Tasha Kennard

A native Nashvillian driven to serve the community, Tasha Kennard has developed and implemented innovative solutions that simultaneously closed gaps for the underserved while lifting entrepreneurs. As Executive Director of the Nashville Farmers' Market, Kennard led efforts to revitalize the 200-year-old beloved institution, including a $7 million renovation; establishment of small business incubation programs; and a statewide food security program that doubled the buying power for EBT customers, and secured $1 million in grant funding during the pandemic. Tasha previously served on the project development team of Southall Farms, a farm resort and start up hospitality company, and as the Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Today, she serves as the CEO of Thistle Farms and is focused on expanding the organization's ability to serve, love and champion women survivors byproviding a safe place to live, job training and meaningful employment and a lifelong sisterhood of support. Tasha graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and is actively involved as a member and volunteer at St. Henry Catholic Church and School, a founding member of Les Dames International’s Nashville Chapter and a member of the Nashville Women’s Catholic Business League, Leadership Catholic, the Women Presidents Organization, and the Stand Together Mental Health Cohort. She resides in Nashville with her husband, children, and golden retrievers.