Board of Directors
“Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.”
Keith Head, Board Chair
Keith graduated from APSU with a Business Finance Degree and is Vice President, Lending Division at First National Bank in Hendersonville, TN. When he isn’t working, he enjoys being with his family, golfing or working out. Keith is married to Giselle Head, Tissue Distribution Manager at DCI Donor Services, and has one daughter, Sawyer Kate, who attends Goodpasture Christian School.
Jamie Abbott
Having grown up in a small town in Ohio, Jamie Abbott has always fostered a love for her local community. She graduated from Ohio University in 1995 with a degree in marketing. After several moves around the country, she has lived in middle Tennessee with her two daughters and husband of twenty-two years for more than a decade. Now, she supports her neighborhood as a mortgage loan officer, bringing reality to clients’ and friends’ homeownership dreams. Her love for her family, passion for her local community, and admiration for the strong women in her life are what led her to join the Board of Directors at Grace Place.
Don Bruce, Advisory
Jody Corley
Jody Corley has been a part of our community since 1974. She and her husband, Paul, moved to Hendersonville from Great Falls, Montana, where Paul was in the USAF, and Jody was a first grade teacher. Because they were raised in Nashville, they wanted to return home to beautiful Middle Tennessee.
Jody graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Stephens College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from George Peabody College, and a Master’s Degree from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
As a Choreographer, Art Director, Performer, Teacher, and Owner of a Performing Arts School for over 25 years, she values what she thinks dwells in all of us – music and dancing. Working with children has been one of her greatest joys. Jody has choreographed for country music stars, commercial companies, and children’s videos which she found to be the most inspiring. She choreographed the “Kid’s Sing Praise” and “Mother Goose Gospel” series for Brentwood Music.
Jody has been Vice-President of the Southern Association of Dance Masters, on the Board of Nashville Ballet, Member of Hendersonville Arts Council for 14 years, Life Member of Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Chair of Rejoice Ministries, and Co-Chair and Chair of Grace Place Women’s Alliance for 5 years. At the present time, Jody is an owner/agent of Dale Realty Company, a family business where she is able to work with her daughter. She has two children, Jason (Leigh Anne) and Jessica (Brett) and 5 grandchildren. Jody and Paul are members of the Community Church of Hendersonville and have been there since it began.
Five years ago, Jody and four other women formed the Grace Place Women’s Alliance with a focus on sharing with philanthropical women the need to work with Grace Place in meeting the needs of women and children during these uncertain times in their lives.
Children have always been on my heart, and I thank God for the opportunities He has placed before me. It is my hope and prayer that Grace Place will have a special place in the hearts of others as it has in mine. It is a privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of Grace Place.
Anna Cook, Treasurer
Anna Cook is a native to Nashville and has been a Sumner County resident for nineteen years. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a background in education, non-profit, research, and communication. She and her husband both worked in ministry and non-profit for the first seven years of their marriage.
After her daughter was born, Anna shifted her focus, and began working with her father in the mortgage industry. Here she found her passion for helping others through homeownership.
Over the past 11 years, she has focused her energy on building a relationship-based business with an intentional team culture. She founded Team Cook to serve her community through the lending industry. She is also the branch manager for CrossCountry Mortgage LLC in Hendersonville. Anna couples her passion for business and non-profit. She has had the honor to be a graduate of Leadership Sumner, serve on the YMCA board, the Sumner County United Way Gala Committee, and served as the Committee Chair for Young Life.
Anna is married to Eric Cook and has a daughter in middle school. When Anna isn’t wearing her
lending hat, she can be found with her family at Hendersonville Martial Arts, where she loves
training and teaching women’s self-defense.
Matt Denney, Advisory
A native of Hendersonville, Matt completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Tennessee before returning in 2005 to begin his career as a CPA in Nashville. He honed his skills serving privately held businesses for national and regional firms until January 2021 when he joined Davis, Brown & Company PLLC as a partner. He has a broad range of experience serving clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, retail, non-profit, and real estate industries.
Matt has always been passionate about serving and contributing to the success of nonprofits that cater to the needs of families. During his career he has served on the boards of or volunteered for organizations focused on foster care, family welfare, and homeless youth. In addition to shifting focus to the business needs of Sumner County it was also his intent to find local organizations that are benefitting his home community. He is enthusiastic about dedicating his skills and passion to help further the mission of Grace Place and make a meaningful impact in this area.
Matt resides in Gallatin with his wife (Lindsay) and three children (Caroline, Andrew, and Luke).
Ed Fletcher
Born and raised in the small farm town of Adams, Tennessee, where millwrights and ironworkers were at the heart of his family’s multi-generational business. Inspired by this legacy, Ed began his career as a millwright with the largest conveyor manufacturer at the time. His strong work ethic quickly led to promotions across various roles over 15 years, ultimately serving as Senior Field Operations Manager.
When changes within the company prompted a career shift, Ed joined his father’s conveyor installation business as CEO. Shortly thereafter, he purchased the company, allowing his father to retire. With a commitment to growth and innovation, Ed guided the business—renamed Fletchline—through the challenges of the early 2000s recession, emerging stronger and continuing its success. By the mid-2010s, Ed had acquired another company and launched a new venture, both complementing Fletchline’s core operations. His leadership has been instrumental in growing the company to exceed $100M in revenue while fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.
Beyond his role at Fletchline, Ed is actively involved in various business ventures. He has built a robust real estate portfolio with over 50 parcels, generating consistent value and revenue. He also invests in other businesses and serves on multiple boards of directors, offering strategic guidance and helping steer key business decisions. Community involvement is important to Ed, and he is passionate about giving back to the places that have shaped his life. He actively serves in several local initiatives and charities, particularly in the communities where he grew up
and where Fletchline operates. His commitment to service extends beyond business, as he believes in the power of uplifting others and creating opportunities for giving back and growth within these communities.
In his free time, Ed enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing his passion for water skiing, an activity that allows him to unwind and stay active. He is honored to be on the board of Grace Place.
Melissa C. French
Melissa grew up in East Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Marketing. She moved to Nashville in 1995 and became a Sumner County resident in1998. She started her Allstate Insurance Agency, from scratch in 2003. She knows and loves life in her community and has a passion for helping others.
She has raised both of her boys in Hendersonville and calls the area home. Both sons attended Beech High School. Her oldest son, Christian attends Austin Peay State University. Her youngest son, Taylor will attend Liberty Creek High School its inaugural year.
Giving back to her community is very important to her. She supports local nonprofits. She is a past board member of COMPASS, Hendersonville Holiday Fest, and is serving her second term on the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board. She is also a charter member of the Hendersonville Rotary Club, Junior Service League of Hendersonville, and Sumner County Women in Business. She will soon to be Leadership Sumner graduate.
Melissa has a passion for supporting, and encouraging women, small business owners, and Sumner County Schools. She is excited to be a part of the Grace Place family.
Johnny Garrett IV
Johnny Garrett IV focuses his practice in the areas of business transactions and formations, civil and commercial litigation, estate planning and probate. As a lawyer he has grown his practice to include both small and medium size businesses, individuals who need assistance in the probate and estate planning stages of their lives, and all clients who find themselves in litigation. In 2018, Johnny was elected state representative for the 45th district of Tennessee and currently serves the Republican Caucus as Whip. The 45th district includes Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Millersville, Shackle Island, Walnut Grove, and White House of Sumner County. While practicing law, Johnny remains active in the Sumner county community. He is a board member of Grace Place Ministry, the Vol State Community College Foundation, and Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. Johnny is a proud graduate of Leadership Sumner and Leadership Goodlettsville, and a member of the Hendersonville Rotary club. Johnny serves on the President’s advisory board at Goodpasture Christian school and is the president of Goodlettsville Little League Baseball. He believes the talent he has as a lawyer provides him with an obligation to give back to his community. Johnny resides in Goodlettsville, has been married to Kara for over 23 years. His son, Jackson, attends the University of Tennessee and his daughters, Ella and Addie, both attend Goodpasture Christian School. As a founding supporter of Grace Place, Johnny is proud to serve these women and children and very excited for the ministry’s future.
Tammy Hayes
Tammy Hayes, currently serves on the Sumner County School Board representing District 1, and she has served on the School Board since 2014.
Tammy and her wonderful husband Jonathan have been married for 43 years, moved to Hendersonvile 42 years ago, and have both served Sumner County in countless ways. As a mother of three amazing sons, former educator, and now grandmother, Tammy has poured her life into our school system and our community.
Throughout the years, she has sat on many local non profit boards, served as Women’s Ministry Director at FBC Hendersonville but currently, she serves in Grace Place Women’s Alliance and the Family Resource Center of Sumner County Schools. Tammy has always considered it a great joy to be a part of Grace Place and is devoted to serving our women and children.
Kathy Odom
Kathy has lived in greater Nashville area all her life. She grew up in Madison where she and her husband, Larry, also raised their children. She has always been active in her church and was involved in the school their children attended as well. Kathy also worked with Tennessee Christian Medical Center's annual gala for several years. After moving to Gallatin Kathy and Larry attended the annual Grace Place luncheon. It was there she heard of what was happening with Grace Place as well as the vision. She was invited by Patricia Rudy Woods to join with a group of other Philanthropic women in forming the Grace Place Women's Alliance to benefit Grace Place.
I am honored to be invited to serve on the board of this Christ centered Organization.
Melissa Rogers, Secretary
Melissa Rogers, born and raised in Sumner County, has lived in Gallatin for the last 21 years with her husband Kent. She and her husband have been married for 24 years and have 3 grown children, all of which are graduates of Gallatin High School. Melissa has worked in the title industry in Sumner County and surrounding areas for 26 years, and has managed Warranty Title of Hendersonville for the last 17 years. Melissa has served on the board for Sumner County Women’s Council of Realtors, and currently works on the outreach committee of Sumner Realtors, and serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County. With a heart for non-profit work, and passion for her community, Melissa felt led to join the Grace Place board as of 2021 to partner with like-minded people in an effort to bring the greatest impact to our community.
Colleen Sooker
Several years ago a friend introduced her to Grace Place by inviting her to the annual luncheon. Deeply moved by the ministry's mission, Colleen gradually became more involved, starting with joining the Women's Alliance. Soon after, she and a friend hosted a Porch Party to raise awareness about the impactful work Grace Place was doing, eventually leading to a position on the Women's Alliance Steering Committee.
Colleen is excited and humbled to join the Grace Place Board and eager to contribute to this worthy cause, helping the women and children of our community get back on track and establish better and more sustainable lives with the support of the wonderful resources and programs that Grace Place offers.
Brian Stewart
Brian is the owner and Principal Broker of One Stop Realty in Hendersonville. After joining One Stop Realty in 2013, he eventually purchased the company in 2019! Brian has served on the Sumner Realtor Board for over 4 years and chaired the Outreach Committee for 5 years. Passionate about serving his community in a variety of ways, Brian has also served as a Sumner County Commissioner for 2 years in District 7. He's always focused on giving back to the community he lives in and has achieved that through Egg Hunts for low income daycares, the chip challenge for the Humane society, and a 5K for Habitat for Humanity. He is very excited to serve the community by serving on the board!
Desnéige VanCleve – Founder & CEO
Meet Desnéige VanCleve, Founder and CEO of Grace Place Ministry, Inc. Desnéige has a background in small business marketing, a college degree in Christian Ministry from Trevecca Nazarene University, and worked as the Benevolence Coordinator for Long Hollow Baptist Church before organizing and opening Grace Place.
Now, in the daily operations of Grace Place, she strives to show the love of Christ to each woman and child by offering guidance, support, and numerous types of training to help fulfill the mission of Grace Place. Desnéige also spends a great deal of time sharing the story of Grace Place and the future vision of Grace Place out in the community whenever opportunities arise.
An active member of the community, Desnéige loves being involved with the Hendersonville Rotary Club, the Hendersonville & Gallatin Chambers of Commerce, and prides herself in being a Leadership Sumner alumni. She was also the winner of the 2019 Women Impacting the Community Award for Non-Profits from the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce. In early 2022, Desnéige became a Master Gardener and she finds great joy in serving the community in this way.
Her hobbies include reading, learning, cooking, and fitness. Her passions include Jesus, laughter, and people. When she's not serving the families at Grace Place, you will find her with her family doing life together in what she refers to as "beautiful chaos all the time."