Meet TCLA Class 27: Our Largest Cohort Yet — and Our First in a New Era for Transit

The Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee is thrilled to welcome Class 27 of the Transit Citizen Leadership Academy (TCLA). This is the largest class enrollment in our history and the first class since Nashville approved dedicated funding for transit. (Choose How You Move)

This is more than just a new cohort. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. 🚍

Since 2011, the Transit Alliance has brought together public- and private-sector leaders from across Middle Tennessee to explore the realities, opportunities, and challenges of regional mobility. Historically, our focus has been clear: building the public will for dedicated transit funding. This year, we pivot.

With Nashville’s funding referendum a success, Class 27 will help us shift the conversation toward regionalism and explore how surrounding counties can leverage existing assets, address persistent barriers to access, and work together toward a truly connected region.

“Moving from focusing on dedicated funding to regionalism will be a big pivot — but that’s why we’re here. We get to bring these community leaders together, share what we’ve learned after 15 years and one successful transit funding referendum, and devies ways we can help the region advance this conversation.”

— Jessica Dauphin, President & CEO, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee

What’s Ahead for Class 27?

Over the next eight sessions, this remarkable group will:

• Experience the region’s mobility options firsthand — from train rides to bus tours to neighborhood walk audits.

• Learn from policy makers, planners, and advocates about the challenges and opportunities facing our transit future.

• Collaborate on a class project that will document the region’s existing mobility assets, identify barriers to access, and propose their top three recommendations for moving forward.

• Build the confidence and skill to communicate the value of multimodal transit in their communities.

Why This Matters

A strong regional transit system doesn’t happen by chance: it’s built by informed, connected, and committed leaders. By the time they graduate, Class 27 won’t just be talking about transit. They’ll be shaping the future of how Middle Tennessee moves.

See below to be introduced to each member of the TCLA 27 Network.

Follow along with Class 27 on our social media channels for behind-the-scenes moments, insights from the field, and updates on their class project. Together, we’re on the move.

📣 Meet the TCLA Class 27 Cohort: This year’s TCLA class isn’t just big — it’s record-breaking with 30 participants, it's our largest class ever. Representing 10 counties across Middle Tennessee, TCLA 27 is a mix of public- and private-sector leaders (6 public, 24 private) who bring expertise from government, business, nonprofits, planning, and beyond. These are the leaders stepping up to learn, collaborate, and champion mobility solutions for our region’s future:

Say "Hello!" to TCLA 27!

• Becky Rehorn – HNTB

• Braden Eutsler – Commute with Enterprise

• Brandon Mason – BCMason Group

• Brendan Scully – Nashville Department of Transportation

• Brian Rose – City of Gallatin

• Caitlan Howard – S&ME, Inc.

• Carlos Silva – CDM Smith

• Cary Street – Apex Strategies, LLC

• Deanna Lambert – STV

• Hayden Rogers – RaganSmith

• Hunter Branstetter – Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison

• Jamie Villegas – Nashville-Davidson County Continuum of Care Homelessness Planning Council

• Jason Fialkoff – CDM Smith

• Joan Kite – Meharry Medical College / NOAH

• Jubal Parris – WeGo Public Transit

• Kaitlyn Jauch – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Office of Energy Programs; Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels

• Kara Komp – HNTB

• Katherine Kennon – Belmont University

• Keaton Rypkema – KCI Technologies

• Kristen Grimm – OHM Advisors

• Layton Murphy – KCI Technologies, Inc.

• Mariah Phillips – Northwestern Mutual

• Matea Cannavino – Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

• Nicquayleeonntea Moore – Tennessee Department of Transportation

• Nikki Jeffery – HNTB Corporation, Inc.

• Ray Render – Congressman John Rose

• Tania Freeman – Lewis Thomason, P.C.

• Savanah Robertson – Tennessee Department of Transportation

• Karl Dean – WeGo Public Transit

• Marquis McMahan – WeGo Public Transit