John Lowry serves as Chair of the Blakeford Foundation Board. He is President of The Lowry Group, LLC and author of Negotiation Made Simple. Mr. Lowry holds a BA in Communications, an MA in Religion, and a JD, and played collegiate soccer at Wheaton College. He is passionate about growing Blakeford’s reach and impact through strategic fundraising and resource development.

Tammy Boehms serves as Chair-Elect of the Blakeford Board and Chair of the Finance Committee as well as this Foundation Board. She contributes her financial expertise to the finance committees of Ascension St. Thomas–Tennessee Region and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. With a distinguished career in finance, she has held roles including Treasurer, Assistant Vice President, Senior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer. Known as the “cool aunt” to her 21 nieces and nephews, Mrs. Boehms is honored to support Blakeford through her leadership and financial stewardship.

Laura Beth Brown is an Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing as well as Senior Vice President of Vanderbilt Health Services overseeing its operations and 21 subsidiary entities. She served three terms on the Blakeford Board of Directors and contributed her research studies to Blakeford resulting in the Blakeford at Home services. She has a great appreciation for the community support Blakeford offers and is now serving on the Foundation Board. She still finds time to oversee, manage, and carry on the 120-year family legacy in agriculture at her family farm while enjoying the cattle, horses and goats.

Janet Connor is a member of the Blakeford Board and recently retired after more than 40 years of leadership in administration, management, and human resources. She holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications and brings a wealth of strategic HR expertise to her role. Mrs. Connor is passionate about serving as an HR business partner to help strengthen Blakeford’s workforce and advance its organizational goals. She is also eager to deepen her understanding of the business side of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and collaborate with fellow board members who share a commitment to Blakeford’s mission. In August 2025, she celebrated the arrival of her first grandchild—a joyful new chapter in her life.

Katherine DeLay is a dedicated community leader serving on the Blakeford Foundation Board and as Co-Chair of the Parish Council at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Her past service includes roles with the Middle Tennessee Girl Scouts, Sherman, Dixie Concrete Industries, Mary Queen of Angels, Cheekwood, and Friends of Warner Park. She is godmother to 12, an avid traveler (Barbados is a favorite), and a passionate reader. Inspired by the compassionate care her parents received as residents of Blakeford and Woodcrest, Mrs. DeLay now considers senior care her personal calling.

Terry Frisby serves on the Blakeford Board and chairs the Workforce Committee. With a lifelong career in human resources and organizational training, he brings deep expertise to his role. His academic journey took him from Lipscomb University to Peabody College at Vanderbilt, culminating in a PhD from The Ohio State University. A proud grandfather of nine, Mr. Frisby is committed to advancing Blakeford’s mission and is honored to serve on the Foundation Board, continuing his dedication to the senior living industry.

Joey Harwell is Chair of the Blakeford Board and Chief Strategy Officer of Y Purchasing, LLC. A seasoned senior executive, he brings extensive experience across industries with a proven track record in revenue growth, cost reduction, and board development. Known for his adventurous spirit as a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, Mr. Harwell is deeply committed to Blakeford’s mission. His service on the Foundation Board reflects his passion for supporting residents and team members and expanding the impact of the community.

Dr. Arie Nettles is a former Blakeford Board member and retired professor of clinical pediatrics. She was the founding director of the Office of Inclusion & Health Equity and served on the Tennessee Statewide Policy & Planning Department for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Nettles chairs CASA and is a court-appointed special advocate. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, she continues to offer active leadership and heartfelt service to Blakeford.

Robert Rittle serves as the Blakeford Resident Representative on the Foundation Board. He is a retired faculty member from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he developed computer information systems for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. An avid hiker and landscaper, Mr. Rittle believes Foundation grants offer meaningful opportunities for residents and team members. He sees the Foundation as a vital force in expanding Blakeford’s visibility and service within the greater Nashville community.

Chris Was serves on both the Blakeford Board and the Foundation Board, as well as the Centerstone Military Services Board. A retired attorney, Mr. Was brings thoughtful oversight and advocacy to his roles. He’s also a connoisseur of all things butterscotch—his favorite milkshake spot is Elliston Place Soda Shop! Mr. Was is proud to support Blakeford’s mission to meet the living, social, and healthcare needs of senior residents, ensuring that all contributions to the Foundation are used with integrity and purpose.