Fresh Faces of Philanthropy 2025: Ann Waller Curtis

Profession: Principal, Stones River Group

Nonprofit: OZ Arts Nashville

As a principal at Stones River Group, a Nashville public relations and government affairs firm, Ann Waller Curtis spends her days helping clients shape meaningful messages. But her after-hours passion for the arts — particularly one local nonprofit — puts her squarely among 2025’s Fresh Faces of Philanthropy.

For the past seven years, Ann Waller has been a dedicated supporter of OZ Arts Nashville, a contemporary arts hub known for its bold, one-of-a-kind performances. Her journey with OZ began in 2014 while visiting Nashville from Washington, D.C., when she caught a gravity-defying performance by the vertical dance company Bandaloop. The show left an indelible impression on her — and sparked a long-term connection to an organization unlike any other in the region.

Ann Waller formally joined OZ in 2018 through the Young Leaders Council and has remained deeply involved, notably serving on the host committee for Conversations at OZ, the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser. “It’s one of my favorite nights of the year,” she says. “It’s a great way to introduce new people to OZ and the power of community conversation.”

OZ’s mission aligns perfectly with Ann Waller’s background. A Nashville native and art history graduate of Trinity College, she also interned at the National Endowment for the Arts, where she learned firsthand how arts advocacy shapes communities — a lesson that remains timely, as OZ and other local arts organizations navigate the loss of federal grant funding. 

“There is no place like OZ,” says Ann Waller. “It occupies a really special place in Nashville’s cultural and artistic landscape. The performances are innovative and unique, and they do a great job engaging the community.” Ann Waller champions OZ’s dynamic programming and robust education efforts, which reach over 6,000 students annually.

Whether she’s introducing new audiences to contemporary art or walking rescue dogs at the Nashville Humane Association, Ann Waller brings the same energy: a belief that creativity and compassion can and should be at the heart of community life.