Nate Gilmer

Nate Gilmer embodies the leadership qualities that enable others to thrive, and organizations to flourish. Since he joined the board of the Tennessee Justice Center, TJC has benefited from his skilled, supportive leadership. When Nate became a director in 2017, the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, which are both critically important to TJC’s clients, were at risk of being undone. TJC’s beleaguered staff was in full crisis mode responding to the threat and supporting clients at risk. Nate’s quiet confidence, combined with his patience and openness, were just what was needed. As Senior Operations Counsel at HCA, Nate engaged his colleagues in providing life-affirming pro bono representation to TJC’s most vulnerable clients. He developed an investment strategy that protected TJC’s reserves while making it possible to dream big about the future. He helped the board see the wisdom of buying a permanent home when that was more than daunting. While board chair during the crucial period from 2021 through the building’s completion in mid-2023, Nate donated hundreds of hours to overcoming the myriad problems that threatened the project’s financing and construction. When things were painful and hard, Nate’s compassion and wisdom lightened the burdens, and helped make the path to an exciting future for TJC and the communities we serve.