Gresham Smith is proud to announce that chief development and engagement officer (CDO) Kelly Knight Hodges has been honored with a C-Suite Award from the Nashville Business Journal. This inaugural awards program recognizes the region’s highest-ranking executives who are driving strategy and operations at their companies, supporting their chief executive officers and making a difference in their community. Hodges was honored at the awards luncheon on September 10 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
“I’m thrilled to see Kelly recognized by the Nashville business community,” said Rodney Chester, chief executive officer and board chair of Gresham Smith. “Kelly brings a wealth of value to our management team, specifically in the areas of fostering employee growth, driving community engagement and influencing our long-term direction. She is not just making a difference within our organization, but also making a significant impact on the community at large.”
Since joining Gresham Smith in 2000, Hodges has served in a variety of technical, operational and client-development roles, demonstrating a compassionate leadership style and an ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships. She has been a member of Gresham Smith’s board of directors since 2020.
In her role as CDO, a position established in 2022, Hodges champions the development and growth of the firm’s people, community engagement initiatives and client experience program. She has also formalized Gresham Smith’s community, civic and client engagement activities across its 26 office locations, spearheading the launch of the “Batey Gresham Philanthropic Program.” Hodges also drives key initiatives outlined in Gresham Smith’s strategic plan, which guides the company’s long-term direction. This includes workforce development, Way-2-Recruit, DEIB efforts and the social impact aspects of the firm’s Environmental, Social and Governance framework.
As a highly recognized and respected executive in the Nashville area business community, Hodges is known for her strategic community engagement efforts. She was named a Woman of Influence by Nashville Business Journal, is the vice chairman of the Nashville Downtown Partnership, and is chapter president for the NAIOP Nashville chapter. Hodges also sits on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee and is an executive committee member. Additionally, she represents Gresham Smith in the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce as a participant in the Partnership Economic Development Committee and as a chairperson for the Council of Ambassadors. She is also a member of The Table, which aims to establish Nashville as a paradigm of equity and inclusiveness, actively fostering growth opportunities for people of color.
