Erin Birch
CEO, United Way of Sumner County
Community Activities
“My role with United Way keeps me constantly out in the community. I am very active in Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, especially with our youth group. I am also a graduate of Leadership Sumner, and I serve on the board of directors of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of all of the county chambers, Together Sumner and the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club. I also love helping and supporting our local YMCA.”
Motivation
“My biggest source of motivation comes from the calls that we receive daily at United Way. Hearing stories of people in need who are trying to feed their children, heat their homes or take care of loved ones galvanizes me. Every call is a motivation to do, lead and be better.”
Why Hendersonville?
“I love the caring nature of our community. I get to work with all kinds of entities across Sumner County, including businesses, churches, nonprofits, schools and government agencies. The underlying spirit of our county is to love our neighbors. Everyone wants to work together to help out people in need – there is far more collaboration than competition.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“I lost my mom when I was a teenager. While going through the different stages of life without the advice and support of my mother was difficult, it taught me that every day is a gift. I also learned to lean into joy and love.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“You are special with unique gifts that God has given you with a purpose, which means you are fully capable and worthy.”
Gina Scott
SVP and Financial Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Community Activities
“Although my professional position keeps me busy, I love working with nonprofits and community organizations as much as possible. I am currently a member of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Nonprofit Management. Other organizations that I am involved with include Vol State, Forward Sumner, Hendersonville Rotary, Cumberland Region Tomorrow, Dismas House and Girls on the Run. I am also a graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee and Leadership Richmond (VA).”
Motivation
“I am motivated by my love of all people, but I am especially passionate about being around strong and smart women. I enjoy helping people make connections with one another to form mutually beneficial relationships.”
Why Hendersonville?
“Except for a few years in Virginia, I have spent most of my life in and around Sumner County, from Gallatin to Nashville to Hendersonville. There is a closeness that pervades our entire community. I always know that when I need something, I just have to reach out to my friends and neighbors – they genuinely want to help.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“My husband and I tragically lost our son. From this loss, I learned just how quickly your whole life can change and that there are no guarantees. I also learned how resilient I am. People should never lose sight of the love of God, family, friends and community. You never know when you will depend on them to help you through the tough times.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“Be bold and do not fear life. Do not be afraid to take risks.”
Bree Sunshine Smith,
Meteorologist, WTVF NewsChannel 5
Community Activities
“My job gives me the opportunity to serve in communities across our area. I love doing school visits across Middle Tennessee where I get to help kids of all ages learn about weather. I also get to work with many local nonprofits, such as the Tennessee Kidney Foundation, by serving as emcee at their important fundraising events. Locally, I am a board member of Rock Castle and a proud ‘room mom’ at my 9-year-old’s school.”
Motivation
“I am motivated by my children. I chose to have them; they didn’t choose me. I want them to see and feel me choosing them over and over again. My job requires me to be away from home quite a bit so it’s important to me to be there for them when I can. I want them to know that the time away from them matters, and that I used my talents to serve our community.”
Why Hendersonville?
“Hendersonville felt like home the first time that my husband and I visited before moving here. It’s down to earth, warm, welcoming and full of little gems. The lake, the parks, the hills, the creeks and the trees are all so beautiful. Hendersonville has that special ‘small-big town’ feel.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“Our power lives within us, so it can never be taken from us. Even when the storms of our lives knock us down, they can’t take our power. It lives in our spirit, and we take that with us through everything.”
If you could go back in time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
“Trust yourself – what you know to be true and good doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else except you. You do not need permission to be your best self. Choose people who choose you.”
"Find an intentional rhythm in life that drives your next right thing and gives abundant room for joy."
Erin Birch
