Meet Our Team

Linda Bailey began working at The Contributor in 2011 and has been one of two co-editors of the newspaper since 2018. As co-editor, Linda designs each issue of the paper and works directly with vendor writers and artists on their contributions to each issue. She is also the creator and manager of the Where to Turn in Nashville resource guides which is now in its 13th edition. Linda has spent the last 15 years listening to and working with people experiencing homelessness in an effort to amplify voices that are often underrepresented. When she’s not at the office, you can find her in Old Hickory Village with her partner, their dog and various thrift store finds.

Brandon Battle is a Housing Stability Guide for The Contributor. He is passionate about this work because he “grew up in an underserved community with limited options” and he “has seen what happens to communities with no support.” He loves doing his best to fill in the gaps.

Ree Cheers is the Director of Program Operations, overseeing SOAR, CTI and PSH service delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a master’s degree in business management with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Ree is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Certified Human Rights Consultant. A passionate advocate for human rights and community empowerment, Ree is committed
to building bridges that connect individuals to resources, opportunities, and support. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, writing, and spending time with her family, including her three daughters who lead in healthcare.

With over 20 years dedicated to ending homelessness, Will Connelly has remained a street outreach worker at heart, “creating space for the stranger” by connecting relationally and hospitably with people who are homeless to get off the streets as quickly as possible. His career includes a mix of direct service and systems-level work, including policy and planning roles for local and federal governments aimed at improving the performance of homeless and health systems. Formerly the Executive Director of both the Metro Homelessness Commission and the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Will also served as the CEO of Park Center, a mental health nonprofit in Nashville. His commitment to community and change continues as a co-founder and the current Executive Director of The Contributor.

Amanda Haggard is the longtime co-editor of Nashville’s street newspaper The Contributor. She is a freelance writer, editor, communicator and journalist who previously worked at the Nashville Scene and for Gannett Co. For the past decade, her writing and editing work has focused on homelessness, education, books, music, politics, food, and everything in between.

Cathy Jennings has served with The Contributor for more than 14 years, beginning as a volunteer in 2012, becoming Executive Director in 2018, and now serving as Director of Finance. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in English, she is committed to financial accountability, the intentional use of words, and the power of community to create lasting change. Cathy lives in Nashville with her husband and enjoys the outdoors, while cherishing her role as the proud mother of three daughters and grandmother to her grandchildren.

Caroline Lindner, Director of Vending, landed at The Contributor after 8 years of running her own nonprofit, The Nashville Street Barbers. Caroline brings a warmth of spirit and an open heartedness to the vendor office that uplifts interactions between staff and vendors. She meets people where they are, always respecting our common humanity.

Lindsey Longoria serves as the Community Engagement & Gratitude Officer at The Contributor. She believes that stories are the lifeblood of people and that we find ourselves in getting to know one another. Her professional background is in education, ministry, and non-profit work. When she’s not at community events, you can find her in her garden with her pup, Peter, or chaotically engaged in some sort of craft project.

Zero Mannino is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and a Housing Stability Guide at The Contributor. As a Housing Stability Guide, they work with individuals that were recently housed to navigate resources as they are adjusting to their new living situations. Zero is dedicated to making the world a kinder place and believes in housing first. Zero served as a Homeless Outreach Worker with Park Center for two years. They enjoy drawing, hiking, and listening to music in their free time.

Andrew J. Terry IV is the Program Operations Lead at The Contributor, where he helps coordinate the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery), CTI (Critical Time Intervention), and PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) programs. He focuses on making sure people get connected to the benefits, housing, and support they need. Andrew is passionate about this work because it gives him the chance to make a real difference for the individuals he serves.

Carli Tharp started working at The Contributor in August 2020. They have had various roles at the organization over the years and currently work as a Housing Stability Guide. Carli has an A.A. in Worship Arts, and a B.S. in Social Justice with an emphasis on public policy. In addition to working at The Contributor, Carli loves Jesus, their husband, phone games, cartoons, mycology, horror, social justice activism, and spending money on their dog, Kovi.

Barbara Womack is the Advertising Manager of The Contributor Newspaper. She came to The Contributor from The National Council on Aging (NCOA), an organization that gives retired people and anyone 55 years old and up the opportunity to get back in the workforce if they so desire.  Prior to being at NCOA, Barbara had the opportunity to work for an African American Newspaper called The Urban Journal. She had always thought that her life’s work would be in the healthcare field as she studied Health Care Administration at TSU and Fisk U., but Barbara developed a passion for journalism as she learned more about the newspaper business.

While at NCOA, Barbara was asked what type of job she wanted and immediately said she wanted to get back in the workforce at a newspaper. It had to be a non-profit newspaper so she went looking and ultimately landed at The Contributor and she says it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. In her spare time Barbara is a self taught artist who loves painting African style art.

Amber B. DuVentre, currently serves as risk manager at Meharry Medical College, in Nashville Tennessee. She also led, for three years, the city of Nashville’s COVID-19 efforts, as the logistics leader for all drive through testing and vaccination centers. Prior to joining Meharry, Ms. DuVentre worked for her alma mater, Murray State University, as the coordinator of Domestic and Graduate Recruitment, recruiting students throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions. Amber has unparalleled experience in competitive public speaking, leadership training and city planning. She holds membership in several professional organizations. She has also contributed to two public speaking text books. She is active with various organizations and agencies that focus on literacy, college planning/career development, and housing insecurities. Her hobbies include traveling, building/repurposing furniture, reading and being an avid Tennessee Titans fan. She is The Contributor‘s Board Chair.

Christine Doeg has had a varied career that includes degrees in Zoology and English. She’s worked at a large corporation, and a small family business. She struggled through the early days with a cutting edge media company, and she’s been a stay at home Mom. She produced a documentary film about voting, and wrote a novel about Nazis. Most recently she taught writing at Belmont University. Christine has been the volunteer volunteer coordinator at The Contributor for the last five years, and she currently serves as The Contributor’s Board Secretary.

Wade Nelson Jr. is The Contributor’s Board Treasurer.

Kerry Graham is the CEO and founder of local marketing firm The Brand Hotel, Graham has previously served as Board Chair for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Repertory Theater. He’s also served on the boards of TPAC, the Adventure Science Center and Cheekwood. Additionally, Kerry is a founder of We Are Nashville, the community awareness initiative started by Nashville businessman and philanthropist Ben Rechter which seeks to create conversations and relationships among Nashville’s increasingly diverse populations. 

Other Directors are:
Demetria Kalodimos
Robin Kimbrough-Hayes
Jim Shulman
Drew Morris