Model Behavior 2025: Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton

Preservation Society of Nashville is proof that, with the help of united creative forces, maintaining the old is just as vital as originating the new. Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton harnessed their inventive prowesses in 2022 when launching the organization, which has since protected Nashville’s distinct identity. 

“The Preservation Society of Nashville would not exist without the vision, heart and determination of our founders, Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton,” says executive director David Greider. “Their deep love for Nashville — its neighborhoods, its stories and its soul — paired with a sharp understanding of what’s at stake — gave rise to something truly transformative.” 

The duo’s love for preservation began early, with Colson’s childhood home greatly informing her taste. “My parents lived in a historic home built in the mid-1840s,” she says. “It shaped my admiration for craftsmanship, the longevity of well-built homes and the way that something with a life before you can make you feel.” 

Both women sharpen their eye for art every day in their careers, with Colson spending over 15 years in prop styling, set design and art direction, and Kelleigh pursuing songwriting and interviewing country artists for The Kelleigh Bannen Show and Today’s Country on Apple Music. These individual skill sets directly correlate to their philanthropic efforts. 

“The vulnerability of Nashville’s historic places is what drew us to this work,” says Kelleigh. “Nashville’s neighborhoods, unique stories and, ultimately, the quality of life here is what’s at stake. As Nashville continues to rapidly grow, our town needs advocates for its historic places.”

When first dreaming up the organization in 2020, the co-founders found mentors in the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s expert team. “Any start-up is tough,” says Colton. “It takes a lot of energy and mental fortitude, paired with drive and a can-do attitude. This organization has taught me the importance of bringing in the right people at the beginning.”  

As Colson and Kelleigh look to the future, they intend to preempt problems while focusing on conservation, as both practices go hand in hand. “Preservation work is far more successful when it’s not simply reacting to a current crisis. Like, ‘This building just sold, and it’s about to get torn down,’ ” says Kelleigh. “It’s much harder to enter the conversation at that late hour and save a building. My hope is that, as we continue to grow in our influence in the community, we can be part of the conversation much earlier.”

Kelleigh Bannen

Dress: Zimmermann Hypnotic caped maxi dress (Gus Mayer)

Shoes: Bianca Santiago Russo mules (Saint Laurent)

Earrings: Bronze grand loop hoop earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)

Bracelets: Bronze ram cuffs (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)

Ring: Jade Ruzzo Tennessee yellow gold ring (Department)

Colson Horton

Dress: Zimmermann Hypnotic bow mini dress (Gus Mayer)

Shoes: Interlocking CC logo T-strap pumps (Chanel)

Earrings: Vintage Chanel gold drop earrings (personal collection)

Ring: Cartier diamond ring (personal collection)

Florist: Rose Hill Flowers