Debbye Wright
Debbye has given her life to journeying with others. With her husband, children, friends, and now, as a spiritual director with a passion to accompany others on their spiritual journey. She serves as a listener who comes alongside one who is seeking to be attentive to God’s movement in their life. She holds a certificate in spiritual direction from NewWay Ministries. Debbye loves process, as much as people, and has the unique ability to manage tasks while relating to others. She has enjoyed project management and event coordination for nonprofit organizations for 25 years. She is married to Blair, they have three children and four grandchildren.
Blair Wright
As Executive VP of Business Development at The White Stone Group, a Knoxville based healthcare technology firm, Blair Wright works to improve financial and operational performance for hospitals. With more than 30 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and sales leadership in both business and ministry environments he brings a blend of practical management and relational skills to an organization. He also enjoys mentoring younger men and the community of close friends who share a desire for “conversations that matter”.
Blair holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Tennessee. He enjoys his 38 year marriage to Debbye, his three children, and being “Pops” to his 4 grandchildren. He also enjoys fishing, and his hobby business buying and selling architectural salvage and antiques.
Melody Gardner
Melody Gardner grew up in Black Mountain, NC with her three very different siblings and wonderful parents. While high school was rewarding and fun, college catapulted her into life-altering opportunities like nothing else. Melody attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she obtained a degree in Nursing. Sensing from the Lord she was to use her gifts and talents to serve college students, Melody left her nursing career and began a career as a full time missionary.
After eighteen years as a missionary, Melody transitioned from working with college students to owning a small business called Hesed, Inc. She and a small group of exceptionally talented individuals work with the leaders of small to medium non-profit organizations to support them in three ways: remaining IRS compliant, developing a funding strategy specific to them, and learning how to recruit, retain and resource their volunteers.
Melody has worked as the Executive Director of the only residential home for pregnant teens in Atlanta, GA, as well as senior leadership in fundraising at the world-renowned college for African American males, Morehouse College. She attends law school at Emory University where she will obtain a Juris Master with an emphasis in nonprofit fundraising and development.
Melody lives in Stone Mountain, GA, has her Master of Arts in Adult Education from Dallas Theological Seminary, is a Certified Fundraising Executive and an author, and enjoys knitting, sewing, hosting small group dinners, decorating and walking.