021 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to become the inaugural host of This Is Nashville, the flagship daily show on WPLN 90.3 FM. A show that aims to exhibit the connections of human beings regardless of identity or political affiliation. He takes life one day at a time and is open to new experiences. For that is how he got to where he is today. Khalil is a dedicated cat dad and loves to seek out laughter because it’s the perfect way to heal any wound.

Anna Grider
Nash Next Panelist

Anna joined the Metro Nashville Planning Department in 2016 as a Community Planner. She is passionate about community engagement and long-range planning and has been a key part of several critical planning projects for Nashville. Most recently Anna led the creation of the Imagine East Bank Vision Plan, one of the largest and most complex planning studies Nashville has undertaken. Since the plan adoption in October 2022, Anna has been working on its implementation as a Project Manager for Metro’s East Bank Program Management Team.

Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Geography from the University of Sheffield, England, and a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to moving to Nashville, Anna worked for the Planning Departments of the City of Broken Arrow and the City of Oklahoma City, and for the Institute for Quality Communities at the University of Oklahoma.

Bob Mendes
Nash Next Panelist

Biography coming soon.

Nathan Oliver
Nash Next Panelist

Biography coming soon.