Nashville, Tenn. (TN Tribune) — Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), a charitable organization that brings people, ideas, and funding together to build a more thriving and inclusive community, is pleased to announce the promotion of Erika Burnett, program manager for The Village, to Vice President of Community Development.
The Vice President of Community Development is a key member of CFMT’s senior leadership team, responsible for developing and managing deep public-private partnerships and initiatives that address critical community needs, promote equity, and create lasting positive impacts. This role involves mobilizing diverse constituents around emerging community issues and collaborating across the organization to strengthen a healthy organizational culture.
Burnett, known for her leadership and dedication to advancing social equity, will leverage her extensive experience as a pivotal figure in the Nashville community. For the past year, she has been leading The Village, a CFMT-amplified effort that supports community leaders by assisting in strengthening their community-based organizations both by providing access to vital resources and investing in the expansion of leadership talent.
Under Burnett’s guidance, The Village has provided culturally responsive capacity building for nearly 300 Black and minority-led nonprofits, reaching approximately 700 leaders of color.
In addition to her commitment to The Village, Burnett’s innovative programming has made significant impacts, including:
- Expanding the Young Women’s Initiative to Nashville fostering young adult advocacy.
- Developing service-learning curriculum for freshmen at Tennessee State University in collaboration with Hands on Nashville.
- Teaching a community-based Hijab Ballet class, integrating culturally responsive inclusive practices for low-income Muslim families.
- Establishing the TIME/Women of Color Collaborative internship program, focusing on asset-based summer workforce development for underserved youth.
- Serving as an education and outreach consultant for the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, making country music accessible to marginalized populations.
Burnett’s commitment to community development extends beyond these initiatives. Her advocacy efforts include serving on the Metro Action Commission and formerly the Metro Arts Commission.
“For the past 20 years, I’ve watched this city grow, stretch, and, in some aspects, collapse under the weight of change and emerging community needs,” says Burnett. “Expanding my role with The Village to the Vice President of Community Development will continue to require intention, transparency, and thoughtful co-creation with those who have been championing deeply meaningful work, as well alongside those who are often outside of the public gaze and gravely under-resourced.”
The newly established Community Development department at CFMT is essential for strengthening partnerships, promoting equity, driving strategic initiatives, engaging the community, managing resources efficiently, and advocating for supportive policies.
“The Community Development department is at the heart of our mission,” says Hal Cato, CEO of CFMT. “By mobilizing diverse stakeholders and advocating for community needs, it is an added assurance that we are responding to today’s challenges and laying the groundwork for a more thriving and inclusive future.
“Erika is the ideal leader to spearhead this work,” continues Cato. “Her dedication to advancing social equity, deep connections within the community, and her ability to build strong partnerships across sectors will be invaluable as we work to address critical needs and promote equity throughout Middle Tennessee.“
Burnett’s leadership as Vice President of Community Development will further support the region’s nonprofit partners, inspire donors, and engage community leaders, ensuring that these collective efforts lead to meaningful change and lasting impact across all corners of our community.
