In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Lighthouse Counsel Senior Consultant Carole Carter heads up a lively conversation with Sandy Howard and Gary Everton about leading productive, engaging board meetings that lead to involvement and philanthropic support.

During their conversation, the trio talks about:

• Maintaining a structured agenda while fostering an engaging environment where board members feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking an active role
• Strategies for motivating board members to not only participate in discussions but also become more personally invested in the organization’s philanthropic initiatives
• Integrating opportunities for fun, team-building or creative thinking into board meetings without compromising the focus on strategic goals and fundraising efforts

About our guests

Sandy Cornelius Howard is a Nashville-based interior designer with a deep commitment to community service and volunteerism. Her rich background in design and heart for giving back has led Sandy to use her talents to make a lasting impact both locally and beyond.

Throughout her career, Sandy has been an active leader, serving on the boards of Friends of Children’s Hospital and KLife Nashville as well as chairing boards and fundraising campaigns for the Green Hills YMCA and Restore Ministries. Subsequent to her own son’s critical illness 25 years ago, Sandy began working one on one with families at Vanderbilt University Children’s Hospital offering emotional support and encouragement during long-term hospital stays, as well as chairing the annual Time for Remembering event for families who have lost a child.  

Her dedication to supporting children and families in need led her to create the Sandy Cornelius Pediatric Psychosocial Wellbeing Fund, which assists families navigating long-term medical challenges through the funding of a pediatric psychologist in the cardiology clinic at the Monroe Carrell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.  

An advocate for education, she has served as an alumni interviewer for Vanderbilt University, as a mentor for Delta Delta Delta and a volunteer in the children’s ministry at West End Community Church.  A member of the Nashville Downtown Partnership, the Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Nashville and the Junior League of Nashville, Sandy continues to create opportunities for connection and growth within her community.

Gary Everton founded EOA Architects in 1991 and has led some of Nashville’s most prominent projects including the first LEED-Gold high-rise tower in SoBro, The Pinnacle at Symphony Place. 

With over four decades of experience in historic preservation, Gary has been instrumental in leading the restoration and rehabilitation efforts of some of Nashville’s historical treasures, from the Custom’s House and downtown Marriott Courtyard to the Stahlman Building, 111 Broadway, 411 Broadway and the Cohen Building. 

Gary also dedicates his time and efforts to a myriad of community organizations, serving as chair and board member, including the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; the American Institute of Architects; American Institute of Architects Middle Tennessee Chapter; the Metro Public Arts Committee; Metro Historical Commission; Historic Nashville; The DISTRICT, Green Hills YMCA; and the Land Institute, Nashville Chapter.

He is a Fellow with the American Institute of Architects and received the William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn
https://eoa-architects.com/staff-member/gary-everton/
Connect with Sandy