The Players

Published On: July 29, 2009

Nashville is full of people committing selfless acts, dreaming big and being good. This month, we recognize eleven individuals who are not just making Nashville a better place to live—they're changing the world.

Whitney Daane

There's a magnetic aura about Whitney Daane. When she enters a room, you know she's there. This great force of energy and personality draws people to her, and her innate ability to connect and relate with all sorts of people puts everyone around her at ease. Somehow, her effervescence takes over so people aren't intimidated by her intellect. That's a gift.

And, it's one she's put to use with her work at Kobalt Music Publishing Company, a unique entity in the publishing world that works off the premise that the tracking of songwriter and publisher royalties should be transparent and work similarly to online banking. It's relationships, just like the ones Whitney is so adept at forging, that build such businesses. A natural people connector (Whitney is the one who introduced Hippie Gypsy Jewelry to Nashville which is oft seen on fashionable necks), Whitney credits the many doors she's been through for helping end up where she is today.

Speaking of those doors. You may need to buy a drink before you embark on the adventure that is the life of Whitney. Honestly. While we could regale you with the stories of her days selling shoes at McClure's, a stint doing improv comedy at the Actor's Playhouse, producing an audio-magazine for truck drivers, babysitting Matthew McConaughey's dog (come on now, girl—you should have called us to help!), it would only be the beginning. For next came a crossroads. Whitney had to choose between working as Farrah Fawcett's personal assistant or working for Madonna's film company, Maverick. Her mother, whom Whitney calls 'Bubbles' and is wiser than a tree full of owls, posed the decisive question, "Whitney, you don't want to pick up your own panties off the floor, why would you want to pick up Farrah's?" That sealed the day.

At Maverick, Whitney met Lionel Conway, who hired her to work for Maverick Music out of Nashville where she was part of the team that won Song of the Year in 1999 with Faith Hill's "This Kiss"—which was written by one of Maverick's writers Robin Lerner.

Whew! That's a lot of doors!

Seriously though, one of the most important influences/door openers in her life is her father Dewey Daane. Whitney recalls when the family moved to Nashville and her dad worked at Commerce Union Bank. The bank was branching into the music biz and Dewey let Whitney tag along to breakfasts with Chet Atkins and Harry Warner at the old Belle Meade Motel on Harding Road. Or to meetings with Jimmy Kellam, Mac Davis, Larry Gatlin and Barbara Mandrell. Those times stuck with her.

And, of course, there's another great inspiration—Minnie Pearl. She delivered the commencement speech at Whitney's Harpeth Hall graduation. Calling the loveable hat-wearing, Grand Ole Opry star Minnie "one of the most articulate and lovely women ever," Whitney perhaps misses the irony. She could be talking about herself. So if you ever you open a door and see Whitney standing there, give her a big old, "HOWDEE—I'm just so proud to be here!"

You won't regret it.

The guardian

Perian Strang

There are those people who seem to have it all—success, looks, family, career, personality. Before you actually get to know them, you can comfort yourself by thinking, "Well, they're probably really stupid," or "I bet their house is a mess." Anything to make you think they're not that perfect.

Enter Perian Strang. She actually is the total package. And, she's kind, intelligent and generous, too. Rats! It almost doesn't seem fair that one young lady can have that much going for her. In all honesty, Perian's generosity and intense work effort have benefited everyone in this community—particularly supporters of the arts.

Perian spearheaded the campaign to refurbish the Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk, home to some of the world's greatest works of art. "I love art and was elated to be a part of the reopening of the Carl Van Vechten Gallery at Fisk," says Perian, who was a Fine Arts major at Vanderbilt and served on the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. While Perian humbly credits numerous other people with staging the event and raising funds, her passion for the Stieglitz Collection and for Fisk, where she serves on the board of trust, could be seen at every turn. "I hope [the reopening] will entice visitors to campus so they can discover the other wonderful treasures that the University has to offer such as their amazing students," says Perian.

In addition to her commitment to art, Perian is one cool mom to children Sam (10), Holland (8) and Pia (4). Her first two children were born in Australia where the family lived for five years when husband Sam owned a sports marketing company that ran the marketing programs for the Sydney Olympics.

Living abroad and traveling internationally have significantly shaped Perian's values and how she sees the world. "Cultures and people are all unique and each should be embraced for what they have to teach us," she explains, adding that "instead of looking at differences we should spend more time looking at what makes us the same—love of family and friends, life and experiences."

Perian's non-profit work is by no means over. In the wake of the Van Vechten's success, she's jumped right back into the action and is serving as co-chair with Dara Dickson for the upcoming 25th Annual Symphony Ball.

How does this multi-tasking mother manage? "Whenever I am asked that question I jokingly say that I don't seem to do anything as well as I should, but I do think it is important for my children to see me 'working' even if a lot of it is from home," explains Perian, who is also the co-founder and president of Kids Wrap! Inc., a Nashville-based arts and crafts company. "I try to give back as much of my energy as I can to this community and local nonprofits because I was raised in a home environment where we were taught to give our time to others and share whatever talents we have to help those in need of an extra pair of hands.

"I love spending time with the children but they also know that 'Mommy works,' and I think they are proud of the contributions that I have made," she adds.

And the rest of Nashville is proud, too.

Imagine waking up one morning and realizing that you can't hear. Out of the blue. For no reason. You're otherwise in excellent health, have suffered no trauma or felt any pain. You simply can't hear.

Your frustration builds throughout the day as you realize your voicemail is full, but you are unable to listen to your messages. You see your cell phone light up as it rings but can't answer it. Your daughter falls and scrapes her knee, but her cries go unanswered. You notice some folks treating you differently­—as if they think you are snobby. They don't realize you didn't hear them greet you. Your world has stopped.

This happens to people on a daily basis. Fortunately, Nashville is blessed with the largest ear center in the world as well as one of its great leaders—David Haynes. The internationally acclaimed doctor is director of Vanderbilt's Neurotology Department (neurotology is a focus on hearing and balance disorders and requires one to two years of additional training beyond standard ear, nose and throat surgical training) and also heads the department's fellowship program.

He heals hearing.

Just ask John Hardaway, a healthy and fit fellow, who suffered sudden and profound hearing loss in his early 40s. After numerous tests, doctors determined his loss was permanent. Had this happened to John just a little more than a decade ago, he would have been left asking, "Why me?" But today, there are options. He was approved for cochlear implant surgery with David.

"Dr. Haynes gave me back my life," says John, matter-of-factly. "There's no question about it." David operated on John, inserting a Cochlear America implant in him which allowed him to hear again.

David's compassion for his patients is evident in his eyes when he speaks of them. "My patients are very important to me," he says. "They come from all over the nation, and sometimes, I am sorry to say, wait months to get in. I never forget this and that they came here for the best care available."

David knows his patients are "all someone's wife, husband, son or daughter," and he treats each as such.

Indeed, there is a wait to get in with David and his team. The Vanderbilt Ear Nose and Throat Department is ranked 16th in US News and World Report rankings while the Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences is ranked number one. David says he is "proud that referring doctors send their patients to us," and credits Dr. Michael E. Glassock, an internationally known ear surgeon who founded The Otology Group in the late 1960s. David, who was "fortunate enough to study under Dr. Glassock," now heads the Otology Group of Vanderbilt Fellows and has managed to "pull Dr. Glassock out of retirement to consult."

With people living longer and experiencing hearing loss and young people damaging their hearing through loud music and concerts, "hearing loss will be more prevalent than ever," David says. "The future is in minimally invasive surgery and taking advantage of the technology available. We are currently starting clinical trials with several devices that restore hearing. With better technology we will be able to help more people with hearing, especially milder hearing loss."

All we can say to that is, "Hear, hear!"

The Heartthrobs

Keith and André Churchwell

Who are these handsome gentlemen? Cardiologists? Fashion Models? Brothers? Can you believe that both of them are all of the above? (Well, Keith (on the left) is associate professor of medicine and radiology and executive director/chief medical officer of the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute and André is associate professor of medicine/cardiology, radiology, biomedical engineering and associate dean of diversity education in graduate medical education in faculty and housestaff. But, it just fits better if we simply say cardiologists.)

With every hair in place and every button holding steadfast, André and Keith Churchwell stride purposefully through the halls of Vanderbilt's Cardiology Department, greeting friends and co-workers. These men command your attention with their confidence and dapper dress. And that's just the way they want it. They dress to impress.

Both cite their father Robert Churchwell, a renowned journalist, as their main style influence. "My sense of style began with observing my dad as he prepared for work each day," says André. "He always mentioned that how you dressed presented yourself to the world." An agreeing Keith chimes in,"He wore a suit-sport coat everyday to work, fitted and the right season—from 12-ounce wool in the winter to seersucker in the summer. It was always a great tie and shirt and a white linen pocket square for my Dad."

The brothers cite film hero Fred Astaire as a fashion role model. "The way he wore clothes, elegant threads in casual situations, to be able to dance full-tilt in a double breasted suit with nary a pleat out-of-place was fascinating," says Keith, adding that "watching Grant, Bogart, Cooper and the rest from the era was illuminating, too."

Ask the brothers to share one clothing item they can't do without and Keith immediately says, "a pocket square or a linen handkerchief in the breast pocket of my coat," while André can't live without a "harmonious tie."

Their lists of the essential wardrobe elements for a stylish and proper gentleman are similar but not identical. Keith's list: black cap toe shoes (not loafers, real shoes); a midnight blue suit; a blue blazer (single and double-breasted); enough ties to rotate through a week's work; dark brown shoes (with laces)—go with everything in your wardrobe; socks that cover the calves (no one wants to see the hair on your legs when you cross them) and in a few colors other than black; braces—to ensure your pants sit appropriately on the shoe, without worry, all day; a grey suit, the shade is up to your personal taste; a tuxedo, midnight blue preferably, single-breasted peak lapel or double-breasted; and, white linen handkerchiefs.

André's list: a navy blazer (single or double-breasted—it can be dressed up or down); a navy suit—can be worn at weddings and is your business suit; a day suit—single or double-breasted grey flannel; a seersucker suit for spring or summer (can wear the jacket with cream or white gabardine or linen slacks); black cap toe oxfords for evening wear or business attire; Bass Weejuns (cordovan) to dress down an outfit; single-piece brown suede oxfords—if I have to explain, you get two points taken away; navy or dark grey chalk-stripe suit—preferably double breasted; a classic trench coat with a liner with the appropriate decorative elements to suggest the "trench coat of WWI"—which is where this coat originated; your own dinner suit, known as a Tuxedo Suit, preferably midnight blue.

The brothers' old school charm (which hasn't gone unnoticed by national media—they've been featured in The New York Times and Quest, and André has appeared in USA TODAY and most recently the notable Turnbull and Asser newsletter) also comes from having a good tailor. André and Keith both rely on Leondard Logsdail, a transplanted Saville Row tailor who has a shop in New York. André met Leonard through friend G. Bruce Boyer, who, at the time, was men's style editor for Town and Country magazine. The brothers describe their looks as André says, "English gentleman of the mid 20th century and Esquire Magazine of the 1930's—that's still the zenith of men's dress and style." They are both taken with the book, Men in Style, which details the evolution of men's style as cataloged in the pages of Esquire magazine from the 1930s through the 1950s. They are in talks to create a new version of the book, themselves. They most certainly have the knowledge. If they can just find the time!

Ed Nash

All the stars in the sky must have aligned for the birth of Ed Nash. It seems that every single interest, talent, opportunity and experience throughout his entire life was leading to where he is today. He was born and raised in London (where at age 13, he was a awarded an art scholarship to Bedford Boys School in Bedfordshire, England.), but through some miracle of fate, he has landed here in Nashville, where he founded Oxford Fine Arts—a company that helps people build art collections.

He plays a variety of roles for the people who hire him. From teacher, investment adviser, economist, personal shopper and friend, there's a great deal that Ed's clients can learn from him.

On teaching, he says, "I think the most important thing is for me to have the heart of a teacher. The first step in my process is to help people understand what fine art it is; how to determine value; and, why some art appreciates in value and some art does not."

Next, he's something of an investment adviser: "The secret is to accept the fact that over a lifetime of decorating and finishing our homes, most of us spend an amount of money on decorative art (which seldom if ever appreciates in value) equal to an amount capable of acquiring a select group of museum quality pieces. The media stories about paintings that sell for record sums of money often cause people to think that collecting museum quality art is reserved for only the Buffetts and Gates of this world. The truth is that anyone of ordinary means armed with both the knowledge of how to recognize value in art plus a little patience can accumulate a very fine collection to be enjoyed now and for generations to come."

Now, here he is in his economist role on why art is a good investment: "Hedge against inflation and diversification. During inflationary periods, which we are no doubt going to experience in the next few years, people are looking to invest in hard assets. Art, like real estate, can be a means of beating inflation." Ed adds, "Despite being something we can enjoy everyday, fine art can also be a solid means of diversification. Historically the art market has always done favorably in times of recession, depression and war."

After asking Ed to share an exciting, recent acquisition, we see him in his role of personal shopper and friend. Ed says, "Last year I went to a small estate sale and the auctioneer held up an old painting that was torn, tattered and showed no artist signature—it looked like it had been in someone's basement for years. I took a chance and bought the painting. Once I got it home I started double checking for signature with my fingers crossed. I took it out of the frame and "bingo!" Along the stretcher behind the frame it was signed! I took the painting to New York for restoration and cleaning. The canvas was moved over to reveal the signature. I had bought the painting for a minimal amount, invested several thousand restoring it. I then offered it to one of my collector clients for a reasonable price. He now loves the painting and it recently appraised for $18,000. My collector client is very pleased." Well, we should think so!

Ed purchases most of his art from museums, private collections and estates, but he has three pieces of advice that everyone should consider when buying art: "Buy art only that you love and understand. Second, listen to Warren Buffett who says, 'Find a dealer you can have a relationship with and who is focused on educating you.' And, don't buy art on a cruise or vacation!"

The champion of ladies

In an interesting twist of fate, Rebecca Climer has managed to bring two seemingly different career choices together into one beautiful, healthy package. On a daily basis, she serves as Saint Thomas Hospital's chief communications officer where she is responsible for all aspects of marketing, advertising, public relations, internal and external communications and web development for the five-hospital system (over the last year, you've no doubt seen and heard of the Go Red campaign that Rebecca has spearheaded on behalf of Saint Thomas and the American Heart Association in an effort to increase awareness of heart disease in women). In another role, Rebecca is co-owner of the delightful Hillsboro Village store Social Graces where she and partner Teresa Palmer "provide beautiful paper and gifts to facilitate expressions of comfort, hospitality and gratitude."

On one hand, this petite whirlwind of serene energy possesses an executive job that mandates making tough decisions and working long, hard hours—leaving little time for family. On the other, the work with her store harkens back to another era—a time when ladies ruled the roost at home and their focus was on etiquette and the little things that made life proper and beautiful. How does Rebecca make these seemingly incongruous ideals work together and where does she find the time?

First, she says laughingly, "Well, I've pretty much let slide my other interests." Fortunately, she's reeled her husband David into the business (he's CFO but his business card reads 'Voice of Reason'), and they spend lots of time talking about Social Graces, as well as their paying jobs. And, she adds, "Teresa and I are fortunate that our friends and family seem to enjoy the store as much as we do."

The pair had discussed creating a business before, "but nothing fit with our interests and passions as well as Social Graces," Rebecca explains. Then Teresa called her one day to say that Social Graces was for sale, so "we took the plunge and have had a great year." As far as their titles go, "we decided to create our own," Rebecca says. "Teresa decided on 'Shopkeeper' and I chose 'Chatelaine.'"

To many people today, social graces-—etiquette and letter writing—have given way to new technology such as Blackberries and iPhones. In Rebecca's eyes, that's a mistake. "Today, I got a thank you card, hand-written on beautiful paper," she says. "It meant so much more to me than if I'd received a text that said, 'Thx! UR gr8!.' We should never let convenience get in the way of real human interaction."

But how does that mesh with today's world of business? Rebecca says, "I'm fortunate in that working in public and community relations, you're expected to understand how to effectively relate to people, plan an event and write a good letter. I've had an etiquette book in my office for years, and I use it often. Also, I happen to like nice things—pretty paper, flowers and cards."

She remembers hearing a keynote speaker say that humans had a physiological need for beauty, and adds, "I believe that."

Stephen Moseley

You know those mornings when you awake and you would give up your right arm to skip work? You have to deal with getting dressed, attacking the traffic, long meetings, incessant phone calls, never-ending emails. And at the end of the day, you ask yourself, "What the hell have I accomplished today?" Ugh. Nada.

Well, Sam Davidson and Stephen Moseley never have days like that. These hip, young entrepreneurs have found a purpose, and it's to make the world a better place. Pretty nifty mission, don't you think? The clever do-gooders created a website called coolpeoplecare.org that shows people how to improve the earth in just five minutes a day. They've also co-authored a book called New Day Revolution with simple recommendations for making a difference in the world in everyday life. These small changes add up quickly—from unplugging appliances when you leave the home and saving electricity to smashing your juice box when you finish so it takes up less space.

The amazing social network these gentlemen have created is reaching 10,000 people each day all over the world—through their website, email newsletter, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other free social media.

"When we started, we were excited about the possibilities of what could happen, but we still didn't think it would turn into a day job," said Stephen. "But, as more and more people are looking online for ways to make a difference, we've been pleasantly surprise at the impact we've had. What first began as 99 words each weekday has blossomed into an eco-friendly merchandise line, an online calendar for every community in the United States and an archive of several thousands ideas for making the world a better place."

The partners say they measure their success by the depth of stories that emerge from their work. "We love to hear from people, whether they're detailing their new involvement with a local nonprofit they saw profiled on the site, or whether they're reducing their carbon footprint because of a tip they saw in one of our emails," said Stephen.

Both Sam and Stephen started work in the nonprofit world and saw a need to help people see how simple it is to be a good citizen. "We hope to show that caring is ultimately a lifestyle—it's not a trend or a fad," explains Stephen. "It's not one thing you do when you have free time but how your make decisions, drive your car, drink coffee, vote—it's a way of life."

Both men agree that Nashville is the perfect origin for such an altruistic cause. Sam says, "If you were to drop a rock in the pond of social change in order to create a ripple effect that touched people throughout the nonprofit world, Nashville's the place to toss it in."

And we thank them for tossing that rock.

The queen of the Boulevard

Merge those two famous high school senior superlatives of 'Most Popular' and 'Most Likely to Succeed' and what do you get? Gray Thornburg. She's the girl everyone wants to be friends with—and not because they want something from her. It's because she's fun to be around. So why would someone so beloved want to be Mayor of Belle Meade? After all, if you serve in a political position of any sorts, you will have haters. It's the nature of the beast.

But somehow, Gray's got everyone eating out of the palm of her hand. Just look at the cover of this magazine! From the fine police officers of Belle Meade (who clearly enjoyed joking around with Gray during the Nfocus photo shoot) to the city's most demanding residents, people respect and like Gray.

After growing up in Belle Meade amongst a family chockfull of orthodontists (Gray actually is editor of the Orthodontic Directory of the World), Gray didn't stray far from home after graduating from Vandy—except for her year-long stint in London with Lloyds of London. Today, she lives in Belle Meade with her 15-year-old daughter Anne Gray and husband Charley. "I never had a burning desire to be Mayor of Belle Meade," says Gray, noting that "it's interesting in that you run for Commissioner and the commissioners determine who is mayor."

More than two years ago, Gray first ran for Belle Meade Commissioner because she felt it was important to give back to the community and wanted to volunteer. Now, as the city's mayor, she's intent on long-range city planning and bringing Belle Meade up-to-date with technology by making the website relevant and useful.

"The website (citybellemeade.org) has changed, I think, for the better," she says, adding that change can be slow. "The biggest challenge right now is to get the word out and encourage citizens to make use of the website and get their newsletters online, as well as to be on email so that they could receive any urgent messages regarding safety if we ever need to send one."

Her ultimate goal as Mayor is to provide a sustainable financial plan for Belle Meade, but she's got plenty of other irons in the fire when it comes to aspirations. Gray is currently treasurer for The West End Home, where she is spearheading a revamping of the financials for the ladies' home, and she is president of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta where she oversees the running of the chapter home. Between Belle Meade, The West End Home, the Theta House and her own home, Gray is the quintessential mother hen, it seems.

Now, while a mother can fix almost anything, this one cannot fix a speeding ticket. So don't ask!

At first glance, you may not see it, but believe us when we tell you that all the little pieces and parts of J.R. Roper's life have come together in a master feat of engineering to create one of Nashville's best philanthropic machines. It starts like this.

Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, J.R. was raised by his Christian missionary parents, who first instilled in him the importance of altruism. The youngest of a family of six, J.R. turned to music for attention and for pleasure. When he he headed off to college at Harding University, music and a certain lovely songwriter were his passions. He married that songwriter, Joy Henley, the same year he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Now, where else would two songbirds fly but Music City? That's right. Like all Nashville musicians, they enjoyed highs and lows. But they did enjoy success such as performing on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, Good Morning America and countless other television shows. They toured with David Frizzell and Shelly West, CMA duo of the year 1980-1984. While associated with Frizzell & West, they performed with many great entertainers such as Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire and others. In fact, their music took them to 38 foreign countries and every state in the nation.

After a bit of a dry spell in the music biz, J.R. accepted a job at a Nashville Cadillac dealer and fell head over heels in love with the car business. This love led him to accept the opportunity to build the first Lexus of Nashville dealership. Today, J.R. is general manager for Lexus of Nashville and Lexus of Nashville North.

And it's here, in Music City, at Lexus, that all the selflessness that his parents instilled in him has blossomed.

"The city of Nashville has to be the most generous city on earth, in terms of compassion, fundraising and citizen involvement," says J.R. "It is truly a town that gives back, and it is so gratifying to live somewhere like that."

Since its opening in Nashville, Lexus has continued to be a company that supports community initiatives. J.R. says that's no mistake. "I believe our Lexus customer base is more concerned with how we invest in our community rather than how we spend our money on advertising," he says. "They would much rather us do philanthropic work that reflects our values in a positive way."

It's this synergy that energizes J.R. and his employees and makes coming to work more than just a job. You're part of a family. And, the company's commitment to community means J.R. and crew can invest time in the causes they care about, which for J.R., includes the Presidents Development Council for Harding University and the board of directors for Middle Tennessee Chapter of the March of Dimes. He still has a musician living in his soul and uses his music in rewarding endeavors through his church involvement and other community service.

But don't think he doesn't remember where he came from. You're sure to see him at every Nashville Predators game, cheering on his team. "Have to stay connected to those Canadian roots, right?" he asks, laughing.

As long as you keep cheering for those Predators, eh? n