It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I step into the role of Executive Director of the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund. As I embark on this new chapter, I am honored to continue the Fund’s legacy of investing in transformative change for Middle Tennessee’s young people and the ecosystems that support them.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my predecessor, Kaki Friskics-Warren for her leadership, dedication, and vision. Her unwavering commitment to justice and liberation helped shape the foundation of the Maddox Fund, and I am honored for the opportunity to build upon the legacy of her work as we move forward together.
At Maddox, we seek a world in which people and planet flourish together in regenerative systems free from oppression and threat. It is a vision of hope for the future. In our current landscape, I am aware that it can sometimes feel like that future is just beyond our grasp. I step into this role during a time when our nonprofit partners are facing unprecedented challenges. Economic uncertainties, shifting philanthropic and policy priorities, and the growing needs of our communities require us to be more adaptive, resourceful, and collaborative than ever before. Despite these difficulties, I firmly believe in the power of community and that solutions to some of our most pressing challenges will be found by following the wisdom and leadership of those most proximate to the pain.
In this constantly shifting world, one thing that will remain constant at Maddox is our commitment to you, our community partners. We are here to support you—we see your work, honor your leadership, and remain committed to walking alongside you.
In the months ahead, I look forward to listening and learning from our grantees, community leaders, and partners. Your insights, experiences, and wisdom will be invaluable as we continue shaping a shared vision for the future.
In the coming weeks, we are curating two types of opportunities for connection:
- Attend a Listening Meeting: Beginning on February 19th, Maddox will be hosting a series of Listening Meetings as we look for early guidance in our strategic planning process. A good candidate to attend is a person in leadership who knows the external forces at work in the organization as well as the internal challenges ahead for the organization’s programs, staff, board and program participants. You can sign up to attend here.
- One on Ones: In addition to listening meetings, I welcome the opportunity to connect one on one for a 45 minute conversation. You can sign up for a time here. I’m happy to meet either in person or virtually – whatever is most convenient for you!
Please feel free to reach out, introduce yourself, and share what inspires you about the work we are doing together.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Maddox Fund community. I am excited about the work ahead.
With gratitude,
Rev. Jen Bailey
Executive Director
Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund
