Model Behavior 2021: Dee Patel, Centennial Park Conservancy

As managing director of The Hermitage Hotel, it’s only natural that Dee Patel would be keenly familiar with the relationship between the landmark hotel and Centennial Park and the Parthenon. It’s one that dates back more than 100 years to when the suffragists met at the hotel regularly, lobbied legislators in its halls and started their marches to the steps of the Parthenon.

“This historic connection is what drew me to the Centennial Park Conservancy,” Dee explains as to why she became directly involved with the nonprofit, which works with the city to preserve and enhance the park. In the past few years, Dee and the team at The Hermitage Hotel worked to support the Conservancy in various ways, including hosting the 2019 Chef’s Odyssey fundraising dinner and donating the inventive — and delicious — suffrage-themed cocktails for last year's Conservancy Gala. She’s an active board member and has taken on the responsibility of serving as co-chair of the upcoming gala this November.

Dee says her involvement, both personally and professionally, with the Centennial Park Conservancy has taught her the importance of honoring and protecting our past, present and future as a city. “The Parthenon and The Hermitage Hotel are two of Nashville’s most notable historic landmarks,” she says. “Supporting one another is crucial.”

Centennial Park Conservancy

Centennial Park Conservancy's mission is to preserve, enhance and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park so that all future generations may benefit from these enriching cultural and educational landmarks.