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 Development & Events Coordinator (previously Office Administrator), Jenny Fernandez oversees the logistics for HT events including the annual author reveal party, festival volunteer gathering, board…

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…

Caroline joined the efforts of Humanities Tennessee’s new Shared Futures Lab as correspondent in January 2024 to delve more deeply into the stories of our past and present and explore…