Thistle Farms Expands Leadership Team with New Board Officers and Finance Lead

NASHVILLE, TN — Thistle Farms, an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to healing, housing, and employing women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction, is pleased to announce the addition of new board officers, members, and a finance and operations leader. These key appointments mark a significant step forward in strengthening the organization’s capacity to scale its justice-centered enterprises and expand holistic support services and the continuum of care for women survivors.  

The new board members and officers represent a broad range of expertise across sectors—including law, healthcare, public service, business, and lived experience. United by a deep commitment to equity, healing, and long-term impact, these leaders will work alongside the organization’s founder and president, Becca Stevens and CEO, Tasha Kennard, to help guide Thistle Farms as it continues to expand its reach and deepen its support for survivors across the country and around the world. 

“At Thistle Farms, we know that healing and growth happen with the support of a strong community—and that begins with leadership rooted in service, integrity, and a shared belief that love is the most powerful force for change,” said Tasha Kennard, CEO of Thistle Farms. “We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members - each of whom brings deep expertise, fresh perspectives, and a heart for our mission. Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact, steward our resources with care, and walk alongside women on the journey of healing and freedom.”

Brooke Schiferle, attorney with Klein Solomon Mills, PLLC and former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Human Trafficking Coordinator, will serve as Board Chair for the 2025–2026 term. She is joined by the newly appointed officers:

• David Thompson (Womble Bond Dickinson), Vice Chair
• Maeve McConville (Community Advocate and Retired CFO), Treasurer
• Daina Storey (Fisher Storey Consulting), Secretary

In addition, Thistle Farms is honored to welcome the following board members for the 2025–2028 term:

• Amber Brown, Forensics Interviewer, Homeland Security Investigations
• Monty Burks, Deputy Director of Governor Lee’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
• Sarah Butler, US Program Director, Hope for Justice
• Carrie Daughtrey, retired Attorney with the US Attorney’s Office
• David Hutchens, Author and Business Coach
• Traci Nordberg, SVP People Services, Lifepoint
• Chris Sizemore, Medical Director of Diana Health
• Chelle Waller, Entrepreneur & Thistle Farms Graduate Advisory Council Member
• Young Leaders Council Intern: Lindsey Landrum, IMG Sports Agent
• Young Leaders Council Intern: Marley Pentecost, Dollar General CPA

Joining Thistle Farms as Vice President of Finance & Operations is Matthew Thigpen, a seasoned finance and operations leader with a strong background in fiscal management and enterprise operations development. In this role, Thigpen will oversee the Finance and Operations teams, guiding fiscal strategy and supporting the growth of Thistle Farms’ justice enterprises, finance and hospitality teams.

“We are delighted to welcome Matthew Thigpen to Thistle Farms as he steps into the role of leading our finance and operations teams,” said Kennard. “Matthew brings a deep commitment to continuous learning, team development, and mission-driven leadership. His passion for stewarding resources with integrity and scaling justice-centered enterprises aligns beautifully with our vision. With Matthew’s expertise and heart for this work, we are strengthening our ability to support the women we serve and expanding the reach of our healing community.”