Celebrating 30 Years: Our Trailblazing Leader, Karen Nash, MSOD, PCC, NLPC

Karen Nash, MSOD, PCC, NLPC

In coaching, transformation often begins with a single courageous choice — the decision to see new possibilities, challenge old narratives, and step forward with intention. As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honor the coaches who create spaces where clarity leads to action and possibility becomes reality.

This month, I interviewed Past President, Karen Nash, who leaves a trailblazing legacy.

Anna: Tell us about the highlights of being a member of ICFTN for the past 18 years.

Karen: I became a member in 2008, when we were still the Tennessee Coaches’ Alliance, before becoming an official ICF chapter. I was introduced to the group by Pat White, one of the founders and one of my earliest trainers as I began my coach training and pursued my ICF credentials. In many ways, I’ve grown up professionally as a coach alongside this chapter.

Over the years, I’ve served on committees, contributed to programs, and had the privilege of serving as President. Several moments stand out vividly.

As a new coach, I partnered with Glen Biggs, Nancy McMorrow, and Edy Nash to create a one-on-one and group coaching program for members of the Tennessee National Guard. It was one of my first opportunities to deliver pro bono coaching in service of our broader community, and it reinforced for me both the power and responsibility of this profession. Our team was honored to receive the Prism Award for this work.

Another deeply meaningful moment was seeing my mom, Edy Nash, receive the Pat White Chapter Service Award after years of dedicated service — serving on committees, facilitating programs and workshops, and leading the transition from TCA to ICFTN during her term as president. It was a beautiful full-circle moment, honoring both our chapter’s history and the spirit of service that defines it.

Serving as President during a pivotal moment in our chapter’s history was also a highlight. We shifted from in-person meetings in Nashville to conducting every aspect of our work virtually. What could have been a setback during the COVID-19 shutdown instead became an opportunity for expansion. We broadened our reach across the state, welcomed more members than ever before, and deepened our commitment to understanding and advancing diversity within our chapter.

Anna: During your presidency, your work led to the chapter receiving the prestigious ICF Global Chapter Award. What were some of the contributing factors?

Karen: In March 2020, it became clear that we could not continue operating as usual. Our in-person meeting that month had to be rescheduled just days before the COVID-19 shutdown, marking the beginning of a significant transition for the chapter. Under the leadership of 2020 President Joanna Williams, the board focused first on a simple but critical question: how do we continue providing meaningful value to our members while everything around us was changing?

By the end of 2020, we had successfully transitioned to virtual operations. In 2021, we intentionally shifted our focus toward statewide connection and membership growth. Building on the work of previous Membership Committees, we expanded outreach to coaches across all regions of Tennessee and offered virtual programming that made participation more accessible than ever before.

Accessibility and inclusion became guiding priorities. We broadened our understanding of diversity to include race, geography, age, tenure in the profession, and coaching specialization. At a time when connection mattered deeply, we strengthened communication, enhanced programming, and created more opportunities for member engagement.

We also initiated important conversations with the therapy community to clarify the role of coaching alongside therapeutic support, and began developing relationships with legislators and lobbyists to proactively address potential legislation affecting coaches in Tennessee.

Because of these collective efforts, ICFTN was selected as one of only eleven chapters worldwide to receive the 2021 ICF Global Chapter Recognition Award. That honor reflected the dedication of both the 2020 and 2021 boards, as well as the commitment of our entire membership. The recognition affirmed that even in disruption, our chapter could innovate, adapt, and serve at the highest level.

Anna: What is your message to the next generation?

Karen: Stay connected. Help shape the chapter into what you want and need it to be by volunteering and getting involved. Service can be challenging at times, but it is one of the most meaningful ways to learn, expand your network and friendships, and influence the future of our chapter and profession.

The chapter becomes meaningful not simply by joining it, but by showing up and growing alongside it.

One of the things I value most is being in community with other coaches. I love continuing to learn, refining my craft, and deepening my self-awareness. Coaching is both a profession and a practice — and we grow stronger when we learn from one another, whether in person or virtually.

This chapter has been a significant part of my professional life and growth over many years, and my hope is that it becomes part of your journey as well.

Connect with Karen: LinkedIn

#WomensHistoryMonth #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipLegacy #WomenWhoLead #Empowerment