2025 Salute to Excellence Awards
November 6th, 2025
After an incredible celebration in 2024, we’re gearing up for another unforgettable event in 2025. The Salute to Excellence Awards continue to honor the extraordinary impact of nonprofits in our community. On November 6th, 2025, we’ll gather for a special luncheon at the Music City Center to celebrate the achievements, passion, and dedication that drive positive change. Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to join us for a meaningful and inspiring afternoon of recognition and connection!
Salute to Excellence 2025 Early Bird Tickets are now on Sale . To purchase, click here or snap a photo of QR code!
Become a Salute to Excellence Sponsor
As a CNEMT partner, your funding will support nonprofit strategic growth and capacity building and sustain CNEMT’s strength as the social sector’s hub and thought leader.
Connect with our President and CEO, Meagan Flippin, to explore future Salute Event Sponsor Opportunities.
Congratulations Salute to Excellence 2025 Award Finalists
Board Member of the Year Award
Rodney Chester, GraceWorks Ministries
Barry Gammons, UpRise Nashville
Rita McDonald, STARS
Pinnacle Financial Partners CEO of the Year Award
Amy Alexander, The Refuge Center for Counseling
Marshall Crawford, The Housing Fund
Sharon Roberson, YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee
CFO of the Year Award
Cindy Cunningham, Nashville International Center for Empowerment
David Dempsey, Park Center
Robert Marigza-Yeo, Nashville Shakespear Festival
Frontline Caregiver Award
Aiza Herrera, Park Center
Dawn Howard, Progress Inc.
Abdikadir Mohamed, Safe Haven Family Shelter
UTK College of Social Work Social Justice Changemaker Award
Pathways Kitchen
Tennessee Higher Education Initiative
The Arc Tennessee
Community Impact Award
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Neonatal Outreach Team
Sexual Assault Center
Tennessee Higher Education Initiative
New Generations Award
Pawster
Tennessee Caregiver Coalition
The Nashville Food Project
Sustainable Practices Award
The Nashville Food Project
Turnip Green Creative Reuse
Revenue Development Award
Faith Family Medical Center
Friends of Shelby Parks and Bottoms
Samaritan Recovery Community
Leadership Award
Justice Industries, Inc.
Mid-South Liver Alliance
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Tennessee
Salute to Excellence – Call for Nominations
Watch the virtual kick-off of the 2025 Salute to Excellence Awards, held on May 28! This event launched our annual celebration of nonprofit excellence across Middle Tennessee. Discover how to submit a nomination, explore award categories, and join a powerful tradition that honors the organizations and leaders driving meaningful change in our community.
Thank you Salute to Excellence 2025 Sponsors
