Restoration & Renewal

Jane MacLeod has served as President & CEO of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens since 2010, transforming the historic estate into one of the Southeast’s premier art and garden destinations. Jane studied journalism in college and earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University. At the start of her career, she worked in Dallas with Fortune 500 companies before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Upon deciding to go back to work, Jane looked for a position where she could market something she believed would better the lives of others. When her sons were young, she spent countless hours exploring the Dallas Arboretum with them, and a position that aligned with Jane’s career desires opened up: director of marketing at the Dallas Arboretum.

Her experience in nonprofit leadership — as a visionary, a marketer and a fundraiser — led her to Cheekwood in 2010. Jane’s leadership has brought heightened awareness and appreciation for the venerable institution, which has risen in recent years to be the third-highest-attended destination in Nashville. Beyond her role as a devoted CEO, Jane is also a mother, stepmother, grandmother, wife, sister and friend who loves gardening, Gilded Age architecture, historical novels and her miniature golden retriever, Lucy.

What did you initially want to be when you grew up?

My first recollection is wanting to be like my dad, a business executive, so I could one day have a briefcase. I would run out to greet him every day when he came home from work so I could carry it for him. After graduating from college and accepting my first corporate position, I did, indeed, celebrate by purchasing that long-awaited briefcase.

What have been some of your goals as Cheekwood’s CEO?

My primary goal was to bring financial stability to the institution. Gifted without an endowment, Cheekwood always struggled financially, though the community was not aware of it because the estate’s natural beauty and grandeur was always the first and lasting impression. But, if you had looked closely, you could see how “tired and worn” the facilities and gardens had become.

My first goal was developing seasonal festivals to draw attendance and the related revenue needed for a balanced budget. The next major goal was to address decades of deferred restorations and start to build an endowment, which we began in earnest with The Cheekwood Campaign and continue to focus on today.

What’s your favorite activity to do at Cheekwood?

I love everything I do at Cheekwood; it continues to be my dream job. I’ve always considered Nashville — and Cheekwood — my “Promised Land.” Simply sharing the Cheekwood story and watching people’s interest and enthusiasm grow is a great pleasure.

Developing our seasonal festivals — Cheekwood in Bloom, Cheekwood Harvest, Holiday LIGHTS and more — has been great fun, especially as we continue to brainstorm new ideas and exhibitions to keep Cheekwood dynamic and appealing. One of my favorite activities is working with my senior team on developing “the next big thing” and then seeing it become a reality.

Are there any upcoming collections or events that excite you?

When the sun goes down, LIGHT: Bruce Munro at Cheekwood offers a spectacular display that everyone — from young to young at heart — will marvel at. I love walking through the exhibition at night, hearing the comments of our visitors. It’s so rewarding to know your efforts are bringing joy and excitement to others.

What’s your favorite place to go for a date night?

My husband and I had our first date at Capitol Grille, so we’ve always kept it on the top of our list, and now, of course, that’s the amazing Drusie & Darr. I am attracted to anything historic, so The Hermitage Hotel is one of my favorite places — outside of Cheekwood, of course!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Be yourself.” I think it builds trust; people know that I mean what I say, and there are no hidden agendas. There’s only one side to me: the side everyone sees.

What legacy would you like to leave in this community?

I would like to be remembered as someone who recognized how important Cheekwood is to this community — as a treasured cultural site, but also as a place to be nurtured and inspired — and that I played a major role in its renaissance, creating an appreciation and financial foundation to ensure Cheekwood’s future, far beyond my direction.