The Braintrust is a diverse group of trusted advisors who help shape TEDxNashville’s vision and programming by offering insight, feedback, and fresh ideas to keep our events relevant, resonant, and forward-thinking. Drawn from across industries and communities, they bring a wide range of lived experience, creative thinking, and cultural awareness to the table.
Edmund Jackson
CEO, Unity AI
Dr. Edmund Jackson is the CEO of UnityAI, where he leads the charge in using artificial intelligence to transform healthcare. With a Ph.D. in Statistical Signal Processing from the University of Cambridge and a career spanning finance, biotech, and health systems, Dr. Jackson has developed award-winning AI products that have saved lives and delivered real-world impact. A visionary technologist and gifted communicator, he’s known for turning complex data into actionable solutions. He’s also a TEDxNashville speaker, where he explored the bold question: Can AI heal healthcare?
Alex Jahangir
Senior Vice President, Physician Network Development, and Associate Chief Medical Officer, Vanderbilt.
Dr. Alex Jahangir is a nationally respected public health leader and orthopaedic trauma surgeon known for guiding Nashville through the COVID-19 pandemic. A senior executive at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, he serves as Senior Vice President for Physician Network Development and Associate Chief Medical Officer, in addition to his roles in orthopaedic surgery and trauma care. As Chair of Nashville’s COVID-19 Taskforce, Dr. Jahangir became the face of the city’s response—building trust, driving policy, and expanding access to care for the most vulnerable. He is also a past TEDxNashville speaker, sharing powerful insights on leadership in crisis and the responsibility of service.
Channing Moreland
Co-Founder, EVA
Channing Moreland is the Co-Founder of EVA, a technology-driven platform revolutionizing the way companies book entertainment for their events. From intimate corporate gatherings to large-scale conferences, EVA connects brands with professional talent and interactive experiences that engage audiences and elevate events.
With over a decade of experience building a startup from college to a nationally recognized platform, Channing brings deep expertise in sales strategy, business development, brand partnerships, and investor relations. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and event planning, helping Fortune 500 companies, agencies, and event professionals seamlessly source and secure top-tier talent for in-person, hybrid, and virtual experiences. Outside of EVA, Channing is passionate about creating safer, more inclusive environments within the music and events industry. She’s an advocate for mentorship, innovation, and leadership in entertainment, committed to driving change and championing the next generation of industry talent.
Hunter Claire Rogers
Head of Membership and Communications,
Soho House Nashville
Hunter Claire Rogers is a seasoned event producer and communications strategist with a global perspective and deep Nashville roots. After studying French and Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Sciences Po Lyon—and teaching English in Paris—she returned home to make an impact in the nonprofit and creative sectors. She has worked with organizations like Arts In Healthcare, Women for Tennessee’s Future, and Vision Philanthropy, and co-founded Fashion Happening Nashville, producing fashion and art experiences that elevated local talent.
She sharpened her creative skills at Big Machine Label Group and as Director of Opportunity for the Nashville Fashion Alliance, where she led the inaugural NFA Honors. Through her company, HCR Events, she has executed high-profile activations for brands like RH Nashville, Domino Magazine, and Brownlee, and served as Experience Manager for NATIVE magazine, producing multiple events monthly.
Currently the Head of Membership and Communications at Soho House Nashville, Hunter Claire continues to connect and celebrate Nashville’s vibrant creative community—on the clock and through her passion project, RSVP Nashville.
Jill Robinson
Assistant Dean, External Relations & Strategic Partnerships – Jack C. Massey College of Business, Belmont University
Jill Robinson is a dynamic business leader with a deep curiosity for lifelong learning and a passion for helping others grow—both personally and professionally. As Assistant Dean of External Relations & Strategic Partnerships at Belmont University’s Jack C. Massey College of Business, she fosters strategic alliances and cultivates meaningful connections between the college and the broader Middle Tennessee community.
For over 15 years, Jill has led Executive Learning Networks, Massey’s premier leadership development program. In this role, she partners with top executives across the region to understand their goals around personal leadership and employee engagement, then curates experiences that bring national thought leaders to the table to meet those needs.
Known for her authenticity, energy, and generosity, Jill thrives on connection—whether recommending the next great book, guiding someone to the right leadership development opportunity, or championing others on their journey. Her work is driven by a belief in collaborative growth, curiosity, and the power of community.
David Plazas
Opinion and Engagement Director
David Plazas is the Opinion and Engagement Director for the USA TODAY Network newsrooms in Tennessee and The Tennessean where he serves an editorial writer, opinion columnist, op-ed editor and an editorial board member. He has written nationally award-winning columns on affordable housing, government accountability and civic engagement. He leads the acclaimed Civility Tennessee campaign. He curates the Latino Tennessee Voices newsletter and hosts the Tennessee Voices video podcast, which has produced more than 400 episodes since March 2020.