With a membership of nearly 90 members, and a 25-member Council comprised of some of the city’s most talented and dedicated emerging leaders, the Next Chapter Society is a powerful force for advancing the Foundation’s mission.
Over the past five years, NCS has transformed from a casual “Bring Your Own Book” monthly book club to a well-organized fundraising, outreach, and volunteer component of NPLF. Here are just a few of their successes: the NCS monthly book club boasts an average of 35 attendees; hundreds of locals and people all across the country are wearing NCS t-shirts designed by local artists; during the pandemic, NCS virtual trivia events connected dozens of participants from Nashville to Hawaii; and in 2019, NCS brought the beloved String City with special guests, Old Crow Medicine Show to the Library, raising over $35,000!
Since 2019, the Next Chapter Society has raised over $172,000 to sustain and enhance Nashville Public Library programs that will change lives for generation to come.
The NCS Council made these successes possible. The transformation started under the leadership of President, Caitlin Reed, who is now the Foundation’s Director of Events. “I initially saw joining Next Chapter Society as an opportunity to support the library and connect with other young professionals, but over the last five years it has evolved into so much more. We have created a space to learn and grow as leaders in our community and to exercise our strengths and talents to support, elevate, and advocate for our beloved library – all while making life-long friends,” said Reed.
In 2021, Sara Wigal and Rosemary Rapolla took the lead as Co-Chairs, with Jocelyn Froats, Kara Johnson and Sydney Shearer serving on the Executive Committee. This group remained in leadership the following year, joined by Adam Mansell. We extend our gratitude to the FY23 NCS Council who led the group to raise over $60K.
Amy Renigar, Director of Community Giving, shared, “I am awestruck and inspired by the leadership and commitment of the NCS Council. The Foundation truly would not be what it is today without this amazing group of emerging leaders. We extend a heartful thank you to each of the members. I am so excited to see what NCS has in store for in the coming year! I’m envisioning puppets and country music…”
Caitlin Reed, NPLF