NASHVILLE, TN — Middle Tennessee has grown dramatically since we first published an In Charge list in 2010. New companies — homegrown and relocated — have brought to town new leaders of all stripes and our list has evolved and matured accordingly. This year’s collection of business, political and civic leaders numbers about 500 and represents Middle Tennessee’s cream of the crop — people who are “in charge” and giving their best to make this region the best it can be. We thank our friends and colleagues at the Scene and Nfocus for their help creating it.
Chuck Allen — President and CEO of AMG/Parade and Executive VP and COO, Athlon Sports Communications: Has since 1997 run company known for its college and pro sports season preview annuals. Former captain in the U.S. Army.
David Bailey — CEO and Co-Founder, BTC Media: Oversees company that publishes what it bills as world’s only print magazines about Bitcoin and blockchain industries. BTC claims 16 million readers.
LaDonna Boyd — President and CEO, R.H. Boyd Publishing: Runs family’s 115-year-old religious publishing company. In mid-2019 made $1 million contribution to the National Museum of African American Music. Father is Boyd Publishing Chairman Emeritus R.H. Boyd, who stepped down in late 2017 from running daily operations.
Anita Bugg — Vice President of Content, Nashville Public Radio: Has doubled the WPLN news team staff number. With NPR since 1995 and in current role since 2016.
Chris Ferrell — CEO, Endeavor Business Media: Founded B2B company in December 2017. Former CEO of then-Post parent SouthComm. Ex-Metro councilman who remains current regarding city’s political dealings.
John Ingram — Chairman, Ingram Content Group: Princeton and Vanderbilt grad also is lead owner of Major League Soccer franchise Nashville SC. Named chairman of Ingram Industries in 2008.
Demetria Kalodimos — Founder, Genuine Human Productions: Started people-focused documentary film company in 2000. Best known for her anchor work at WSMV NewsChannel 4. Left station at 2017’s end as its longest continuously serving evening news anchor.
Rene LaSpina — VP and General Manager, News Channel 4: Hired in January 2019, bringing more than 20 years of television station management experience. Has held TV jobs in Buffalo; Minneapolis; Memphis; Albany, New York; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Rosetta Miller Perry — Publisher and CEO, The Tennessee Tribune: In 1991 launched Tribune, generally considered the state’s most influential African-American-owned publication. Renaissance woman whose background includes work with the U.S. Navy, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Earned chemistry degree from the University of Memphis in 1956.
Bob Mueller — Anchor, News 2: No-nonsense broadcast journalism veteran has co-anchored WKRN’s main desk since 1982. Has been honored with three National Telly Awards and two National Communicator Awards.
Lyn Plantinga — VP and General Manager, NewsChannel 5: Previously served as station manager. Has been with WTVF since 1989 and in current role since 2014.
Erik Schelzig — Editor, Tennessee Journal: Ex-Associated Press reporter covered Tennessee state government and politics for 12 years before succeeding Ed Cromer as Tennessee Journal top dog in 2017. Once worked for the Washington Post and German paper Der Spiegel.
Mark Schoenwald — President and CEO, HarperCollins Christian Publishing: Guided what was then Thomas Nelson through 2012 sale to News Corp. subsidiary HarperCollins and oversaw integration with Zondervan division. Launched United Kingdom-based Christian imprint Harper Inspire in spring 2018.
Phil Williams — Chief Investigative Reporter, NewsChannel 5: Tenacious hard news journalist who boasts three duPont-Columbia University Awards and three George Foster Peabody Awards. Started storied broad
