Deborah Farringer

Deb Farringer has influenced every aspect of the Tennessee Justice Center since she joined the board in 2016. Working on the finance and executive committees, Deb quietly took on one task after another and always followed through. She became the board chair in 2019 and led the board through the tumult of COVID, and the loss of TJC’s lease. A respected law professor and administrator at Belmont University, she forged a fruitful partnership between Belmont and TJC that has allowed Belmont law students to gain real life public interest legal experience while serving our clients. As chair, Deb met with TJC’s executive staff weekly for two years, serving as mentor, wise counselor, strategic thinker and personal coach. When storms threatened, Deb was a steady hand and voice of calm. She was clear from the first that, for TJC’s long term stability and effectiveness, we had to escape the volatility that made it increasingly impractical to lease our workspace. Deb thoughtfully built consensus in the board to undertake the daunting challenge of buying a building. That initial commitment was crucial, ultimately culminating in our move to a new, permanent home in which we take pride, grateful to be able to work more efficiently and effectively, knowing that TJC is here to stay.