2025 Panelist & Moderators

An entertainment industry professional with over 29 years of experience across marketing, production, sales and branding, Brett Dismuke currently serves as General Manager of AMC Networks brands ALLBLK and WE TV. Prior to being appointed to this role in December 2020, Dismuke served as Chief Content Officer of ALLBLK where he oversaw content acquisition and development of original programming.

During his tenure as Chief Content Officer, Dismuke’s focus on original programming spawned several breakout hit series for the streaming service including nighttime soap opera, A House Divided, and action-packed thriller, Double Cross. 

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Before returning to ALLBLK (formerly UMC) to helm the subscription video on demand platform, Dismuke maintained his own entertainment outfit, So Chi Entertainment; served as President/COO of The Swirl Group, President of Moguldom Entertainment, and as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Urban Programming for RLJ Entertainment’s One Village studio.

Michael Lohmann came to Nashville while working on the television show Nashville. His wife and five children quickly fell in love with Tennessee, and since then, Michael has dedicated himself to increasing the potential of the local film community through major investments in infrastructure—including over 250,000 square feet of stage space and the industry’s most state-of-the-art equipment.

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In addition to his work in Tennessee, Michael serves as the Head of Production for CBS and Paramount’s Kapital Entertainment. A third-generation film professional with 32 years of experience working alongside the largest names and studios in the industry, Michael looks forward to using his expertise to help grow the Nashville film community to its greatest—and most responsible—potential.

Tom Neff has over thirty five years’ experience in the film industry with many national and international awards, including an Oscar nomination, Emmy, and Emmy nomination.

He is a member of both the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and the Television Academy.

With his partner John Forbess, Neff founded the Documentary Channel which eventually aired to over 45 million viewers nationally. Neff has created, written, directed, produced, or executive produced well over 100 documentaries including Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire; Red Grooms: Sunflower in a Hothouse; Our Country, Roots of Country and many others.

His films have shown at Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian, New York & 39's Whitney

Museum of American Art, Lincoln Center, Lincoln Jazz Center, Denver Art Museum, Tennessee State Museum, the Director’s Guild of America, The Academy, Ojai Center, and other venues and cities.

His last documentary was the award-winning Mr. Temple and the Tigerbelles, and is currrently finishing a doc on activist Clemmie Greenlee: Clemmie Unfiltered. An Associate Professor at MTSU (Middle TN State University) for over 12 years, he teaches cinema production and business.

Percy Bell is a compelling and grounded actor known for his emotional range, authenticity, and commanding on-screen presence. He is also an up-and-coming narrator, with several works available on Audible.

A native of Epps, Louisiana, Percy discovered his passion for storytelling after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Nicholls State University, during which he also served as an athletic trainer for the New Orleans Saints. Though he began his professional career in sports medicine, his love for performance ultimately led him to pursue acting full-time.

After relocating to Nashville, Percy immersed himself in acting classes and workshops, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and professionalism. His dedication paid off when he secured representation and began booking national commercials, print campaigns, and film roles. Percy’s star continues to rise with standout performances, including a series regular role as Duke in County Rescue, Great American Family’s first original TV series, notable appearances opposite Samuel L. Jackson in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey on Apple TV+, and his most recent feature, Sinners—directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan—marks a major milestone in his career. This fall, you will also see him recurring as fire fighter Watkins, in 9-1-1: Nashville, premiering this fall on ABC.

Gisela Moore, Project Manager for the TN Entertainment Commission which is under ECD for the State of TN for the past 19 years has helped approximately 200+ projects per year with permits, research and crew. She has worked with Scripps Network, Discovery, ABC’s “Nashville” TV Series, Motor Trends, Ride with Norman Reedus, Warner Bros. International, Chrisley Knows Best, countless music videos, photo shoots and commercials. Passionate about sharing information on opportunities that can help Tennesseans get employed.

Bobby Yan is an eight-time Emmy Award winning director, writer, visual effects artist and editor. First getting his start in music videos, Bobby directed some of the world’s biggest music artists in numerous genres from Hip Hop, Pop, Rock to Gospel, working with major labels such as Sony, Warner Bros, and Universal Records. He has directed over one hundred music videos and commercials.

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A child of Chinese immigrants, Bobby was born and raised in New York City, before later moving to New Orleans, LA. The juxtaposition of these two different cultures and environments became a heavy influence in Bobby’s style and expression. From his love of music to videogames and pop culture, his work has a highly visual and fun aesthetic style that pops out on the screen, while his personal and more intimate work in his short films tackles topics and stories from a world view perspective, often exploring topics of ethnicity & heritage, gender & sexuality and self-identity.

Meet Willie Sims – Most Know Him as Big Fella

Big Fella is the ultimate bridge builder, dedicated to fostering art, community, and connection. His passion for creating a thriving cultural ecosystem is vital to Nashville’s growth and innovation. Above all, Big Fella is a devoted husband and father, embodying love and purpose in every aspect of his life.

A true renaissance man, Big Fella wears many hats: entertainer, ambassador, and entrepreneur. While in college, he launched the public-access cooking show “Cookin’ With Big Fella: The Hustlin’ Gourmet,” a cult classic! Big is also a legendary master of ceremonies, seer of the future and a consummate creator. 

As an organizer and festival promoter, Big Fella co-founded Nashville’s Official Juneteenth615 Firework Celebration, a cornerstone event for the city. He also channels his energy into youth outreach, using artistic expression to inspire and unlock potential in young people. His contributions to the arts ripple through the community, mentoring musicians, producers, writers, artists, builders and creators of all walks of life and disciplines.

Trusted and transformative leader known for driving change at the intersection of
culture, business, and community impact. A visionary leader helping others to lead
authentically and reshape the cultural economy.

22+ years storybook career working in community, ad agency, and amplifying top
brands in major industries like tourism, historical, automotive, museums, housing,
gaming, healthcare, wireless, higher education, tech, quick service restaurants.

National award-winning creative known for amplifying brands that amplify culture and
communities that they impact. She became the CEO of MOJO Marketing + PR in 2014,
helping to merge business innovation, creativity, and servant leadership. MOJO thrives
on amplifying culture and impact with market takeovers in media exposure, energetic
integrated campaigns and memorable experiential events for our clients. Most recently,
her second impact driven brand, Destination CULTURE as a game changer to the travel
and tourism industry.

Her claims to fame range from civic leadership, community ecosystems, while curating
national brand campaigns for Harvard MGB, Tennessee Titans, NIH CEAL, Sigma
Gamma Rho, Sorority, National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), Cares
ACT campaign with The Equity Alliance, Tennessee State Parks, New Orleans
Multicultural Tourism Network, The Cupcake Collection, MetroPCS, United States
Postal Service, HCA Healthcare, Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electrical, Mr. Roof
and many more.

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Tiffany Hardin is an award-winning executive marketer, investor, and educator with a passion for creating culturally resonant connections that drive trust, awareness, and impact. As the CEO and founder of Gild Creative Group (GCG), an influencer marketing agency, she has led groundbreaking strategies for brands like Hulu, Victoria's Secret, Rewiring America, Microsoft, Airbnb, and Target, ensuring meaningful integrations between talent and campaigns across digital and offline platforms.

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Recognized as an early pioneer in influencer marketing, Tiffany is celebrated for her ability to anticipate cultural shifts and guide brands to harness the power of talent-driven content. Known as a "culture A&R," she empowers clients to ride the waves of cultural evolution rather than react to them, solidifying her reputation as a visionary strategist.

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Tiffany's commitment to empowering future leaders is evident in her work as an educator and speaker. She has taught courses at NYU’s Tisch and Stern Schools, mentored for AWS Impact Accelerator for Women, and contributed as a lecturer for Billboard's Music Industry Essentials program. Her insights have been featured on prominent stages including SXSW, AdColor, and Advertising Week. Additionally, she champions sustainable professional growth through Conscious Hustler™, a lifestyle brand, podcast and curriculum that offers an alternative to hustle culture.

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Currently, Tiffany is revolutionizing creator empowerment with Represent, a SaaS platform designed to upskill creators at every stage of their careers. Represent combines tech-enabled tools and an expert marketplace to help creators maximize their wealth-building potential.

Abigail Smith is a 15 year old mental health and youth activist and passionate reader. Reading inspires her creativity and keeps her connected to the emotions and issues teens face today, which is why she became a voice for those experiences. She believes in using her platform to spark change, create safe spaces for honest dialogue, and break the silence around conversations many are too afraid to have. Through her advocacy, Abigail works to empower young people, challenge stigma, and inspire others to embrace openness, resilience, and growth.

Ricky Burchell has a more than 20-year career in the entertainment industry. He began his career as a performer but soon went on to host, and produce his own hip hop TV show, “Mixx Master’s Lounge” which was seen in 120 million homes worldwide. Over the years, he worked with Billboard charting artists Kurtis Blow, Lecrae, NewsBoys, Earnest Pugh, Struggle Jennings, Jelly Roll, and many more. Producing music and/or music videos. Ricky also partnered with Abingdon Press where he wrote and produced over 75 children’s songs, 20 music videos, and 7 short films and documentaries. Ricky has also written and directed a large number of commercials as well as writing, performing, and producing the theme song for ESPN2 show “King of the Strip”.

From daily newspaper photographer to production assistant, to social engagement manager and photographer for the Nashville Business Journal, I went out on my own in 2018. Since then this business community has been incredibly supportive. I'm here to return the favor.

I’m thankful to have been trusted by local and global brands alike for branded content, especially photos and videos. More often than not growth-minded brands aren't always clear on why they are different or why what they do matters. So today we also offer support to help discover why it all matters to each person connected to your brand. Purpose, passion, and people can be overlooked when profit and process take over. In addition to photography and video, our brand Identity coaching is available for C-Suite execs and founders who want help remembering why they started.

I offer brand identity coaching and branded content.

We are the only brand storytellers who create photo and video content that shines a light on your passion to amplify your brand's unique mission and advocate for your authentic voice.

We combine compassionate curiosity and emotional intelligence to discover the deeper purpose stored within your brand and reignite the intrinsic energy found in your journey to unlock sustainable drive.

Cameo Bobo is the trailblazing host of The Cameo Bobo Show – Live in Music City, Nashville’s #1 late-night TV show and winner of the Southern Entertainment Award for Internet Series of the Year. She is also the Amazon Best-Selling Author of The Best Life Formula and founder of Best Life Babes, a community empowering women through goal-setting, confidence, and personal branding.

A TV host, entrepreneur, and award-winning digital creator, Cameo has built her brand through both television and short-form content, securing partnerships and expanding her reach online. She has been honored as 2025 Social Media Personality of the Year by 100 Magazine, Nashville’s 40 Under 40, the Pay It Forward Award, and the Girl You’re So Dope Award for her creativity, service, and impact.

Maurice is a once-in-a-generation artist—part poet, part outlaw—whose raw storytelling and genre-bending country R&B” sound set him apart. Raised in foster care, he developed his talents busking on the streets of New
Orleans. Maurice turned struggle into song, earning recognition on American Idol and later performing live with Morgan Wallen and Randy Houser. A gifted multi-instrumentalist on trombone, piano, and guitar, Maurice is also a visionary songwriter and producer, forging a legacy as an artist to be remembered—with his
debut EP Country Like This marking only the beginning.

Dr. Terrence Schofield (PhD), also known as “Dr. T”, is a nationally recognized expert on Human Performance and Diverse Relationships.  Dr. T is noted as one of the nation’s top Psychology experts on “Human Relationships” by Good Morning America’s (ABC) Contributing Mental Health Consultant Dr. Jeff Gardere. He is a noted author of several books, including Why We Do What We Do: Improving Your Relationships and Your Life, Black, Married and Not Feelin’ It, which examines the high divorce rates occurring in the Black Community in the United States.

He has also co-authored a major mental health collaborative journal with the former President of The National Medical Association, (MD) Dr. Rahn Bailey.

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Dr. T has provided a broad range of consultations to several NBA players, Hollywood’s elite, and currently does several live podcasts (with over a million followers and supporters) and relationship team-building webinars to be able to continue to reach those who wish to improve their working and/or personal relationships with others, despite new challenges faced in our changing world.

Ron grew up in the Memphis projects surrounded by gun violence. In September 1985, just three days after Ron’s mom cheered him on from the stands during a college football game, she was shot by a single bullet meant for his cousin. Ron joined a gang and served time in prison. But remembering his mother’s faith in him eventually inspired him to change. Ron became a gang interventionist and co-founded an organization to mentor young men coming out of prison. Ron believes the way to make communities safer is by giving them the resources they lack and the proper training on how to use guns.