Eric Davis leads I Am Next with a conviction that lived experience drives real change. Having navigated the foster care system himself, Eric understands the challenges young adults face when transitioning to independence. As Executive Director, he focuses on providing housing, relationships, and wraparound support that help young people define success on their own terms. His leadership is rooted in compassion, accountability, and a deep commitment to community transformation.

Brooke Roush partners with organizations tackling child abuse and foster care reform through strategic funding and collaboration. With a background in marketing at the National Christian Foundation, Brooke has spent two decades leading initiatives that connect purpose and philanthropy. She helped establish the Southeast Asia office for Know Your Strengths and currently serves on the Courage First Athlete Helpline Advisory Committee. Brooke also holds leadership roles with the Stanford Football Parents Association, including as President Emeritus.

Courtney Matthews serves as the Program Director of Independent Living & Extension of Foster Care Services for Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services. Under her leadership, Tennessee expanded eligibility for Extended Foster Care to more young adults, including those adopted or exiting through guardianship after age 16. A 2017 Cornerstone Leadership Academy graduate and recipient of the Commissioner’s Everyday Hero Award, Courtney is committed to empowering youth toward independence. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University.

Kathleen Clancy is a nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience advancing programs that empower children and families to thrive. Most recently Development Director for Nurses for Newborns of Tennessee, she has led initiatives in strategic planning, community engagement, and performance measurement for vulnerable populations, including youth in or transitioning from foster care. Passionate about sustainable, community-centered solutions, Kathleen works to ensure every child in Tennessee has the opportunity to flourish. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Nathan, and their two daughters.

Lance Villio serves as Executive Director of the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in Tennessee, fostering collaboration across sectors to drive community impact. Previously, he founded Think Native and led national organizations including I Am Second and Q Ideas. Lance’s career reflects a passion for social innovation, faith-driven leadership, and building partnerships that strengthen communities. His work continues to connect public, private, and nonprofit efforts to improve lives across Tennessee.

Wayne Powers is Principal of Powers Consulting LLC, bringing nearly three decades of leadership in media, marketing, and global operations. Formerly President and CEO of Catalina and President of Valassis, Wayne has also held executive roles at Yahoo!, Parade Media Group, and Time Inc. His work centers on innovation and strategic growth, driving transformation in dynamic digital markets. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Wayne continues to advise companies on achieving scalable and sustainable impact.

Robin Small is an advocate for at-risk children and their families. She invests both financially and strategically in organizations focused on child services, foster care reform, literacy programs, and family stability—initiatives designed to create lasting change. With a background in marketing, Robin founded and led her own firm before stepping away to raise four children and devote time to volunteer leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Small Family Fund and proudly volunteers as a Williamson County Court Appointed Special Advocate. Robin also sits on the Belmont University President’s Council, and the Brentwood Academy Young Life Committee, where she serves as Co-Chair.

Abby Chapman is a Nashville native dedicated to faith-driven service and the wellbeing of vulnerable children and families. With experience in faith-based nonprofit development and the Department of Children’s Services in Davidson County, she brings both professional expertise and firsthand insight into child protection, family preservation, and systemic reform. An adoptive sister and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) practitioner, Abby’s advocacy is shaped by lived experience and trauma-informed practice, from serving children in China to supporting families in Tennessee’s child welfare system. Abby is committed to ensuring every child is seen, known, and loved.

As a former foster youth, Ella has turned her story into a mission — advocating for foster children and youth across Tennessee. She serves on the transition leadership council of Every Child TN and authored and advocated for the Foster Child Bill of Rights, which was signed into law in July 2025. Now a freshman at Belmont University, double-majoring in Spanish and Public Policy, Ella continues her advocacy both on campus and statewide. Ella is committed to making sure every child in Tennessee has the chance to thrive.