Jon D. B. Awarded 2025’s Nashville Emerging Leader Award (NELA) in Environment & Sustainability
We’re thrilled to share that Jon D. B., TennGreen’s Director of Communications, has been named the 2025 Nashville Emerging Leader Award (NELA) winner in Environment & Sustainability!
Hosted annually by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville, the NELAs celebrate young professionals who are making a difference across Middle Tennessee.
Through hope-driven storytelling and innovative communications, Jon has helped transform how Tennesseans engage with conservation. He’s significantly expanded TennGreen’s reach, turning environmental awareness into real-world impact.
As Jon says, “If I can spark hope in anyone working to protect Tennessee’s wild places, there’s no better measure of success.”
A trained naturalist and communications specialist and Nashville native, Jon D. B. was brought onboard as TennGreen Land Conservancy‘s first Director of Communications by Executive Director Alice Hudson Pell to improve and expand the 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s impact and reach in Tennessee conservation. Through his extensive media and conservation contacts and hope-centered messaging, TennGreen’s audience has more than tripled in his time with the organization, bolstering record-breaking fundraising and a new era of growth for the oldest accredited statewide land conservancy in Tennessee.
‘NELA Winners exemplify the innovation, passion, and leadership that define Nashville’s next generation of professionals’
In July, The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville celebrated the winners of the 2025 NELAS. Now in its eighteenth year, the NELAS honors the Nashville region’s emerging leaders, outstanding young professionals aged 21–40, for their career accomplishments and community contributions.
The NELAS recognize up to four finalists and one winner in 16 industry categories: Architecture and Engineering; Business Services; Arts, Entertainment, and Media; Entrepreneurship; Community and Nonprofit; Education; Environment and Sustainability; Financial Services; Government and Public Affairs; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Resources; Legal Services; Medical and Health Care Services; Advertising and Public Relations; Wellness; and Technology.
Industry leaders serving as judges evaluate applications and choose winners based on submitted essay responses, professional achievement, demonstrated leadership, and community impact.
“The winners of the 2025 NELAS exemplify the innovation, passion, and leadership that define Nashville’s next generation of professionals,” said Stephanie Coleman, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Year after year, it’s inspiring to see the profound impact these bold young leaders have on our vibrant city. We are excited to see their continued growth and future contributions to this dynamic community.”
NELAS winners were announced during the NELAS Awards Ceremony at Marathon Music Works on Thursday, July 31, at 5:30 p.m. with a reception immediately following. YP Nashville is presented by The Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University.
Please join us in congratulating Jon on this well-deserved honor!
Visit https://www.nashvillechamber.com/nelas/ for more information.
