About me
Derria L. Ford is an accomplished nonprofit leader, strategist, and speaker with nearly two decades of experience advancing equity, opportunity, and community through philanthropy and leadership. As Chief Development Officer at the Martha O’Bryan Center, she led a diverse team responsible for fundraising, donor engagement, communications, and volunteerism—building bridges across generations to fuel transformational impact.
Known for her inclusive leadership style and strengths-based approach, Derria has helped raise millions in philanthropic support, strengthen corporate and community partnerships, and increase donor and volunteer retention by understanding and honoring generational differences in communication and engagement.
A frequent speaker at national conferences such as AFP LEAD and the Raise Fundraising Conference, Derria is passionate about cultivating cultures where all generations feel seen, valued, and equipped to lead. She was honored as the 2024 Young Professional of the Year by the Middle Tennessee State University Jones College of Business.
Derria holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University and an MBA from Middle Tennessee State University. Her academic training and real-world experience fuel her commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive storytelling, and intergenerational collaboration. Additionally, she spent ten years working for Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.
Whether she’s facilitating a conversation, mentoring emerging leaders, or strategizing for impact, Derria brings heart, humor, and clarity to every room she enters. When she’s not working, you’ll find her building community, traveling, or spending time with her daughter and husband.
M. Suzanne Hartness is a seasoned management consultant and former Chief Operating Officer of a mid-size Nashville law firm, where she led operations in human resources, finance, IT, facilities, and strategic planning for over six years. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in both legal and corporate environments, Suzanne brings deep expertise in law firm infrastructure, talent development, and managing organizational change.
As an approved CLE provider with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education, Suzanne frequently presents on topics including multi-generational workplace dynamics, inclusive leadership, mental health in the legal profession, and neurodiversity. She has developed and led professional development sessions for the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and Nashville Bar Association. Her article, Bridging Generational Gaps in Law Firms, was published by the ABA in 2023.
Suzanne currently consults with law firms and professional services organizations on strategy, succession planning, leadership development, and organizational health. She is known for helping firms build accountable, collaborative cultures where professionals of all generations can thrive.
She also serves on the Mental Health & Wellbeing Task Force for the Middle Tennessee Association of Legal Administrators and volunteers with organizations supporting foster families and equitable access to legal services.
