As a part of the general counsel for the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, Elizabeth Foss spends her days advocating for local farmers, whom she calls the “unsung heroes that none of us could live without.” But her work doesn’t end there. The Cleveland, TN, native is an active board member of the Economic Club of Nashville and on the Executive Committee for the upcoming Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville (taking place January 12-14, 2024). We caught up with her to learn more about her work, what we can expect from this year’s fundraising event (Ina Garten is a guest speaker!), and more. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
Can you tell us a bit about your career trajectory?
I was originally inspired to become a lawyer by my great-grandfather, who was also a lawyer and who I was lucky enough to know until he died when I was 18. I have his original law license, dated May 5, 1917, framed in my office.
After obtaining my own law license, I worked for a law firm in Chattanooga and then moved to Nashville in 2002. My practice focused on business litigation (representing companies in legal disputes) until I was hired by one of my clients as its general counsel. I remained in-house (representing just one company on its payroll) in a series of positions that allowed me to broaden my business law acumen. I started as general counsel for Tennessee Farmers Cooperative just before COVID in October 2019, and I hope to retire in this role.
What led you to the role you’re in now?
I was recruited into my current position by a consulting firm hired to find a replacement when my predecessor retired. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (“the Coop”) is a very unique company. The local retail cooperatives, with locations all over the state, all own one share of the company. The Coop then functions similarly to a corporate headquarters — providing services and support for the local Coop’s operations. The Coop also owns several joint ventures and subsidiaries, all agriculturally focused, with operations throughout the Southeast.
As general counsel, I am part of the Coop’s executive team. I handle all the typical things a corporate counsel would handle, but by virtue of the company being an agricultural cooperative, there are unique legal and cultural aspects of the job. As you can guess from the description of the company, this is a pretty wide-ranging and demanding job. Ultimately, the Coop is here to ensure the success of the farmers and producers across the state, and it is rewarding to feel like you are a part of the system that grows food and fiber for the world. Farmers are truly unsung heroes that none of us could live without.
Can you tell us about your work with the ECON Charities and the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville?
The Economic Club of Nashville (ECON) is a civic group serving the Nashville community through service and fellowship for over 100 years. ECON Charities is the non-profit charitable arm of the Club. Many people forget that the Antiques & Garden Show is a fundraising event and the primary fundraiser for ECON Charities.
I’ve been working with — or on — the Show for over 20 years. I have been chair of the board of directors, served in various officer roles, been a board member, and helped lead the team that converted the show from paper tickets to electronic ticketing. I currently serve on the executive committee, am an emeritus board member, oversee the box office and ticketing operations, manage the ECON Club’s volunteers, and serve as the Show’s lawyer. I’ve also served on the Charities board for over 10 years.
I previously served as chair of that board and was part of the team that overhauled the group’s strategic focus. Specifically, we created a new program called Light a Spark, with a mission to help build resilient families through shared cultural experiences. Light a Spark partners with local nonprofit organizations to offer fragile families access to cultural experiences. This work is vitally important because these shared cultural experiences are proven to counterbalance adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, which can impact a person’s lifelong health and well-being.
Parents and children who can enjoy cultural outings together are able to deepen their sense of connection and build the resilience they need to face adversity with fortitude. Also, as our city grows and the cultural and entertainment offerings increase, it is crucial that everyone gets to experience them — not just families with money. By supporting this effort, we believe we are greatly enhancing our charitable partners’ likelihood of success. It is a truly unique mission we are excited to support and expand.
What can we look forward to at the upcoming Antiques & Garden Show?
The theme of the Show this year, “Welcome to Beautiful,” is carried throughout the event in such a consistent and beautiful way. It is really going to elevate the overall experience and feel special. We also have some great speakers — both in terms of having Ina Garten (amazing) and the international presence in our line-up. This is the oldest and largest event of its kind in the country, and I think it will really live up to its reputation as an unparalleled experience this year.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Two of the most important things you may ever do are to say “Please” and “Thank you.”
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
1. Laughing. Humor, jokes, wit — laughter just lightens my soul.
2. My animals. I always have a small menagerie, and they bring me so much love and joy.
3. Nature/Gardening. My mood suffers when I get disconnected from the outdoors or can’t put my hands in the dirt.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite place to find home decor and antiques in Nashville?
Favorite place to explore greenery and nature?
Last book you read that you can’t wait to recommend to someone else?
I am not a big leisure reader as I basically read for a living, but the last time I was on an international flight, I read Truly Darkly Deeply by Victoria Selman, and it was the perfect blend of light but engaging. A great vacation read.
Favorite local hidden gem?
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Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
