Archives: Our Team

Staff member since: 1998 As Executive Director of Humanities Tennessee, Tim Henderson leads the organization’s efforts to foster community and civility throughout the state. He works with the board of…

Staff member since: 1999 Melissa Davis oversees Humanities Tennessee’s grants and public programs. In this role, she travels extensively throughout the state, building relationships with community organizations, small museums, and…

Staff member since: 2015 As Office Administrator, Jenny Fernandez oversees the day-to-day operations of the Humanities Tennessee. She also handles logistics and volunteer coordination for events. She grew up in…

Staff member since: 1997 Serenity Gerbman has been Director of Literature & Language programs at Humanities Tennessee since 2001, overseeing the Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written…

Staff member since: 2005 As Deputy Director of Grants & Public Programs (previously Program Officer), Paul McCoy works directly with small museums, community organizations, and grantees all across the state.…

Staff Member Since: 2019 As Development & Communications Director, Sandy works with donors, sponsors and grantors to foster strong relationships with people who have a passion for the humanities. Her…

Staff member since: 2017 As Program Officer, Patrick Shaffner coordinates literature and language programs including the Young Writers’ Workshops, Student Reader Day, and the Southern Festival of Books. Born and…

Staff member since: 2013 Alexis Stevens serves as Director of Operations, overseeing Humanities Tennessee’s financial administration, technology infrastructure, strategic goals, and day-to-day operations. Alexis earned an M.A. in American Studies…

Maria Browning serves as editor of Chapter 16, Humanities Tennessee’s daily literary publication. She is a fifth-generation Tennessean who grew up in Erin and Nashville. Her work has appeared in…