TennGreen Land Conservancy Elects Bob Sarratt as Board President
After 6 years of exceptional service on its Board of Directors, TennGreen Land Conservancy has elected Bob Sarratt as Board President.
Nashville, Tennessee (October 1, 2025) – TennGreen Land Conservancy is proud to announce the election of our new Board President, Bob Sarratt. President of The Parent Company, a general contracting firm focused on the Middle Tennessee area, Bob has been entrusted to construct and manage projects of significant community impact, including the Cumberland Heights ARCH Academy, Harpeth Hall Athletic Wellness Center, and the Adventure Science Center’s Sudekum Planetarium.
In addition to his professional work, Bob serves his community as a member of the St. George’s Episcopal Church Vestry, a volunteer organizer of The Boulevard Bolt, as a leader of STGEYCOLA—a youth outdoor leadership venture to the Tetons and Yellowstone, and through his years of service on TennGreen’s Board of Directors.
‘The urgency for conservation and land protection is higher than ever’
“Today, I am humbled and honored to step into the role of Board President. I’m aware of the responsibility this position carries, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by an exceptional board of directors, a dedicated staff, and passionate members,” Sarratt lauded.
“The urgency for conservation and land protection is higher than ever,” Sarratt continued. “Securing vital landscapes through land acquisitions, conservation easements, and strong partnerships with public and private conservation leaders is only possible through collaboration. Together, we’re ensuring Tennessee remains a thriving, resilient environment for generations to come.”
Sarratt’s election also shepherds a transition in leadership between respected friends and colleagues.
“Only six short years ago, TennGreen was introduced to me by my good friend, Mark Peacock, our former Board President. Mark and I met when our families were young, and we bonded through taking the time to adventure together,” Sarratt offered. “Hiking, backpacking, and canoeing–we enjoyed spending time together in the woods while watching our families, and ourselves, grow up.”
“Similarly,” Sarratt continued, “our board has grown into a team that reflects the excellence of our TennGreen staff. Thank you, Mark, for fostering a culture of balance, vision, and collaboration. We will continue on the path that you and others have laid out. I look forward to this next season working with the amazing Board, staff, and all of our members to help protect land in our amazing state.”
CELEBRATING THREE EXCEPTIONAL BOARD MEMBERS’ SERVICE TO TENNGREEN
As seasons and presidencies change, so, too, does our Board of Directors. This September, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mark Peacock, who served nine years on the Board and four years as TennGreen’s Board President, alongside two other outstanding TennGreen Land Conservancy Board members as their nine-year terms come to a close.
MARK PEACOCK
Growing up in north Alabama instilled in Mark a deep appreciation for unspoiled woodlands; this was magnified by his passion for hiking. He is now dedicated to protecting our state’s natural treasures before irreversible development. He is a critical care physician who spent ten years active duty in the US Army, has served as chief of staff for Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, and “somehow ended up Chair of the Board for the Nashville Symphony twice!” He is married to the best oncologist in Nashville (Nancy) and has two adult children who give him joy every day (Sarah and Matthew).
MELINDA WELTON
Melinda graduated from the University of Connecticut in zoology as an ornithologist. She is a well-known bird biologist whose work provided the science for the preservation of 70,000 acres of biodiverse lands in the Cumberland Mountains. Her work with the Cerulean Warbler, a species of high conservation concern, has taken her across Tennessee and to many remote areas in Central America.
Her passion is to enhance our understanding of birds and their biology and to inspire new birdwatchers to appreciate birds and actively conserve their habitats.
RYAN BAILEY
Ryan is the President of Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics, one of the nation’s largest forklift truck dealerships. Under his direction, Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics has invested in energy efficiency and solar energy and leads the industry in zero waste. Additionally, Ryan owns Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company, a Nashville kayak outfitter that hosts frequent river cleanups. From 2007-2009, Ryan served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica, where he launched a “village bank” and supported biological corridor and eco-tourism projects. Ryan is also a 40 under 40 recipient via the Nashville Business Journal in 2020.
“Thank you Mark, Melinda, and Ryan. Your leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment to land conservation have left a lasting impact on our work and community,” offered Alice Hudson Pell, Executive Director. “Each brought such unique strengths to the table—helping TennGreen grow more resilient, more innovative, and more effective in protecting the lands that connect us all.”
TennGreen is deeply grateful for their years of service and proudly celebrate the legacy they leave behind.
WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Three new Board members have also been elected, bringing exceptional experience and strength to TennGreen.
David Dotson
David Dotson served as CEO of The Dollywood Foundation from 1999 to 2021, leading the global expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library from a local initiative to a program that now delivers books to over 1.7 million children in five countries, totaling more than 150 million books. He also directed the My People Fund relief effort following the 2016 Sevier County wildfires, raising $12 million to assist 900 families and supporting ongoing recovery efforts through local nonprofits. David oversaw projects including Dolly’s book publications, a children’s album, museum development, website management, and theatrical productions at Dollywood. After stepping down, he remained in leadership roles through 2022 before retiring to focus on writing, travel, and time with his family in the Smoky Mountains.
Beau Fish
Beau Fish is a Nashville native, born and raised in West Nashville. He graduated from Father Ryan High School, earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, and went on to receive a master’s in business administration with a concentration in finance from Tennessee State University. Beau currently works in Wealth Management at Roussel & Associates. His love for the outdoors began on Monteagle Mountain, where he spent summers since early childhood. His favorite outdoor activities include hiking, camping, and floating down any river.
Drew Philpott
Drew Philpott was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He moved to Tennessee in 2014 to attend Sewanee: The University of the South, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry. Drew began working with Bartlett Tree Experts in 2018 and now serves as Local Manager of the Nashville office. He is a Board-Certified Master Arborist. Drew’s favorite tree is the willow oak, which grows throughout Tennessee. He and his wife, Emily, enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.
Welcome New Board Intern
In addition, Emily Maier has been elected the new Board Intern through an ongoing partnership with the Young Leaders Council.
Emily Maier is a Senior Advisory Associate at Frazier & Deeter, an accounting and professional services firm based in Nashville. In her role, she supports companies with SOX and SOC compliance and contributes to outsourced accounting projects. Originally from Central Indiana, Emily has called Nashville home for over a decade.
Her passion for the outdoors began in rural Indiana, where she spent time gardening, exploring nature, and learning about local flora, fauna, and farming. Today, she continues to further her passion for native plant gardening and ecosystem restoration, promoting biodiversity and habitat support for local wildlife.
Emily holds a master’s degree in accounting from Belmont University, is actively pursuing CPA licensure, and is a graduate of the Young Leaders Council. In her free time, she enjoys live music, spending time with her dog, and crocheting.
Regional & PositionAL ElectIONS
TennGreen has also elected Board Member Andrew Rueff as the new East Tennessee Vice President, alongside Marcya A. Carter-Sheats as the new Middle Tennessee Vice President. Fellow Board members Christopher C. Haigler and Scott Bowman will serve as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. View TennGreen’s full Board of Directors here.
TennGreen Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and the oldest accredited statewide land conservancy in Tennessee. TennGreen’s mission is to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Through sound science and partnerships, TennGreen identifies and conserves land across Tennessee for wildlife corridors, critical habitat, and public benefit. TennGreen protects, cares for, and connects people with Tennessee’s natural world by providing meaningful outdoor experiences, establishing conservation easements, supporting restoration efforts, and acquiring (or assisting in the acquisition of) privately held land.
